Indonesia Cuts Visa-Free Entry by 87% to Tighten Foreign Screening

Indonesia Implements Stricter Foreign Entry Screening Through Visa Policy Overhaul

Tempatdonasi.com – Indonesia’s immigration authorities have introduced a comprehensive approach to managing international arrivals, significantly reducing visa-free access while strengthening oversight mechanisms. The Directorate General of Immigration, operating under the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, announced that the country reduced Visa-Free Entry approvals by nearly 88 percent during the opening six months of 2026.

This strategic adjustment forms part of a broader selective framework designed to evaluate incoming foreign nationals more rigorously. The initiative emphasizes both technological advancement and careful selection criteria to guarantee that international visitors contribute meaningfully to economic growth while maintaining security standards.

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.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko delivered these remarks during a press conference in Bandung on Sunday, according to reports from ANTARA news agency. The policy shift has produced measurable outcomes across multiple indicators.

Statistical Changes in Visa Processing

The reduction in visa-free approvals represents a dramatic decline in volume. During the corresponding period in 2025, authorities processed 438,423 visa-free entries. By the first half of 2026, that figure dropped to 52,999—a substantial contraction reflecting the new screening priorities.

Despite fewer approvals, financial returns from the visa sector improved. Non-tax state revenue, known as PNBP, climbed by 6.42 percent, reaching approximately Rp2.81 trillion. This increase demonstrates that quality has been prioritized over quantity in the new approach.

Overall visa issuance showed a modest decline of 6.77 percent, falling from 4,209,465 in the previous year to 3,924,500 during January through June 2026. Within this total, paid visit visas carrying the C1 classification experienced growth of 2.76 percent, totaling 3,829,902 approvals.

Breakdown by Visa Category

Visa on Arrival remained the most popular category, accounting for 3,481,490 entries. C1 index visit visas followed with 113,323 issuances, while C20 index visas designated for equipment installation numbered 83,852. The prestigious Golden Visa program contributed 143 new approvals during the first semester.

Visitor demographics reveal Australia as the leading source market with 848,802 tourists. China ranked second at 668,432 visitors, followed by India with 334,107, South Korea at 202,101, and the United States with 186,463 travelers.

Enhanced Enforcement and Administrative Actions

Beyond controlling entry, immigration officials intensified supervision of foreigners already within Indonesian territory. The first half of 2026 saw 10,911 administrative measures implemented. Among these, 3,260 actions involved either canceling residence permits or deporting individuals who breached regulations or presented security concerns.

Every administrative action, from detention to deportation, is our step to screen the quality of incoming foreigners to minimize potential risks to national security and order.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against 23 foreign nationals. Seventeen cases remain under investigation, four are currently in trial, and one individual has received a final binding judgment.

Immigration authorities also detained 2,102 individuals appearing on blacklists during the same period. An overwhelming majority—93.2 percent—were held for immigration-related violations rather than criminal offenses.

Cooperation with law enforcement agencies resulted in 1,704 at-risk travelers having their departures postponed at airports and seaports. Additionally, 401 Indonesian citizens and 36 foreign nationals were prevented from leaving the country at the request of authorities.

Domestic Services and Cross-Border Movement

Within Indonesia’s borders, immigration offices processed 1,673,816 passport applications successfully while rejecting 9,017 submissions that failed to meet requirements. Longer-term residency permits included 23,082 Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) and 3,330 Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP). Five applications for Global Citizenship of Indonesia are currently being processed.

Border crossing statistics for the opening six months of 2026 recorded 12,891,069 arrivals and 12,866,474 departures, showing relatively balanced movement patterns.

Hendarsam emphasized that these results provide a solid foundation for continued improvement in service delivery and oversight capabilities. The immigration directorate remains committed to adapting its strategies to address evolving international challenges while maintaining Indonesia’s security and economic interests.