A Strategic Move to Strengthen Global Tourism and Bilateral Ties
Indonesia has officially expanded its visa-free entry policy to include Brazilian and Turkish passport holders, marking a key development in its ongoing strategy to enhance global connectivity and promote international tourism.
As reported by Indonesia Expat (2025), this policy shift was confirmed by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, with the updated regulation listed under Ministerial Regulation No. 22 of 2024, and came into effect starting December 21, 2024.
This move brings Brazil and Turkey into the list of countries whose citizens can enter Indonesia without a visa for specific purposes and limited durations.
What the Visa-Free Entry Covers
Under this regulation, Brazilian and Turkish citizens are allowed to enter Indonesia without a visa for the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Government duties
- Business talks or meetings
- Transit
- Short-term visits to family or friends
However, the visa-free stay is limited to 30 days and cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa (such as a work or long-stay permit). Those planning to stay longer or pursue employment or study must apply for an appropriate visa type through regular channels.
The visa-free entry is valid at 10 designated immigration checkpoints across Indonesia, including major international airports such as:
- Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta)
- Ngurah Rai (Bali)
- Juanda (Surabaya)
- Kualanamu (Medan)
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Relations
Indonesia’s decision to include Brazil and Turkey aligns with its foreign policy goals to strengthen bilateral ties with emerging global players. Both countries are members of the G20 and maintain active trade and diplomatic relations with Indonesia.
- Brazil is Indonesia’s largest trade partner in South America, especially in sectors like agriculture, livestock, and energy.
- Turkey has been expanding cooperation in infrastructure, defense, and education, while also serving as a growing tourism source.
By relaxing travel rules, Indonesia hopes to increase tourism flows, business collaboration, and cultural exchange with these nations.
Broader Visa Reforms and Tourism Strategy
This update is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to revitalize the tourism sector post-pandemic, with policies designed to:
- Attract higher-quality international visitors
- Simplify entry processes
- Position Indonesia as a competitive destination in Southeast Asia
The government has also introduced the Second Home Visa and the Golden Visa in recent years, aimed at long-term investors, remote workers, and high-net-worth individuals seeking residency.
For short-term visitors, visa-free access makes travel more spontaneous and accessible—especially for tourists exploring Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, or Lombok.
What It Means for Expats and Property Investors
For expatriates already living in Indonesia, or those involved in the hospitality and real estate sectors, the new visa-free entry rule presents several opportunities:
- Easier collaboration with business contacts from Brazil and Turkey
- Increased demand from tourists seeking short-term rentals, especially in Bali and Jakarta
- Potential leads for property sales or rentals to new international visitors
- Broader cultural and professional engagement with two increasingly influential global communities
This change also aligns with a regional trend toward greater openness, especially as ASEAN countries compete to capture a share of post-pandemic travel and investment.
Final Notes
As of now, Indonesian authorities have not indicated whether further countries will be added to the visa-free list. However, this policy signals the government’s commitment to expanding international access in a strategic and phased manner.
Visitors are still encouraged to check updated immigration policies, including health protocols or stay restrictions, before traveling.
Source:
Indonesia Expat. (2025). Indonesia Grants Visa-Free Entry for Brazilian and Turkish Passport Holders. https://indonesiaexpat.id/news/indonesia-grants-visa-free-entry-for-brazilian-and-turkish-passport-holders/
