Indonesia Expands Tourism With Visa-Free Travel For 96 Countries

With a view to enhancing tourism, Indonesia has declared that it will allow visa-free entry for tourists from 96 nations. The gorgeous archipelago boasting over 17,000 islands is a dream coastal destination for all the travellers across the world. As at October 2024, we can say that Indonesia has seen a lot of growth in terms of inbound tourism relative to other countries thanks to its ever increasing radius of visa free travel, its flourishing economy and better facilities.

Indonesia Expands Tourism With Visa-Free Travel For 96 Countries

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The new visa free regime has however extended to citizens of 96 different countries such as the USA, Japan, UK, UAE, Mexico who can enter Indonesia without a visa which greatly enhances the country’s attractiveness to foreign tourists.

Increase In Foreign Tourists Brings Positive Effects To Tourism In Indonesia, May 2024

It is reported that in May 2024, the number of international tourist arrivals in Indonesia reached its peak of 1.15 million visitors. This is a growth of 7.36% from the figure recorded in April 2024 and also a growth of 20.11% from May 2023.

The persisting pattern of growth in tourism supports that, the country is becoming famous as a travel destination in the world. Most of these tourists came from the region, especially from Malaysia (17.47%), Australia (11.98%) and Singapore (9.69%). This is indicative of the country’s historical regional integration and its role as a travel center within the region of Southeast Asia.

The surge in the number of incoming tourist can also be attributed to various factors such as, more international flights, better accommodation services, as well as popular and attractive places like Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

Visa-Free Travel For 96 Countries Catalyzes Accessibility

From October 2024, in addition to the other countries, citizens from 96 territories that include France, Germany, Australia, Japan, the USA, and Singapore, shall visit Indonesia visa free. Such an extensive visa-free regime policy has made it possible for various outbound tourist markets in Europe, Asia, America and elsewhere to find Indonesia an easier and a more appealing destination.

The policy implemented has not only encouraged increased inflow of international tourists, but also created new avenues for doing business, which has in turn been instrumental in improving Indonesia’s economy and linking it to the world. With all these advancements, Indonesia remains one of the favorite destinations for travelers yearning for fun and picturesque culture and nature.

Economic growth

Historically, tourism has been significant for the Indonesian economy, bringing in a lot of income and employing millions of people. In the year 2023, the GDP of Indonesia is estimated to be contributing about 5.58 trillion dollars which is higher than the official forecasting with 42% according to World Economics. This high performance of the economy is also partly explained by the fact that the tourism activity which had many international tourists is quite on demand. The travel and tourism sector contributes about 6% towards the national GDP in Indonesia which makes it instrumental to the economic growth.

The Government of Indonesia has also done several renovations with regard to the infrastructure and in particular the tourist destinations, which include Bali, Jakarta and Lombok, hence improving the traveling experience. These improvements made the country easier and better for the international tourists.

Furthermore, the country has also adopted green tourism in an effort to protect its diverse flora and fauna as well as the legacy of its people, in order to create a balance between economic expansion and environmental protection.