UNWTO praises Indonesia’s tourism visa policy

Friday, 12 August 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

UNWTO has praised the decision by the government of Indonesia to grant free visa to citizens from 169 countries.

The visa-free policy is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days, has no restriction on the number of visits per year, and is non-extendable nor convertible to any other stay permit. Nationals of visa-free countries can enter Indonesia in any of the 124 immigration check points that the country possesses.

“Indonesia is setting an example to the world. UNWTO welcomes the decision of the government of Indonesia which clearly reflects the commitment of the country with the development of the tourism sector as a driver of economic growth, jobs and well-being for its people,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

According to the UNWTO/WTTC Report - Impact of Visa Facilitation in ASEAN Member States - ASEAN stands to gain six to 10 million additional international tourist arrivals from improved visa facilitation. The additional receipts generated by these tourists could reach between $7 and $12 billion.

The 2015 UNWTO Visa Openness Report shows that the share of total tourists required to obtain a traditional visa prior to travelling continues to decline and is at its lowest level ever. In 2015, 39% of the world population could travel for tourism without obtaining a traditional visa prior to departure as compared to only 23% in 2008.