For years, international business travelers and investors operated under the assumption that entering Indonesia was as simple as showing up at the airport. However, the sweeping regulatory changes introduced by Presidential Regulation 95/2024 have completely reshaped the landscape of entry permits. The era of a blanket 169-country exemption is over, replaced by a more strategic, reciprocity-based approach that prioritizes economic benefit and security. This shift has caused significant confusion for companies planning regional meetings in Bali or site inspections in Jakarta.
The uncertainty often leads to operational friction; business travelers arrive expecting a stamp-and-go experience only to find themselves queuing for a Visa on Arrival or, worse, being denied entry by immigration for lacking the correct documentation. For businesses operating in Bali, relying on outdated information regarding the Indonesia Visa Free List is a compliance risk that can disrupt deal flows and inflate travel budgets. Understanding the nuances of the new “Bebas Visa Kunjungan” (BVK) is no longer just a travel logistics issue—it is a strategic necessity.
The good news is that the updated framework is designed to facilitate high-value interactions. By expanding the list to include key economic partners like Brazil, Peru, and Turkey alongside the ASEAN core, the government is actively encouraging trade missions and tourism. This guide breaks down exactly who is eligible under the new regulations, the strict limitations of the 30 days visa-free status, and how to leverage these changes for smoother short-term operations for business travelers in 2026.
Table of Contents
- The New Legal Framework: Perpres 95/2024
- Who is on the List in 2026?
- Core Conditions: 30 Days and No Extensions
- Strategic Benefits for Short-Term Business
- Real Story: The Coffee Exporter from Brazil
- The "Trap" of Non-Convertibility
- Special Rules for Permanent Residents and Zones
- Critical Compliance: Visit vs. Work
- FAQ's about Indonesia Visa Free List
The New Legal Framework: Perpres 95/2024
The foundation of the current entry policy lies in Presidential Regulation 95/2024. This regulation officially revoked the previous, expansive BVK framework that had been in place since 2016. The new policy is stricter and more transactional, granting visa-free access only to countries that offer reciprocal benefits to Indonesia or bring significant economic and tourism value to destinations like Bali.
Under Presidential Regulation 95/2024, the Minister of Immigration and Corrections (MOIC) has the authority to adjust the BVK-eligible nations dynamically. This means the list is no longer static; it can expand or contract based on diplomatic relations and economic goals. For business travelers in Bali, this requires a proactive approach—checking the latest immigration regulations before every trip is now standard procedure to ensure your team’s nationality is still covered under the BVK scheme.
Who is on the List in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Indonesia Visa Free List has stabilized around a core group of nations, though it remains much narrower than the pre-pandemic era. The baseline includes the 10 ASEAN member states plus Timor Leste, ensuring seamless regional mobility for Southeast Asian passport holders. This ASEAN privilege remains the bedrock of regional trade and tourism, allowing neighbors to visit Bali with ease.
Beyond ASEAN, the list has expanded to include strategic partners outside the region. Notable additions confirmed in recent MOIC regulations include Brazil, Peru, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Suriname. These additions are strategic moves to open corridors for trade and investment from Latin America and the Middle East into hubs like Bali. If your ASEAN or global business partners hold passports from these jurisdictions, they can now enter Indonesia for short visits using the BVK facility without the hassle of a Visa on Arrival payment.
Core Conditions: 30 Days and No Extensions
While the visa-exempt entry framework offers convenience, it comes with rigid handcuffs. The most critical limitation is the duration: the BVK stay permit is valid for a maximum of 30 days. Unlike the Visa on Arrival, which can be extended for an additional 30 days, the visa-free permit is strictly non-extendable.
Once your 30 days are up, you must leave the country. There is no negotiation and no grace period. This strict cap means that for any project in Bali requiring a presence of more than a month, the visa-free option is unsuitable. Immigration authorities are strict on this; businesses must carefully map out the itinerary of their visiting personnel. If there is even a slight chance the trip could run over 30 days, opting for a paid Visa on Arrival is the safer, more flexible choice.
Strategic Benefits for Short-Term Business
Despite the limitations, the expanded visa-exempt entry framework is a powerful tool for specific activities. It is perfectly tailored for “scouting” trips—initial site visits to Bali, contract signings, or attending trade exhibitions. For business travelers from newly added countries like Turkey or Brazil, this lowers the barrier to entry, making Bali a more attractive destination for an initial look compared to other ASEAN competitors.
