Indonesian nationals will soon find it much easier to visit the European Union 🇪🇺, thanks to new Schengen visa rules that take effect in July 2025. The European Commission announced these changes in Brussels, with President Ursula von der Leyen and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto both highlighting the move as a major step forward for travel, business, and cultural exchange between Indonesia and the EU.
What’s Changing for Indonesian Travelers?
The most important update is that Indonesians who have already visited the EU once and followed all visa rules can now apply for a multi-entry Schengen visa starting with their second application. This means that, instead of needing a new visa for every trip, eligible Indonesians can travel to any of the 29 Schengen countries multiple times over several years, as long as each stay is no longer than 90 days within any 180-day period.
This new “visa cascade” system rewards travelers who have a good record of following visa rules. After two short-term Schengen visas in the past three years, applicants can qualify for a two-year multiple-entry visa. If they continue to follow the rules, they may become eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa. The length of the visa depends on the traveler’s history and the decision of the embassy handling the application.
Why Is the EU Making This Change Now?
The European Union 🇪🇺 and Indonesia are working to strengthen their partnership in many areas, including trade, education, and clean energy. The new visa policy comes as both sides prepare to ratify the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will remove tariffs on most Indonesian imports to the EU. Leaders from both regions say the new visa rules are about more than just travel—they are about building trust and long-term relationships.
President Ursula von der Leyen said, “This policy isn’t just about facilitating visits; it’s also about strengthening long-term relationships between the people of both regions, including in education, investment, and social exchange.” President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the move, calling it a sign of deeper cooperation and mutual trust.
How Does the New Schengen Visa System Work?
Here’s a step-by-step look at how Indonesian nationals can benefit from the new rules:
- First Visit:
- Apply for a standard Schengen visa through the embassy or consulate of the main destination country in the EU.
- Make sure to follow all visa conditions and return to Indonesia on time.
- Second Application:
- When applying for a second Schengen visa, request a multi-entry visa.
- Provide documents showing your previous travel and proof that you followed all visa rules.
- Visa Issuance:
- If approved, you’ll receive a multi-entry visa. The length (from one to five years) depends on your travel history and the embassy’s decision.
- Upgrades:
- After holding and properly using two short-term visas within three years, you can apply for a two-year multi-entry visa.
- Responsible use of this visa can lead to a five-year multi-entry visa, as long as your passport is valid for the entire period.
- Travel:
- Use your multi-entry visa for multiple trips, staying up to 90 days in any 180-day period, across all 29 Schengen countries.
What Documents and Steps Are Required?
To apply for a Schengen visa under the new rules, Indonesian nationals must:
- Submit their application from their country of residence (usually Indonesia).
- Provide proof of previous travel to the EU and compliance with visa conditions.
- Show evidence of financial means, travel insurance, and the purpose of the visit.
- Schedule an appointment for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photos).
- Wait for the embassy to process the application and decide on the length and type of visa.
Each Schengen country’s embassy has the final say on the visa’s length and type, and past travel history is a key factor. While the process is now easier for frequent travelers, embassies still check each application carefully.
For more details on the application process and required documents, travelers can visit the European Commission’s official Schengen visa page.
What Are the Practical Benefits for Indonesians?
The new Schengen visa rules bring several advantages:
- Less Paperwork: Frequent travelers no longer need to apply for a new visa every time they want to visit the EU.
- More Flexibility: Multi-entry visas allow for spontaneous trips, whether for business, family, or tourism.
- Longer-Term Planning: With the chance to get a visa valid for up to five years, Indonesians can plan ahead for studies, business, or regular family visits.
- Boost for Tourism and Business: Tour operators in Indonesia expect more people will travel to Europe, helping both regions’ economies.
Tour operators like Avia Tours and Panorama JTB Tours Indonesia have welcomed the changes. However, they also point out that real benefits will depend on further improvements, such as longer permitted stays and faster embassy processing.
Are There Any Limitations or Challenges?
While the new rules are a big step forward, there are still some challenges:
- Not Visa-Free: Indonesians still need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. The new rules make it easier, but they do not remove the visa requirement.
- Embassy Discretion: The length and type of visa issued can vary. Some embassies may offer shorter visas based on their assessment of the applicant’s history.
- Appointment Bottlenecks: Many Indonesian applicants still face long waiting times for biometric appointments and visa processing. The EU says it is working to expand appointment slots and speed up processing, but delays remain a problem.
How Does This Fit into the Bigger Picture?
