Planning a trip to Indonesia? Whether you’re heading to the sun-soaked beaches of Bali, the surf breaks of Rote Island, or the bustling streets of Jakarta, understanding Indonesia’s visa and immigration requirements is essential. With regulations that vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay, staying informed ensures a hassle-free entry into this beautiful archipelago.
In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about visas, from short-term options like Visa-Free Exemption and Visa on Arrival to longer-term permits and essential travel tips.
In most cases travelers will use the Visa on Arrival which can be obtained on arrival or before your travel in the form of an Electronic Visa on Arrival.
13 Countries currently do not need a visa and are eligible to enter visa free for up to 30 days.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick disclaimer: We are not visa agents and cannot provide legal advice. While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, visa rules and processes in Indonesia can change quickly. We strongly encourage you to double-check the details relevant to your situation with official government sources to ensure you have the most accurate and current information. If you need help, we recommend using an official visa agency that can help you with this, feel free to DM us for our contacts.
Passport Requirements
Before entering Indonesia make sure:
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
- Ensure you have at least TWO (2) blank pages for stamps or visa stickers.
- That your passport is not damaged, including tears, water damage, or missing pages. (Simple wear and tear like cover fading is ok).
Bali Tourist Tax
Starting February 14, 2024, travelers heading to Bali will need to factor in a new Bali Tourist Tax, introduced by the Bali Provincial Government. Set at 150,000 IDR (approximately $10 USD), this one-time fee applies to all foreign visitors, regardless of their mode of arrival or age, with exceptions for specific visa holders such as KITAS and diplomatic visas.
Payments can be made online or at arrival checkpoints, with funds earmarked for preserving Bali’s rich culture, arts, and environment.
Make sure you only use the official website to pay this tax and beware of scammers – https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id
You do not need to pay this tax unless you are traveling through Bali.
Types of Indonesia Visas
Before traveling to Indonesia, it’s important to understand the various visa options and their specific requirements. Here’s an overview of the most common visa types:
Visa Exemption
Nationals from 13 countries can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. This stay cannot be extended and is ideal for short visits such as tourism or family visits. You’ll need a passport with at least 6 months validity and return/through tickets.
This is following a drastic reduction in the number of countries eligible from 169 to 13! So make sure you are not using the old list of eligible countries.
Indonesia Visa Exemption: Visa Free Countries List
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Available for nationals from 68 countries, this visa grants a 30-day stay that can be extended once for another 30 days. It costs 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah, and you’ll need a passport with at least 6 months validity and return/through tickets.
For more information see: Visa On Arrival (VOA) for Indonesia
Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VoA)
The e-VoA is the same as the Visa on Arrival (VoA) but you can apply for it online before your trip. This means you can skip the long queue at Bali Immigration and use the electronic gates (Just remember you’ll also need to pay your Bali tourist tax online ahead of time).
One huge benefit of the e-VoA is that you can extend it online, meaning you do not need to go to immigration or use a visa agent to extend your 30 day visa like you do if you have a normal VoA. This is super useful when visiting places like Rote where a trip to immigration involves flights and ferries.
Make sure you only apply for the e-VoA on the official website here – https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/
For more information see: Visa On Arrival (VOA) for Indonesia
Visit Visa
For those planning longer stays, the Visit Visa can be obtained at an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. It provides a stay of up to 60 days and can be extended five times, each extension adding another 30 days. Required documents include a guarantee letter, passport, return tickets, and proof of funds.
Multiple Visit Visa
For frequent travelers, this visa allows stays of up to 60 days per visit, valid for one year. It cannot be extended. Requirements include a passport with at least 18 months of validity, return tickets, and proof of funds.
B211A Tourist Visa
This is a popular visa for tourists who wish to stay in Indonesia for longer periods than the standard 30 days granted under Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival. The B211A visa is typically issued for a 60-day stay and can be extended once for an additional 60 days. It’s ideal for tourists who want to explore Indonesia at a more relaxed pace or plan longer stays. Required documents include a valid passport, return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
Business Visa (B211B)
This visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Indonesia for business-related activities, including meetings, conferences, and contract signings. The B211B is generally issued for a stay of 60 days and can be extended up to four times (each extension providing an additional 30 days). Applicants need to provide a letter of invitation from an Indonesian company, along with the usual passport requirements.
