October 11th, 2024 at 07:54 am
Singapore PRs Now Enjoy Visa-Free Entry to Three Indonesian Islands
Indonesia has offered visa-free access for Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) to Bintan, Batam, and the Karimun Islands in an effort to increase tourism and draw in investment. With this new policy, short excursions are now easier and more comfortable as PR holders can remain for up to four days.
The New Rules for Visa-Free Entry
Singapore PRs are permitted to visit for up to four days without a visa. The purpose of this program is to increase investment and tourism in the regional economic zones.
Increased Possibilities for Tourism
Silmy Karim, Indonesia’s Director-General of Immigration, stressed that the Free Visit Visa is a visa-free program designed to make travel easier for Singapore Permanent Residents seeking a weekend getaway. The lenient entrance restrictions are intended to draw more tourists to these well-known Indonesian locations, whether they are for shopping, culinary tourism, or natural wonders.
According to a recent remark from Mr. Karim, “granting visa-free entry to Singapore PRs will make it easier for them to enjoy short holidays in Batam, Bintan, and Karimun.”
Easy Access Points for Travel Without a Visa
Holders of Singapore PR can reach the Riau Islands region through several ports. The following ports allow access without a visa:
- Marina Teluk Senimba
- Nongsa Terminal Bahari
- Citra Tri Tunas
- Batam Centre
- Sri Bintan Pura
- Sekupang
- Tanjung Balai Karimun
- Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi
The Nongsa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Batam and Bintan Resorts, which concentrate on digital business, the creative economy, and tourism, are among the important regions in the region covered by this strategy.
Put Travel and Investment First
It is anticipated that more Singapore PRs will investigate the tourism potential of the Riau Islands as a result of the visa-free regime. The area has a number of exclusive economic zones that provide prospects for the digital industry, the creative economy, and tourism, like the Nongsa SEZ in Batam and Bintan Resorts.
Simplified Procedure for Investment and Business
Additionally, Singapore PRs who are interested in doing business or investing in the Batam special economic zones would find a more simplified procedure under the new regulation.
Regulation and Security
Although there is no longer a need for a visa, Indonesia is nonetheless dedicated to maintaining law and order. The administration will keep screening new arrivals closely to reduce any possible disruptions.
An Uptick in Local Travel
An important step in increasing tourism and economic activity in the Riau Islands is the visa-free policy. It is consistent with Indonesia’s larger initiatives to draw in foreign investment and tourists.
Singapore’s sizable population of PRs
With about 545,000 permanent citizens, Singapore has a sizable population. This gives the Riau Islands access to a sizable pool of prospective tourists.
Effort to Draw in International Visitors
Through the implementation of several schemes, including the “second home” and golden visas for wealthy individuals and international investors, Indonesia has been actively encouraging tourism and investment. Singapore, Bintan, and Batam were included in the travel bubble zone that Indonesia introduced in 2022. Travel was made easier during the COVID-19 pandemic because of this campaign.
Increasing Access Without a Visa
Indonesia is still growing its visa-exempt program. President Joko Widodo expanded the list of nations and regions that do not require a visa to include Colombia, Hong Kong, Suriname, and other countries earlier this year. This move increased the number of foreign travel options.
Conclusion
An encouraging trend for investment and tourism in the Riau Islands is the Singapore PRs’ ability to enter the country without a visa. It is in line with Indonesia’s larger initiatives to develop the travel and tourism industry and draw in outside capital.
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