For companies based in Indonesia, this facilitates easier scheduling of last-minute meetings with foreign stakeholders. There is no need to wait for e-Visa approvals or worry about payment gateway failures. Your ASEAN and global partners can hop on a plane and land in Bali with zero administrative friction. If you are setting up a local entity or need advice on structuring these initial investments, consulting a trusted tax management company can help you maximize these early-stage opportunities within the 30 days window.
Real Story: The Coffee Exporter from Brazil
Meet Carlos, a trade representative from São Paulo. In early 2026, his company was eyeing a major partnership with a high-end roasting facility in Kintamani. He’d heard the usual rumors: long queues at Ngurah Rai, confusing e-visas, and the risk of getting the wrong stamp. Carlos was bracing for a logistical headache before the meeting even started.
But when he landed in Bali, the game changed. Instead of fumbling with payment counters or waiting for a sticker, he bypassed the queues entirely. Thanks to Brazil’s inclusion in the Indonesia Visa Free List, he cleared immigration in record time. This speed wasn’t just about comfort; it gave him a critical head start.
An hour later, Carlos was already sitting at Mitos Kopi on Jalan Tantular, Renon. A famous strip in Denpasar packed with artisanal coffee shops where local deals are made. Over a chilled glass of local cold brew, he met the plantation owners three hours earlier than his competitors from Europe.
That extra time allowed him to build rapport and lock in a seasonal price agreement before the afternoon rush. For Carlos, the ‘Visa Free’ status wasn’t just a convenient entry stamp; it was the competitive edge that allowed him to close the deal of the year while staying perfectly within the 30 days limit.
The "Trap" of Non-Convertibility
A major pitfall for business travelers operating in Bali is the non-convertibility of the visa-free permit. Users of the reciprocal entry list cannot convert their BVK status to a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) while inside Indonesia. This is a crucial distinction from the Single Entry Visit Visa (B211), which often allows for onshore “Alih Status.”
If a foreign expert enters Bali on a BVK stamp and you decide you want to hire them full-time, they cannot simply “switch” to a Work KITAS. They must fly out of Indonesia to a nearby ASEAN country, apply for the correct visa offshore, and then re-enter. This mandatory exit can be costly and disruptive to project timelines. Therefore, if the ultimate goal is long-term residency or employment in Bali, avoid using the BVK facility for the initial entry.
Special Rules for Permanent Residents and Zones
The new regulations also introduce nuance regarding permanent residents of certain jurisdictions, particularly Singapore. The expansion of the exempted entry countries intersects with policies for Special Economic Zones like Batam and Bintan (Kepri). Implementing regulations suggest that certain permanent residents (PR holders) from Singapore may be granted BVK entry to these specific zones to boost cross-border tourism, similar to how Bali attracts regional traffic.
However, the specific execution of this policy varies by entry point and is subject to “Not confirmed” technical updates in 2026. Businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors in Batam, Bintan, and potentially Bali should monitor these developments closely, as they significantly expand the potential customer base beyond just ASEAN nationals to the large expat community residing there.
Critical Compliance: Visit vs. Work
The most severe risk associated with the BVK policy is the blurring of lines between “visit” and “work.” The BVK status allows for business discussions in Bali, attending conferences, and purchasing goods. It strictly prohibits active employment, hands-on supervision of production, or receiving compensation from Indonesian sources.
Immigration officers in Bali are vigilant. If business travelers on a BVK stamp are found sitting at a desk doing daily operational work, the company faces heavy sanctions, and the individual faces deportation. Ensure that any staff entering under this scheme have a clear return ticket ensuring departure within 30 days and can articulate that their purpose is strictly for meetings or tourism, not for “working” on a project.
FAQ's about Indonesia Visa Free List
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Can I extend my stay if I enter using the BVK facility?
No. The BVK entry permit is strictly non-extendable. You must leave Indonesia on or before the 30 days limit expires.
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Which ASEAN countries are on the list?
All 10 ASEAN countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, etc.) plus Timor Leste are eligible for BVK entry.
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Can I attend business meetings in Bali on a visa-free entry?
Yes, you can attend meetings, conventions, and trade fairs in Bali. However, you cannot be employed or perform operational work under the BVK status.
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Which new countries were added to the list in 2025/2026?
Recent additions under the MOIC regulation include Brazil, Peru, Turkey, Suriname, and Hong Kong, expanding beyond the ASEAN baseline.
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Is the Visa on Arrival better than visa-free?
If you need flexibility beyond 30 days, yes. The Visa on Arrival allows for one extension (total 60 days) and potential conversion to KITAS, whereas BVK does not.
