Tuesday, July 22, 2025
The recent collaboration between Indonesia and Belgium marks a significant milestone in international travel, with the launch of a new visa cascade policy designed to simplify travel for Indonesian citizens to Europe. This innovative system allows Indonesian passport holders to enter and exit multiple Schengen countries without needing to reapply for a new visa each time, making frequent travel across Europe easier and more convenient. The initiative not only strengthens the diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Belgium but also provides greater freedom for travelers, business professionals, and researchers, enabling seamless access to the European Union for various purposes. With this move, both countries are reinforcing their commitment to enhancing mobility and fostering deeper collaboration between their regions.
Starting at the end of July, Indonesian citizens (WNI) will have more convenient access to travel within the European Union (EU) region thanks to the introduction of a new cascade visa policy. This policy makes it easier for Indonesian passport holders to apply for Schengen multiple-entry visas or double-entry visas, which allow frequent travel to EU member countries.
Under this new system, Indonesian citizens can enter and exit the EU multiple times within the visa’s validity period, without the need to reapply for a visa each time they travel. This policy is especially beneficial for travelers, business professionals, researchers, and anyone who frequently needs to travel back and forth to Europe for various reasons, such as work, study, or tourism.
The announcement of this policy was made during a meeting between Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The meeting took place at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The introduction of this visa cascade policy is seen as a step toward strengthening the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and the European Union, further cementing the ties between the two regions.
The cascade visa system is designed to simplify the Schengen visa application process for non-EU citizens who already have a solid history of travel to Europe. In particular, Indonesian citizens who have previously visited the Schengen area and complied with all visa rules now have the opportunity to obtain multiple-entry visas that come with a longer validity period. This allows them to visit several Schengen countries under one visa, offering significant flexibility for frequent travelers.
As part of the cascade system, after their first or second visit to Europe, Indonesian citizens who meet specific criteria will be eligible for a visa that allows them to travel multiple times to different Schengen countries without needing to apply for a new visa each time. This is a significant improvement over the previous system, which required travelers to reapply for a visa each time they needed to visit Europe.
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the primary goal of this new policy is to strengthen the connections between the citizens of the two regions. The European Commission president stated that Indonesians will now have greater freedom to access Europe for various purposes, including tourism, education, research, investment, and business cooperation. The policy aims to promote greater mobility, making it easier for Indonesian citizens to participate in academic exchanges, engage in cross-border business activities, and contribute to research and cultural collaborations between the EU and Indonesia.
The introduction of the cascade visa policy is also a recognition of the growing mobility of Indonesian citizens. It acknowledges their credibility as responsible travelers who adhere to visa regulations, which has made them eligible for more convenient visa options. This recognition is crucial, as it demonstrates that the European Union values Indonesian citizens as reliable visitors, encouraging further cooperation between the two regions.
To qualify for a multiple-entry Schengen visa under the cascade system, applicants must meet several important criteria. These requirements ensure that the applicant is a responsible individual with a legitimate need to travel frequently to the Schengen area. These conditions also guarantee that only individuals who truly need frequent access to Europe are granted the benefits of the cascade visa.
One of the key requirements for obtaining a multiple-entry visa is having a proven positive travel history. Applicants need to demonstrate a consistent track record of following immigration regulations and adhering to visa rules in previous travels to the Schengen region. A good history of compliance with immigration rules is critical to being considered for a longer validity visa.
In addition, applicants must prove their financial stability and ability to support themselves while traveling in the Schengen area. The cascade visa system requires applicants to show that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses during their stay in Europe, whether the trip is for tourism, professional work, or other purposes. To meet this requirement, applicants can provide various forms of financial proof, such as bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters from individuals or organizations willing to support their stay.
The new visa system will not only benefit Indonesian travelers but also strengthen the overall relationship between Indonesia and the EU. The more relaxed visa policies allow for increased exchanges in areas such as trade, culture, education, and research. With easier access to the EU, Indonesian citizens will be able to explore new opportunities and participate in international events, benefiting both the individuals involved and the countries they visit.
Indonesia and Belgium have partnered to introduce a groundbreaking visa cascade policy, allowing Indonesian citizens to travel across Europe without the need to reapply for visas. This initiative simplifies European travel, enhancing mobility and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The introduction of the cascade visa policy represents a significant change in how Indonesian citizens can access the European Union, making it easier for frequent travelers to visit Schengen countries without the hassle of applying for new visas. This policy strengthens ties between Indonesia and the EU and is a step forward in promoting mobility and fostering international cooperation. To qualify, applicants must have a proven travel history and demonstrate financial stability, ensuring that those who need frequent access to Europe can do so with ease and efficiency.
