Key Takeaways
• Starting July 3, 2025, Brazil and Turkey citizens can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days.
• Visa-free entry applies to tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, transit, medical treatment, official activities.
• Visitors cannot extend stays or work; overstay risks fines, deportation, or bans.
Indonesia Grants Visa-Free Entry to Brazil and Turkey: What Travelers Need to Know
On July 3, 2025, Indonesia 🇮🇩 made a major change to its immigration policy by granting visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil 🇧🇷 and Turkey 🇹🇷. This new rule allows people from these two countries to visit Indonesia for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa in advance. The move is part of Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to build stronger ties with countries that offer similar benefits to Indonesian travelers. Here’s a detailed look at what this policy means, who it affects, and what travelers and businesses should keep in mind.
Who Is Affected and What Has Changed?
The new policy directly affects citizens of Brazil and Turkey who want to visit Indonesia for short-term reasons. Starting July 3, 2025, these travelers can enter Indonesia without a visa for up to 30 days. This visa-free entry is only for certain types of visits, such as:
- Tourism: Visiting for vacation, sightseeing, or leisure
- Business Meetings: Attending conferences, meetings, or short-term business activities
- Family Visits: Seeing relatives or friends living in Indonesia
- Cultural Exchange: Participating in cultural events or programs
- Transit: Passing through Indonesia on the way to another country
- Medical Treatment: Receiving short-term medical care
- Official Government Activities: Attending official events or meetings
It’s important to note that this policy does not cover work-related visits or long-term stays. If someone from Brazil or Turkey wants to work in Indonesia or stay longer than 30 days, they must apply for the proper visa before arriving.
Why Did Indonesia Make This Change?
The main reason behind this new visa-free entry policy is reciprocity. Both Brazil and Turkey already allow Indonesian citizens to enter their countries without a visa for short visits. Indonesia’s government decided to return the favor, making travel easier for citizens of these countries. This principle of reciprocity is written into Indonesia’s immigration laws, specifically in Presidential Regulation Number 95 of 2024.
Besides reciprocity, Indonesia also considered other factors before making this change:
- National Security: Making sure the country stays safe while opening its doors to more visitors
- Tourism Potential: Attracting more tourists from Brazil and Turkey to boost the local economy
- Economic and Investment Impact: Encouraging business and investment between the countries
- Other Presidential Considerations: The President can consider any other factors that might affect the decision
According to Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, the government carefully studied the possible effects of this policy. They worked with different ministries and agencies to make sure the new rule would benefit Indonesia while protecting its interests.
Key Details of the Visa-Free Entry Policy
Here are the main points travelers from Brazil and Turkey need to know:
- Start Date: July 3, 2025
- Maximum Stay: 30 days
- Extension: The 30-day period cannot be extended
- Conversion: The visa-free entry cannot be changed into another type of visa or residence permit
- Eligible Purposes: Tourism, business meetings, family visits, cultural exchange, transit, medical treatment, and official government activities
- Not Allowed: Work, long-term residence, or any purpose that requires a different visa
Travelers who want to stay longer or work in Indonesia must apply for the correct visa before arriving. The visa-free entry is strictly for short-term, non-work visits.
Legal Basis for the Policy
This new rule is based on two main regulations:
- Minister of Immigration and Corrections Regulation No. 9 of 2025
- Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024 concerning Visa-Free Visits
These laws set the rules for who can enter Indonesia without a visa and under what conditions. The regulations also give the government the power to review and change the policy if needed.
How Does the Policy Work in Practice?
For travelers from Brazil and Turkey, the process is now much simpler. Here’s what they need to do:
- Arrive in Indonesia: Go to an official entry point (like an airport or seaport).
- Show Passport: Present a valid passport from Brazil or Turkey.
- State Purpose of Visit: Be ready to explain the reason for the visit (tourism, business, etc.).
- Receive Entry Stamp: If all requirements are met, the immigration officer will stamp the passport, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
There is no need to apply for a visa in advance for these short visits. However, travelers should make sure their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry, as this is a common requirement in Indonesia.
If a visitor wants to stay longer than 30 days or needs to work, they must apply for the appropriate visa before traveling. Information about different visa types and requirements can be found on the official Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration website.
Why Is the 30-Day Limit Important?
The 30-day limit is strict. Visitors cannot extend their stay beyond this period under the visa-free entry rule. They also cannot switch to another type of visa or apply for a residence permit while in Indonesia. If someone overstays, they may face fines, deportation, or even a ban from returning to Indonesia.
This rule helps Indonesia manage the number of visitors and make sure people follow the law. It also protects the country from people who might try to use the visa-free entry for purposes not allowed by the policy.
Who Benefits from the New Policy?
Several groups stand to gain from Indonesia’s decision to grant visa-free entry to Brazil and Turkey:
1. Tourists
Travelers from Brazil and Turkey can now visit Indonesia’s famous destinations, like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta, without the hassle of applying for a visa. This makes it easier and cheaper to plan a trip.
2. Business People
Business travelers can attend meetings, conferences, or explore new opportunities in Indonesia without waiting for visa approval. This can help boost trade and investment between the countries.
3. Families and Friends
People with relatives or friends in Indonesia can visit more easily, making family reunions and social visits simpler.
4. Medical Travelers
Those seeking short-term medical treatment in Indonesia can now enter the country quickly if they need care.
5. Indonesian Economy
By making it easier for people from Brazil and Turkey to visit, Indonesia hopes to attract more tourists and business visitors. This can help local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other parts of the economy.
What Are the Risks and How Is Indonesia Managing Them?
