Visa-free island escapes for eligible Singapore Permanent Residents
Singapore Permanent Residents can now visit Indonesia’s Riau Islands more easily following a new visa-free entry policy introduced by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration. Under Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, eligible Singapore Permanent Residents may enter Indonesia through eight designated ports in the Riau Islands and stay for up to four days without obtaining a visa.
The visa-free policy is available to Singapore Permanent Residents who hold the blue Singapore National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and are not citizens of countries subject to Indonesia’s calling visa requirements. The simplified entry process makes the Riau Islands an attractive destination for weekend holidays, short business trips, and family vacations from Singapore.
Just a short ferry ride away, the Riau Islands offer a wide selection of accommodation ranging from beachfront resorts to luxury private villas. Travellers arriving at Nongsa Ferry Terminal can choose Nongsa Point Marina & Resort, known for its marina, golf course, spa, and sea views, or Montigo Resorts Nongsa, which features private pool villas, family-friendly facilities, and wellness experiences.
Source: Ascott
Source: Wyndham
Visitors entering through Batam Centre Ferry Terminal will find HARRIS Hotel Batam Center within walking distance, making it a convenient choice for business and leisure travellers. Those arriving via Citra Tri Tunas can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of
Wyndham Panbil Batam, while KTM Resort Batam, near Sekupang Ferry Terminal, offers Bali-inspired villas overlooking the Singapore skyline.
The visa-free Riau Islands experience also extends to Bintan and Karimun. Near Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal, Banyan Tree Bintan provides award-winning luxury villas surrounded by rainforest and the South China Sea. Just minutes from Bandar Bintan Telani Ferry Terminal, The Sanchaya delivers an exclusive beachfront retreat with personalised service and fine dining. Travellers arriving at Tanjung Balai Karimun Port can stay at Aston Karimun City Hotel, a modern property ideal for both leisure and business visits.
With visa-free travel to the Riau Islands, Singapore Permanent Residents can now enjoy one of Indonesia’s closest island destinations with greater convenience than ever before. From Batam’s vibrant waterfront and Bintan’s luxury resorts to Karimun’s relaxed island atmosphere, the Riau Islands offer something for every traveller. As connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia continues to grow, this new policy is expected to strengthen tourism, encourage more cross-border travel, and make the Riau Islands an increasingly popular choice for quick tropical getaways.
Source: Indonesian Ministry of Tourism
