Indonesia relaxes visa rules, extends multiple-entry stay to six months
In an effort to boost its tourism industry and attract foreign investment, Indonesia has changed its multiple-entry visa policies, allowing eligible foreign nationals to stay in the country for up to 180 days without having to exit and re-enter.The Directorate General of Immigration announced the new regulations, which represent a significant departure from previous rules that limited travellers to 60-day stays per visit.
The updated policy allows visitors to extend their stay twice, with each extension granting an additional 60 days for a total of six months.
The multiple-entry visa itself is valid for one year after issuance.
The policy change eliminates the need for "visa runs," a time-consuming process in which travellers must leave and re-enter Indonesia to reset their visa clock.
This is expected to appeal to long-term tourists, business professionals, retirees, and remote workers, especially in popular destinations such as Bali, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta.
"This reform aligns with Indonesia's goal of revitalising tourism and positioning itself as a hub for global professionals," according to an immigration officer.
The move comes as the country works to recover from pandemic-related disruptions and compete with other Southeast Asian countries for foreign visitors and investment.
While the policy makes it easier for leisure travellers to extend their stays by managing many of them online or through agents, business and technical visa holders may face additional requirements, such as in-person visits to immigration offices for document verification or biometric data collection.
The extended stay option is expected to boost Indonesia's appeal as a low-cost base for remote workers and entrepreneurs, with reliable infrastructure and a vibrant cultural landscape.
While extensions for short-term visits, such as holidays, are straightforward, all approvals are still subject to official discretion.
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