Opening borders always comes with some risks, such as people overstaying or using the visa-free entry for reasons not allowed by the policy. To manage these risks, Indonesia has put several safeguards in place:
- Selective Application: The policy is only for short-term, non-work visits. Immigration officers can refuse entry if they believe someone does not meet the requirements.
- Regular Evaluation: The government will review the policy regularly to see if it is working as planned.
- Strong Oversight: Immigration authorities will keep a close watch on visitors and enforce the rules strictly.
Yuldi Yusman, the Acting Director General of Immigration, has said that the government will continue to monitor the policy and make changes if needed to protect Indonesia’s interests.
Historical Context: How Does This Fit into Indonesia’s Immigration Policy?
Indonesia has a history of being careful about who it allows to enter the country without a visa. In the past, visa-free entry was only given to a small number of countries, often based on strong diplomatic or economic ties. The decision to include Brazil and Turkey in 2025 shows that Indonesia is willing to expand visa-free access when it benefits both sides.
This move is part of a larger trend in Indonesia’s immigration policy:
- Gradual Expansion: Indonesia has slowly added more countries to its visa-free list, but only when there is a clear benefit and when the other country offers the same to Indonesians.
- Focus on Reciprocity: The government wants to make sure that Indonesian citizens get the same treatment abroad as visitors receive in Indonesia.
- Balancing Openness and Security: While Indonesia wants to welcome more visitors, it also wants to keep the country safe and make sure people follow the rules.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The new visa-free entry policy is expected to bring several positive changes:
- More Tourists: Indonesia hopes to see more visitors from Brazil and Turkey, which could help the tourism industry recover and grow.
- Stronger Business Ties: Easier travel can lead to more business deals, investments, and partnerships between the countries.
- Closer Diplomatic Relations: By offering visa-free entry, Indonesia is showing goodwill and building stronger friendships with Brazil and Turkey.
- Possible Expansion: If the policy works well, Indonesia might consider adding more countries to the visa-free list in the future.
However, the government will keep a close eye on how the policy works. If there are problems, such as increased overstays or security concerns, the rules could be changed or tightened.
Practical Tips for Travelers from Brazil and Turkey
If you are a citizen of Brazil or Turkey planning to visit Indonesia, here are some important things to remember:
- Check Your Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- Plan Your Stay: Remember, you can only stay for up to 30 days. Plan your trip so you leave before your time is up.
- No Extensions: You cannot extend your stay or change your visa type while in Indonesia under this policy.
- Have Proof of Purpose: Be ready to explain why you are visiting (tourism, business, etc.) if asked by immigration officers.
- Follow the Rules: Do not work or engage in activities not allowed under the visa-free entry.
- Check Official Sources: For the latest rules and updates, visit the Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration.
What Should Employers and Businesses Know?
For companies in Indonesia, the new policy could make it easier to invite business partners or clients from Brazil and Turkey for short visits. However, if you want to hire someone from these countries, they still need to apply for a work visa before coming to Indonesia. The visa-free entry does not allow for employment or long-term stays.
Employers should make sure they follow all immigration laws and help their guests understand the rules. This will help avoid problems with overstays or unauthorized work.
How Are the Brazilian and Turkish Governments Involved?
While the new policy was made by Indonesia, it is based on the fact that Brazil and Turkey already offer visa-free entry to Indonesian citizens. This mutual agreement helps build trust and cooperation between the countries. The governments of Brazil and Turkey are considered indirect stakeholders, as their own policies helped make this change possible.
Ongoing Monitoring and Possible Changes
Indonesia’s government has made it clear that the visa-free entry policy will be reviewed regularly. If there are problems, such as security risks or too many people overstaying, the rules could be changed. The government wants to make sure the policy helps Indonesia while keeping the country safe.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this approach reflects Indonesia’s careful balance between welcoming visitors and protecting national interests. The government’s willingness to adjust the policy shows its commitment to both openness and security.
Where to Find More Information
For official details on visa-free entry and other immigration matters, travelers and businesses can visit the Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration. This website provides up-to-date information on visa requirements, entry rules, and contact details for further questions.
Conclusion: What This Means for Indonesia, Brazil, and Turkey
Indonesia’s decision to grant visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil and Turkey is a significant step in building stronger ties between these countries. It makes travel easier, encourages tourism and business, and shows Indonesia’s willingness to work with partners who offer the same benefits to its own citizens.
Travelers from Brazil and Turkey should take advantage of this new policy, but also make sure they follow all the rules. Businesses can look forward to easier visits from partners and clients, while the Indonesian government will keep monitoring the policy to make sure it works well for everyone.
By opening its doors to Brazil and Turkey, Indonesia is taking a step toward greater international cooperation, economic growth, and cultural exchange—while still keeping a close eye on security and compliance. This balanced approach is likely to shape Indonesia’s immigration policy for years to come.
Learn Today
Visa-Free Entry → Permission to enter a country without applying for a visa in advance for short stays.
Reciprocity → Mutual exchange of privileges between countries, such as granting visa-free access to each other’s citizens.
Presidential Regulation → Official government rule issued by the president defining immigration policies and conditions.
Immigration Officer → Authorized official who inspects travelers’ documents and controls entry at borders or airports.
Overstay → Remaining in a country beyond the authorized period allowed by a visa or entry permit.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indonesia now grants visa-free entry to Brazil and Turkey from July 2025 for 30-day visits. This policy eases travel, boosts tourism and business, while requiring compliance with strict limits against work or overstays. It marks stronger diplomatic ties and supports Indonesia’s balanced immigration approach.
— By VisaVerge.com
