EU Eases Schengen Visa Rules for Indonesians After Trade Breakthrough
Main Takeaways
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BRUSSELS, Investortrust.id – Indonesian nationals will now find it easier to enter Europe, after the European Commission formally adopted a visa cascade policy that offers multi-entry Schengen visas for repeat travelers from Indonesia.
The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during a joint press conference with President Prabowo Subianto in Brussels, following the landmark conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the European Union and Indonesia.
“From now on, Indonesian nationals visiting the European Union for a second time will be eligible for multi-entry Schengen visas,” von der Leyen said. “This will make it easier to visit, to invest, to study, and to connect.”
Boosting Connectivity Beyond Trade
The visa cascade initiative reflects a broader ambition to deepen people-to-people ties between Indonesia and the EU, extending the impact of the newly concluded trade deal into education, tourism, culture, and business mobility.
Von der Leyen described the new policy as part of the EU’s strategy to build “a bridge between our societies,” highlighting that stronger personal and professional exchanges are essential for long-term bilateral growth.
“This is about more than business. It’s about people. Our people should be the first to benefit from our stronger ties,” she said.
The new visa pathway is expected to particularly benefit Indonesia’s growing middle class, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs who frequently travel to Europe.
A Clear Signal of Trust
President Prabowo welcomed the announcement as a sign of growing mutual confidence between Jakarta and Brussels.
“It’s a happy day for me,” he said, standing beside von der Leyen at the European Commission headquarters. “We want to see more European presence and participation in our economy—and we also want to strengthen our connection at every level, including between our peoples.”
The visa cascade system is part of the EU’s broader external relations policy, typically offered to trusted partners that demonstrate strong governance, reciprocal cooperation, and alignment on key values.
Indonesia is the only ASEAN country currently receiving this privilege outside of long-standing partners like Singapore and Malaysia—underscoring the EU’s confidence in the country’s direction under President Prabowo’s administration.
Policy Details: What Changes?
Under the new rules, Indonesian citizens who have previously obtained and complied with a Schengen visa will be eligible for a multi-entry visa valid for up to five years, depending on the frequency and purpose of travel. This replaces the current system, which often required travelers to apply anew for each visit or at most receive a one-year multi-entry visa.
Applicants will still be required to meet standard documentation and security checks, but the system is designed to reward consistent travel behavior and facilitate smoother mobility for regular visitors.
This move is expected to ease business trips, student exchanges, and personal travel across the 27 EU member states in the Schengen area, which includes France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain.
Broader Context: Diplomacy and Strategic Alignment
The visa liberalization comes as part of a wider diplomatic reset between the EU and Indonesia. In addition to CEPA, both sides are now working toward establishing a Strategic Partnership—a formal elevation of their geopolitical and economic relationship.
“In times of economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility, partners like us must come closer together,” said von der Leyen. “We are choosing a path of openness, partnership, and shared opportunities.”
For Indonesia, greater access to Europe signals both symbolic and practical progress. It marks a departure from previous tensions over trade and environmental issues and signals the EU’s intention to treat Jakarta not only as a trade partner but also as a geopolitical ally.