Australia, China, United States, India, South Korea and Other Leading Visitor Markets Could See New Travel Requirements as Indonesia Strengthens Immigration Controls and Reduces Visa-Free Entry Approvals

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Australia, China, the United States, India, South Korea and other leading inbound tourism markets could experience changes in travel procedures as Indonesia strengthens immigration controls and reduces visa-free entry approvals by 87.9% in 2026. The policy shift has been introduced as Indonesia moves towards a more selective immigration system focused on stronger foreign visitor screening, national security protection, and attracting travellers who provide greater economic value. While these key markets continue to drive international arrivals, Indonesia’s new approach is expected to bring tighter entry management, improved visa oversight, and a more controlled travel environment for millions of visitors entering the country.

Indonesia has introduced a stricter immigration approach in 2026, creating a major shift in how international visitors enter the country. The new policy has resulted in a sharp reduction in visa-free entry permits while placing greater emphasis on foreign visitor screening, economic contribution, and national security protection. Major inbound tourism markets including Australia, China, India, South Korea, and the United States remain among the largest sources of visitors to Indonesia, but travellers from these markets could experience a more controlled entry environment as immigration procedures become more selective.

The change reflects Indonesia’s move away from a strategy focused only on increasing visitor numbers. Instead, the country is prioritising higher-quality tourism growth, improved immigration oversight, and stronger management of international arrivals. The updated approach is designed to ensure that foreign visitors, investors, and workers entering Indonesia provide economic value while meeting national security requirements.

Indonesia Cuts Visa-Free Entry Permits by 87.9% as Visitor Screening Becomes Stronger

During the first half of 2026, Indonesia significantly reduced the number of visa-free entry permits issued to foreign nationals. The number dropped from 438,423 permits recorded during the same period in 2025 to only 52,999 permits between January and June 2026.

The reduction represents an 87.9% decline and highlights the government’s decision to apply stricter controls over visa-free access. The policy change has been introduced as part of a wider immigration reform programme aimed at improving monitoring of foreign nationals entering the country.

Although fewer visa-free permits were approved, Indonesia recorded stronger financial returns from immigration services. Revenue generated from visa-related services increased by 6.4% year-on-year, reaching approximately Rp 2.81 trillion, equivalent to around US$155.5 million.

The figures indicate that Indonesia is focusing more on controlled and economically beneficial arrivals rather than simply increasing the volume of foreign visitors.

Australia, China, India, South Korea and United States Remain Key Visitor Markets for Indonesia

Despite the stricter immigration framework, Indonesia continues to attract millions of international travellers from major global tourism markets. Australia remained the largest source of foreign visitors during the first six months of 2026, followed by China, India, South Korea, and the United States.

Australia recorded 848,802 arrivals, making it Indonesia’s leading international visitor market. China followed with 668,432 visitors, while India contributed 334,107 arrivals. South Korea recorded 202,101 visitors, and the United States accounted for 186,463 arrivals.

These markets represent important contributors to Indonesia’s tourism economy, supporting destinations such as Bali, Jakarta, and other popular cultural, nature, and coastal tourism regions.

The introduction of tighter immigration controls does not indicate a reduction in tourism promotion. Instead, it reflects a shift towards attracting visitors who contribute more significantly through tourism spending, investment, business activities, and longer stays.

Total Visa Issuance Declines as Indonesia Moves Towards Selective Immigration Management

Indonesia issued 3.9 million visas between January and June 2026, representing a decline of 6.8% compared with the 4.2 million visas issued during the same period in the previous year.

The largest share of issued visas came through the Visa on Arrival programme, with 3,481,490 approvals recorded. The single-entry visitor visa category followed with 113,323 approvals.

A significant number of visas were also issued under the C20 category, which is designed for foreign technicians involved in machinery installation, repair, and maintenance activities. A total of 83,852 C20 visas were granted during the period.

The visa data shows that Indonesia continues to welcome international tourism and business activity but is applying more structured entry procedures based on the purpose and value of each visit.

Golden Visa Programme Expands as Indonesia Targets Investment-Based Migration

Indonesia also continued developing its investment-focused immigration programmes through the Golden Visa initiative. During the first half of 2026, a total of 143 Golden Visas were issued to eligible foreign nationals.

The programme is designed to attract international investors, skilled individuals, and long-term contributors to the Indonesian economy. Through this approach, Indonesia aims to strengthen economic opportunities while maintaining greater control over foreign residency.

The expansion of investment-based immigration reflects a broader global trend where countries are increasingly prioritising high-value migration rather than unrestricted entry.

Stronger Immigration Enforcement Leads to Thousands of Actions Against Violations

Alongside stricter visa issuance, immigration authorities increased enforcement activities against foreign nationals already present in Indonesia.

During the first six months of 2026, 10,911 administrative immigration sanctions were imposed. Among these cases, 3,260 involved residence permit cancellations and deportation measures against foreign nationals who violated immigration rules or were considered security risks.

Criminal procedures were also initiated against 23 foreign nationals. Several cases remained under investigation, while others progressed through legal proceedings.

In addition, 2,102 foreign nationals were prevented from entering Indonesia after being identified on the country’s immigration blacklist. Many of these restrictions were linked to previous immigration violations.

The measures demonstrate Indonesia’s increasing focus on maintaining border security and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.

Travel Monitoring Increases at Airports and Seaports Across Indonesia

Immigration monitoring was also strengthened at international travel points, including airports and seaports.

During the first half of 2026, departures were delayed for 1,704 high-risk travellers following additional checks by immigration officers. Authorities also prevented 401 Indonesian citizens and 36 foreign nationals from leaving the country after receiving requests from law enforcement agencies.

These measures were implemented as part of broader efforts to improve travel security and prevent individuals involved in legal or immigration-related concerns from crossing borders.

Domestic Immigration Services Continue Despite Stronger Foreign Entry Controls

While international entry procedures became stricter, domestic immigration services continued to operate at a large scale.

Indonesia issued 1.67 million passports during the first half of 2026. However, 9,017 passport applications were rejected because they failed to meet administrative requirements.

The country also processed thousands of residency-related services, including 23,082 temporary residence permits and 3,330 permanent residence permits.

Additionally, 54 applications were processed under the Global Citizenship of Indonesia programme, supporting Indonesia’s efforts to create new pathways for selected foreign nationals.

Indonesia Records More Than 25 Million Border Movements in First Half of 2026

Despite tighter immigration measures, international border activity remained significant. Indonesia recorded 12.89 million arrivals and 12.87 million departures between January and June 2026.

The figures demonstrate continued strong international movement despite the introduction of stricter screening procedures.

For global tourism markets including Australia, China, India, South Korea, and the United States, Indonesia remains a major travel destination. However, future visitors are expected to experience a more regulated immigration environment focused on security, compliance, and economic contribution.

Australia, China, the United States, India, South Korea and other major visitor markets could face new travel procedures as Indonesia reduces visa-free approvals and strengthens immigration controls to improve security, visitor screening, and economic value from international arrivals.

Indonesia’s latest immigration strategy signals a transformation in the country’s tourism management approach. Rather than pursuing maximum visitor numbers, the country is moving towards a selective system designed to support sustainable tourism growth while protecting national interests.