Indonesia Visa & Policy Updates
Indonesia has shifted to a selective immigration policy, reducing visa-free entry eligibility by nearly 88% while enforcing specific permits like the C5A Content Creator visa. Authorities are cracking down on unauthorized work by influencers and volunteers through mass deportations and the removal of expedited ITAS processing. Significant updates include the new Global Citizenship status for diaspora, the addition of six countries to the visa-free list, and emergency fee waivers for travelers stranded by volcanic activity.
Indonesia waives Rp 1,000,000 daily overstay fines for stranded travelers
Indonesia is issuing 30-day extendable Force Majeure Stay Permits (ITKT) at zero cost and waiving daily overstay fines for foreign nationals stranded by the Anak Krakatau eruption. The emergency measure protects visitors whose departures were canceled or rerouted from immigration penalties. Eligible travelers can secure the permit at local immigration offices with proof of flight disruptions.
Indonesia deports 342 foreigners as Bali enforces C5A Content Creator Visit Visa
Bali immigration has launched a dedicated task force to crack down on foreigners performing commercial work while on tourist visas. Authorities emphasized that influencers and content creators must obtain a specific C5A visa to legally film for commercial purposes.
Selective immigration policy slashes 87.91% of Indonesia visa-free arrivals
Indonesia has drastically reduced the number of countries eligible for visa-free visit permits (BVK) to focus on higher-spending travelers. Most visitors who previously entered for free must now pay for a Visa on Arrival or apply for specific visit visas before arrival.
Kazakhstan and 2 others join Indonesia Bebas Visa Kunjungan list
Effective July 9, travelers from Türkiye, Brazil, Peru, Kazakhstan, Macau, and Belarus can enter Indonesia without a visa for short-term tourism. This expansion of the Visa-Free Visit (BVK) program simplifies entry for nomads and tourists from these regions for up to 30 days.
Indonesia ends 1 to 3 day express processing for ITAS and ITAP permits
The Indonesian government has abolished all expedited processing options for Limited and Permanent Stay Permits. Expats and nomads must now follow standard processing timelines as officials move to eliminate corruption and unofficial 'fast-track' fees.
Indonesia detains Silmy Karim in KITAS extortion sting involving 17 people
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission has detained the Deputy Immigration and Corrections Minister for an alleged long-running extortion scheme. The investigation targets officials accused of demanding illegal payments for the issuance of limited stay permits (KITAS) for foreign nationals.
Indonesia reviews 30 day ASEAN visa waiver after 210 arrests in Batam
Indonesian authorities are re-evaluating visa-free entry policies following a series of arrests involving foreigners in illegal gambling and scam operations. This review could lead to stricter entry requirements or the suspension of waivers for short-stay visitors and digital nomads.
Indonesia bans unpaid influencer content on tourist and e-VOA visas
Indonesian immigration has implemented two-factor authentication for its e-visa system to combat fraud. Authorities also warned that digital nomads and influencers performing unpaid promotional work on tourist visas risk detention and deportation for illegal labor.
Cybercrime raids prompt Indonesia to tighten visa-free entry for ASEAN group
Indonesian immigration officials are tightening border controls and reviewing visa-free entry policies following the arrest of foreign nationals involved in cybercrime. Travelers and nomads should prepare for stricter screening and potential changes to the list of countries eligible for visa-free arrival.
Indonesia detains 62 foreigners as Bali enforces E33G and C5A visa rules
Bali immigration officials clarified that activities with economic value, including influencer work, volunteering, and skills exchanges like yoga teaching, are prohibited on visit visas. Travelers caught performing these tasks without a proper work or business visa face sanctions and potential deportation.
Indonesia weighs visa-free entry cuts to combat foreign national fraud
Immigration authorities are reviewing visa-free privileges for specific nationalities following a rise in permit abuse by foreign scammers. Travelers from affected countries may soon face stricter screening or be required to apply for paid visas before arrival.
Indonesia Updates Extension Rules for D12 Pre-Investment Visas
New mandatory regulations for extending the D12 Pre-Investment Visa took effect on February 2, 2026, across all Bali immigration offices. Foreigners using this visa category must now follow updated procedural requirements to maintain their legal stay while exploring investment opportunities.
Indonesia Rolls Out Global Citizenship Status for the Diaspora
The Indonesian government has introduced the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) status to provide legal certainty for the diaspora and those with dual citizenship ties. This policy aims to simplify residency and work rights for individuals with Indonesian heritage who currently hold foreign passports.