The Schengen Area now includes 29 countries, all of which are part of the new visa policy for Indonesians. The changes are part of a wider effort by the European Union 🇪🇺 to modernize its border and visa systems:
- Entry/Exit System (EES): Starting October 12, 2025, the EU will launch a digital system to record entries and exits for all non-EU travelers, including Indonesians. This will replace manual passport stamping and aims to make border crossings faster and more secure.
- Single Online Visa Platform: By January 2026, the EU plans to introduce a single online platform for all Schengen visa applications, making the process simpler and more transparent. Full adoption is expected by 2028.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System): ETIAS will become mandatory for visa-free travelers from late 2026, but it does not apply to Indonesians, who still need a visa.
What Do Stakeholders Say?
Tourism and travel industry leaders in Indonesia are optimistic about the new rules. They expect more Indonesians will visit Europe for business, education, and tourism. However, they also urge the EU to keep improving the system by offering longer visa validity for tourists and making embassy processing more efficient.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the new policy is a significant step forward but still falls short of full visa-free travel. Indonesians must still apply for a visa, and the final decision rests with each embassy. The hope is that, as the EU and Indonesia continue to build trust, even more liberalization could follow.
What Should Indonesian Travelers Do Next?
If you are an Indonesian national planning to visit the European Union 🇪🇺, here are some practical steps to take:
- Check Your Travel History: Make sure you have proof of previous travel to the EU and that you followed all visa rules.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare your passport, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and any documents showing the purpose of your visit.
- Book an Appointment Early: Due to high demand, schedule your biometric appointment as soon as possible.
- Apply from Indonesia: Submit your application through the embassy or consulate of the main Schengen country you plan to visit.
- Request a Multi-Entry Visa: If you are eligible, ask for a multi-entry visa and provide evidence of your travel history and compliance.
- Plan for Processing Time: Be aware that embassy processing can take several weeks, so apply well in advance of your planned trip.
Where Can You Get More Information?
For official information and updates, Indonesian travelers can contact:
- EU Delegation to Indonesia:
EU Delegation Jakarta
Phone: +62 21 2554 6200 - Schengen Visa Information:
European Commission Migration and Home Affairs -
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Kemlu RI
What’s Next for EU-Indonesia Mobility?
The European Union 🇪🇺 has signaled that more countries may be added to the “visa cascade” system in the future. If the new rules for Indonesia work well, further simplifications could follow, such as longer permitted stays or even visa-free travel one day. The ongoing dialogue between Indonesia and the EU, especially as the CEPA trade agreement comes into force, may lead to even more mobility options for Indonesians.
However, for now, the main focus is on making sure the new system works smoothly. The EU is working to fix appointment and processing delays, and both sides are watching closely to see how the changes affect travel, business, and cultural exchange.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Schengen Area: 29 countries as of July 2025.
- Visa Validity: Multi-entry visas can last from 1 to 5 years, depending on travel history and embassy decision.
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period per trip.
- Processing Times: Appointment slots are limited, but efforts are underway to expand capacity.
Conclusion: A New Era for Indonesian-EU Travel
The adoption of more favorable Schengen visa rules for Indonesia marks a new chapter in the relationship between the European Union 🇪🇺 and Indonesia. While not yet visa-free, the changes make it much easier for Indonesians to visit, study, and do business in Europe. The move is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, bringing the two regions closer together.
Indonesian travelers should take advantage of the new rules by preparing their documents, applying early, and making sure they follow all visa conditions. As both sides continue to build trust and cooperation, even more opportunities for travel and exchange may open up in the future.
For the latest updates and detailed guidance, visit the European Commission’s official Schengen visa page. This resource provides clear instructions, forms, and contact information for anyone planning a trip from Indonesia to the European Union 🇪🇺.
By staying informed and following the new procedures, Indonesian nationals can look forward to easier, more flexible travel to Europe—opening doors to new experiences, friendships, and opportunities across the continent.
Learn Today
Schengen visa → A visa permitting short-term travel within 29 European countries without separate national visas.
Multi-entry visa → A visa allowing multiple entries to the Schengen Area within its validity period.
Visa cascade system → A progressive visa scheme rewarding compliant travelers with longer multi-entry visa durations.
Biometric data → Personal physical data, like fingerprints and photos, collected during visa application for identity verification.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) → A trade deal reducing tariffs and promoting economic cooperation between Indonesia and the EU.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indonesians gain easier access to the EU with new Schengen visa rules effective July 2025. Multi-entry visas enable flexible travel for business, study, and tourism, enhancing bilateral exchanges and boosting economic ties under the evolving partnership between Indonesia and the European Union.
— By VisaVerge.com
