Indonesia Suspends Visa-Free Travel for 159 Countries; Ghanaians Now Require Visa to Visit

In a significant policy shift, the Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, Yasonna Laoly, has announced the temporary suspension of the visa-free visits policy (BVK) for 159 countries, including Ghana. Previously, these countries enjoyed the privilege of visa-free travel to Indonesia, but the new decision requires visitors from these nations to obtain a visa before entering the country.

This change comes as a result of concerns raised regarding public order disruptions and the potential transmission of diseases from countries that have not been certified as disease-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). To address these concerns, the Decree of the Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia Number M.HH-GR.01.07 of 2023 was issued, effectively halting the visa-free visits policy.

The initial visa-free visits policy, established by Presidential Regulation Number 21 of 2016, allowed citizens from 169 countries, including Ghana, to travel to Indonesia without the need for a visa. However, with the new decree in effect, only 10 countries are currently exempted from the visa requirement. These countries are Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. Citizens from these nations can still enjoy visa-free travel for up to 30 days, provided they possess a valid passport and a confirmed departure ticket.

For those visitors who wish to extend their stay in Indonesia beyond the initial 30-day period, alternative immigration permits such as the e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival), Visit Visa, or Limited Stay Visa can be obtained.

The temporary suspension of visa-free travel for Ghana and the other affected countries represents a measure taken by the Indonesian government to ensure public safety and mitigate potential health risks. It is crucial for travelers from these countries to be aware of this policy change and make the necessary preparations by obtaining the appropriate visa before planning their visit to Indonesia.

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, along with the Directorate General of Immigration, will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates regarding any changes or adjustments to the visa policy.

As the tourism landscape evolves amid global circumstances, it is essential for travelers to stay informed about visa requirements and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.