Indonesia has initiated a significant change in its visa policy, aiming to invigorate tourism and bolster its economy.

As of December 20, the country launched a five-year visa, allowing visitors a maximum stay of 60 days per entry. This move, unveiled by immigration chief Silmy Karim in association with government initiatives to spur economic growth, offers multiple entries and introduces online application options with credit card payment facilities for foreigners.

Previously, the standard tourist visa for Indonesia granted a 30-day stay with a single entry, extendable by an additional 30 days before expiration.

While the nation surpassed its 8.5 million tourist target by December 8, welcoming nearly 10 million foreign tourists, this figure still trails behind neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which have reported higher tourist influxes – 26 million, 24 million, and 11.2 million, respectively.

Indonesia has set an ambitious goal of attracting 40 million foreign tourists by 2025 to elevate its tourism sector further.

The country’s move mirrors a trend in Southeast Asia, with nations like Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore also implementing more flexible visa policies and relaxing entry requirements.

This strategic maneuver aims to entice foreign visitors, particularly from burgeoning markets like China and India, in a race to boost their respective tourism industries.