How to Get a Visa for Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia — famous for Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and its hundreds of tropical islands. Entry requirements are fairly straightforward, but the right visa depends on how long you plan to stay and what you intend to do (tourism, business, work, study, or long-term residence).
This guide explains the main options and the step-by-step process.
1. Do You Need a Visa to Enter Indonesia?
Indonesia offers different levels of entry:
| Type of Entry | Who Qualifies | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | Citizens of about 10 ASEAN countries (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) | Up to 30 days (tourism only, not extendable) |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Citizens of ~90 countries including Australia, UK, US, most of Europe | Up to 30 days, can extend once for another 30 days |
| e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) | Available to the same nationals as VoA (apply online before travel) | Up to 30 days, can extend once |
| Visit Visa (B211A) | For tourism, business meetings, social visits, volunteering | 60 days initially, extendable up to 180 days |
| Other Long-Term Visas | Work (KITAS), retirement, family reunion, student | 6–12 months or multi-year depending on category |
✅ Australians, most Europeans, and North Americans can enter with a Visa on Arrival or apply for an e-VOA online — the easiest route for short trips.
2. Applying for a Visa on Arrival (VoA)
You can get this at major Indonesian airports and seaports, including Bali (Denpasar), Jakarta, Surabaya.
Steps:
- Arrive with a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return/onward ticket.
- Pay the VoA fee (around IDR 500,000 ≈ USD 35).
- Receive a 30-day entry permit.
- If you want to stay longer, extend once at an immigration office or via an agent for another 30 days (total max: 60 days).
💡 Tip: If you know you’ll stay more than 30 days, applying for an e-VOA before travelling saves time and lines at the airport.
3. Applying for an e-VOA Online
Indonesia’s official immigration site (molina.imigrasi.go.id) allows eligible travellers to apply before departure.
- Create an account and upload your passport, return ticket, and photo.
- Pay online (credit/debit).
- Receive your e-VOA approval by email.
- Present it at immigration on arrival.
4. Visit Visa (B211A) — For Longer Stays (60–180 Days)
If you’re planning to stay longer than 60 days or for non-tourism activities (remote work, volunteering, business meetings):
- Apply online or through an Indonesian sponsor (person or company).
- Documents usually required:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Return/onward flight ticket
- Proof of funds (bank statement)
- Sponsor letter (if required)
- Processing time: about 5–10 working days.
5. Long-Term & Special Visas
- Work Visa (KITAS): Requires a sponsoring Indonesian employer.
- Retirement Visa: For those 55+ with proof of income and accommodation.
- Family Reunion Visa: If you have an Indonesian spouse.
- Student Visa: Issued through educational institutions.
These typically involve more paperwork, sponsorship, and approval from Indonesia’s immigration department.
6. Key Travel Tips
- Passport validity: At least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Proof of onward travel: Airlines may deny boarding without it.
- Extensions: Start the extension process at least a week before your visa expires to avoid fines.
- Overstaying: Fines apply (currently IDR 1,000,000 per day) and can lead to deportation.
- Use official channels: Avoid unofficial visa agents unless recommended by a trusted source.
Quick Checklist Before Flying
Local sponsor letter (for B211A or other visas)
Passport valid 6+ months
Return or onward ticket
Sufficient funds (for longer stays)
e-VOA printout or VoA fee ready (if applicable)
Indonesia is a beautiful and exciting place to travel. There are a number of requirements for travelling to Indonesia, however.
The holders of passports of 169 Countries/Special Regions/Entities, including Australia and Vanuatu, are not required to obtain a visa to visit and stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days for certain purposes through designated immigration checkpoints.