Social Visit Visa (B211A)
Similar to the B211A tourist visa, the social visit visa is designed for those visiting family or friends in Indonesia, or for attending non-commercial events such as cultural or social activities. This visa also allows for a 60-day stay with the option to extend. As with other visa types, you will need to show proof of your reason for visiting and provide supporting documents such as return tickets.
Cultural Visa
If you’re traveling to Indonesia to participate in cultural activities, such as art exhibitions, performances, or workshops, you can apply for a cultural visa. This visa typically allows for stays of up to 60 days and can be extended. A letter of invitation from the organizing body in Indonesia is required, along with a valid passport and other usual travel documentation.
Employment Visa
For foreigners who have secured employment in Indonesia, an employment visa is required. The type of employment visa needed will depend on the job and the employer. This visa is usually issued for longer periods, and the employer often needs to provide the necessary paperwork, including a work contract and a recommendation letter from Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower.
Student Visa (KITAS)
This visa is for foreigners wishing to study in Indonesia. It is issued to international students accepted into recognized educational institutions in Indonesia. The student visa is valid for up to one year and can be extended. In addition to the student visa, you may need to apply for a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS), which grants you the legal right to stay and study in the country.
Retirement Visa
For foreigners aged 55 or older who wish to retire in Indonesia, a retirement visa is available. This visa allows retirees to live in Indonesia for an extended period, typically up to one year, with options to renew annually. Applicants must meet certain financial requirements, such as a minimum monthly income or a certain amount of savings, and must not engage in paid work while in Indonesia.
Investor Visa (Investor KITAS)
This visa is for foreigners who are investing in Indonesia by establishing a business or making significant investments in local companies. The Investor Visa is linked to a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS), which allows the holder to live and work in Indonesia. Investors must meet specific investment requirements and submit the necessary documentation, including proof of their investment.
Temporary Stay Visa (KITAS)
For foreigners who are in Indonesia for specific long-term purposes (e.g., employment, study, or retirement), the KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) allows for temporary stays. The KITAS is a flexible visa that can be issued for work, business, family, or educational purposes and is renewable based on the purpose of stay.
Spouse Visa
If you are married to an Indonesian citizen, you may be eligible for a spouse visa, which allows you to live in Indonesia for an extended period. The spouse visa is typically issued for 1 year and can be extended. It also provides the option to apply for a KITAS (temporary stay permit) once married to an Indonesian citizen.
Each visa type has specific application procedures, required documents, and duration of stay. It’s essential to carefully review the requirements for each visa to ensure you apply for the correct one based on your travel or stay purpose.
For more details and updates, always check the official Indonesian immigration website: www.imigrasi.go.id.
What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa In Indonesia?
Overstaying your visa in Indonesia can lead to significant consequences, ranging from fines to legal issues. As of 2024, the penalty for overstaying is 1,000,000 IDR per day (approximately $65 USD), up to a maximum of 60 days. If you overstay beyond 60 days, the situation becomes much more serious, potentially involving deportation, blacklisting (which may prevent future entry to Indonesia), and even legal prosecution under immigration laws.
For short overstays, paying the fine at the airport or local immigration office is usually sufficient to resolve the issue. However, for longer overstays, it is essential to address the situation promptly with immigration authorities to avoid complications. To prevent overstaying, always double-check your visa validity, renewal deadlines, and the specific terms of your visa type.
Sources:
- Indonesia Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, Directorate General of Immigration – https://www.imigrasi.go.id/
- Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Directorate General of Immigration – The Official e-Visa Website for Indonesia – https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/
- Wonderful Indonesia – https://www.indonesia.travel/in/en/general-information/visa-immigration.html
- Love Bali – https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/
