Indonesia waives visa for 75 countries

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has signed a decree on visa exemption for citizens of 75 countries in a move to boost foreign tourist arrivals and the country’s economy, according to Antara news agency.

Before March 2015, visa-free facility was given to citizens from only 15 countries.

The policy is expected to attract 10 million visitors this year and 20 million by 2019, thereby increasing revenue to the tourism sector.

The news agency earlier reported that until October 2015, the government’s visa-free policy has significantly boosted foreign tourist arrivals, citing the Indonesian tourism ministry.

The number of tourist arrivals has increased by 16 percent since August, compared to only 2.9 percent during the January-July 2015 period.-VNA