Indonesia announces visa-free entry for Singapore PRs to Batam, Bintan, and Karimun Islands

The policy also aims to make it easier for Singapore PR holders who are interested, to do business or invest in the Special Economic Zone in Batam.

Indonesia has announced a visa-free visit policy (BKV) that will allow foreign nationals with permanent residence (PR) in Singapore to visit Batam Island, Bintan Island, and Karimun Regency in Riau Islands. Foreign tourists under this policy will be given a maximum stay of four days.

Announced by Directorate General of Immigration Silmy Karim, the policy is intended to attract tourists from Singapore to visit tourist destinations in Batam, Bintan and Karimun.

"The provision of BVK for Singapore PR to visit Batam, Bintan and Karimun will make it easier for those who want to spend the weekend or just a short escape, such as enjoying nature, culinary tourism or shopping."

Travellers will be able to enter through crossings on Batam Island, Bintan Island and the Karimun Regency area. The ports that serve the policy include:

• Nongsa Bahari Terminal,
• Marina Teluk Senimba,
• Batam Center,
• Citra Tri Tunas,
• Sekupang,
• Sri Bintan Pura,
• Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi, and
• Tanjung Balai Karimun.

As Directorate General Karim emphasised, the Riau Islands have various potential tourism destinations.

"With its strategic position, Riau Islands can grow into a prima donna of Indonesian tourism that contributes to the welfare of its people.

Beyond that, Riau Islands also has several Exclusive Economic Zones, including the Nongsa Special Economic Zone in Batam and Bintan Resorts, which is an integrated area for digital business, creative economy and tourism. The policy also aims to make it easier for Singapore PR holders who are interested, to do business or invest in the Special Economic Zone in Batam.

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