Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has slashed Visa-Free Entry issuance by 87.91 percent during the first half of 2026, pivoting toward a “selective policy” model. According to Director General Hendarsam Marantoko, the agency has shifted focus from high-volume tourism to economic value and national security, resulting in 52,999 visa-free entries compared to 438,423 during the same period in 2025.
The Shift Toward Selective Immigration Policies
The Indonesian government is moving away from mass-entry visa programs. Data from the Directorate General of Immigration shows that while total visa issuances dropped to 3,924,500—a 6.77 percent decline year-over-year—non-tax state revenue (PNBP) grew by 6.42 percent to Rp2.81 trillion. This indicates that the government is successfully capturing more revenue from a smaller, more vetted pool of travelers.
“We are prioritizing digital transformation and selective policies to ensure that every foreigner entering Indonesia adds value to the national economy without neglecting national security,” Hendarsam Marantoko stated in Bandung. The strategy favors paid visit visas, with the C1 index category seeing a 2.76 percent increase to 3,829,902 issuances.
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While standard visa-free entry has plummeted, the “Golden Visa” program—designed for high-value investors and professionals—recorded 143 issuances in the first half of 2026, signaling a niche growth area for long-term economic contributors.
Enhanced Security and Enforcement Measures
Increased scrutiny at ports of entry is now a standard operational requirement. During the first six months of 2026, immigration authorities executed 10,911 administrative actions, which included the cancellation of residence permits and the deportation of individuals deemed a security risk.
The enforcement data reveals a proactive stance against potential threats:
- Blacklisted Individuals: 2,102 foreign nationals were detained, with 93.2 percent of cases linked to immigration violations.
- Travel Delays: Officials blocked the departure of 1,704 travelers at airports and seaports at the request of law enforcement.
- Criminal Prosecution: 23 foreign nationals are currently facing criminal charges, with 17 under investigation and four currently on trial.
Top Source Markets for Indonesia
Despite the tightened entry requirements, Indonesia remains a high-traffic destination. Australia leads the list of foreign arrivals with 848,802 visitors, followed by China with 668,432. Other significant visitor demographics include travelers from India (334,107), South Korea (202,101), and the United States (186,463).
Travelers planning to visit Indonesia should verify their visa index requirements well in advance. With the surge in Visa on Arrival (VoA) usage—totaling 3,481,490 issuances—it is critical to confirm if your nationality qualifies for entry or if a specific C1 index visit visa is required for your purpose of stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Indonesia reduce Visa-Free Entry?
- The reduction is part of a “selective policy” aimed at filtering foreign nationals to ensure they contribute to the national economy while bolstering national security, according to the Directorate General of Immigration.
- Has the reduction in visa-free entries hurt Indonesia’s revenue?
- No. Despite fewer visa-free entries, non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from the visa sector actually increased by 6.42 percent, reaching approximately Rp2.81 trillion in the first half of 2026.
- What is the most common visa type currently used?
- The Visa on Arrival (VoA) remains the most frequently issued document, with 3,481,490 issuances recorded in the first half of 2026.
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