Indonesian Travel Requirements: Unlocking The Archipelago's Secrets

To enter Indonesia, you must have a valid passport, proof of funds, a return ticket, and a letter confirming you will comply with the country's health protocols. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival and have at least two blank pages. You will also need to fill out an online customs declaration form and pay a tourist tax for international travellers.

Visa requirements

As of June 2023, Indonesia has dropped all COVID-19 vaccination requirements for tourists. However, there are still several visa requirements that must be met before travelling to the country.

Passport Requirements:

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in Indonesia and have at least two blank pages. Some sources advise that the passport must be in good condition, with no rips, as there have been instances of travellers being denied entry due to their passport being in poor condition.

Visa Options:

There are several visa options available, depending on the purpose and length of your stay.

B1 Tourist Visa (VOA):

This visa is available to citizens of specific countries and can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or online. It is valid for 30 days, with the possibility of extending for an additional 30 days. The cost is 500,000 Indonesian rupiah, payable in cash or by card.

Tourist Visa: Tourism Single Entry Visitor Visa – 60 Days:

This visa is for those whose country is not included in the list of nations eligible for the B1-VOA visa, or who plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days. It is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended. The price is 1,500,000 IDR.

B211a Visa:

This visa is for digital nomads who wish to work remotely in Indonesia. It is valid for 60 days and can be extended twice, each time for 60 days. To apply, you must have a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of funds ($2,000 minimum bank balance), a return ticket, a letter confirming compliance with Indonesia's health protocols, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The application fee is 2,000,000 Rp per person ($131.23) for a single-entry visa (valid for 60 days) and 6,000,000 Rp per person ($393.70) for a single-entry visa (valid for 180 days).

Other Visa Options:

Indonesia also offers a business visa, a work visa (requires a sponsor), a student visa, and a retirement visa.

Additional Requirements:

• All travellers must have a plane ticket departing from Indonesia within the validity dates of their visa.
• It is recommended that you consult your doctor or a vaccination centre for advice on recommended vaccinations, especially if you plan to visit more isolated and rural regions of the country.
• Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other eventualities.
• You must register your presence with the local police at the nearest police station if you stay in private accommodation. This does not apply if you are staying in a hotel, as you will be registered automatically.

Visa Scams:

Be aware of visa scams by fake visa agents. Some travellers have lost significant amounts of money, while others have been deported despite paying large fees to agents for the correct visa or extension. It is recommended that you use the official Indonesian immigration website to get or extend your visa.

Passport validity

To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. This is a standard requirement for most countries. If you are a dual national with Australian citizenship, you will need a valid Australian travel document to enter or leave Australia.

Citizens intending to renew their Indonesian work permits will usually require a passport with more than 12 months' validity.

If your passport does not meet the six-month validity requirement, the airline is likely to refuse to carry you at check-in, or you will be denied entry upon arrival in Indonesia.

Health protocols

To enter Indonesia, you must adhere to the following health protocols:

• Proof of a negative PCR test result, valid for 48 hours from the time the sample was taken to the time of your departure to Indonesia. If you had COVID-19 in the last 30 days, you are exempt from this requirement if you provide an attestation or recovery certificate from a doctor, hospital, or ministry confirming that you are no longer transmitting the virus.
• Download the PeduliLindungi app, available on the Play Store and App Store.
• Sign up for your certificate of COVID-19 vaccines via https://vaksinln.dto.kemkes.go.id/sign/in.
• Provide a digital or hard copy of your COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
• Show proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment.

Additionally, the Indonesian government "suggests" that travellers are fully vaccinated.

Other Entry Requirements

• A valid passport with an 'expiry date' of at least 6 months after the date you arrive, and with at least 2 blank pages.
• A visa. You can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) for business, official meetings, procurement of goods, or official visits/government duties. The VOA costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah, payable in cash or by card. It is valid for single entry only. You must meet passport validity requirements and have a return or onward ticket. Most of the main airports and ports issue VOAs. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at least a week before you leave on the Indonesian immigration website, where you will find options to apply for a multiple-entry visa or a 60-day visa.
• A customs declaration form.
• The new tourist tax, which is IDR 150,000 per person (approximately USD 10 and AUD 15).
• A certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Travel insurance

If you are entering Indonesia as a tourist, you will need to purchase COVID-19 medical insurance with a minimum value of $25,000. This insurance package must cover the full stay of the visa you will be entering on.

If you are entering Indonesia as a digital nomad, you will need to apply for a B211a visa. This visa requires proof of health insurance or travel insurance that includes a statement of willingness to pay if you are affected by COVID-19 in Indonesia.

The cost of travel insurance varies depending on the details of your trip, such as the number of people in your travelling party, the length of your trip, and the coverages included in the plan. A higher price for travel insurance is usually due to a higher level of risk for the trip.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is recommended to consider emergency medical evacuation, disruptions due to inclement weather, and lost or damaged baggage. If you plan to engage in specific activities, such as surfing or visiting a volcano, you may also want to look for a plan that covers these activities.

Experienced travellers tend to prefer comprehensive travel insurance plans that include travel medical insurance as well as coverage for expenses related to delays in transportation and baggage issues. Ultimately, the best travel insurance option is one that suits your specific trip details and personal needs.

Local laws

Indonesia has a diverse range of cultures, laws, and customs that travellers must respect and comply with to avoid any trouble. Here are some key points regarding local laws when travelling to Indonesia:

Drug Laws

Indonesia has strict laws regarding drug possession and trafficking, with capital punishments in place. Possession can result in 4 to 12 years of imprisonment and fines ranging from IDR 800 million to 8 billion (US$89,600 to US$896,000). Trafficking is punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison and fines of IDR one billion to ten billion (US$112,000 to US$1.2 million). If the volume of drugs exceeds specific thresholds, a maximum punishment of life imprisonment or even the death penalty may be imposed.

Smoking Laws

Smoking is prohibited in public places such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, places of worship, and public transportation. Children's facilities, both outdoor and indoor, are also designated as smoke-free zones. In other public places and office buildings, designated smoking areas are mandatory.

Alcohol Laws

Although drinking alcohol is prohibited by Islamic law, which is the majority religion in Indonesia, there are currently no alcohol bans enforced in the country, except in the province of Aceh. Drinking is prohibited in most public places, including worship places, workplaces, schools, malls, supermarkets, outdoor and indoor public spaces. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also illegal. The legal drinking age in Indonesia is 21 years old, and authorities will impose serious punishments on those caught drinking below this age.

Overstaying Your Visa

Indonesia's law states that travellers can overstay their visa by no more than 60 days. Overstaying within this period will result in a daily fine of up to IDR 1 million per day. Overstaying for more than 60 days will lead to deportation and possible blacklisting, preventing future entry into the country.

Driving Laws

Foreigners can drive in Indonesia with an international driving permit issued in the country or their home country. However, the permit issued from their home country may need to be endorsed by the Indonesian licensing office in Jakarta upon arrival. The minimum age to drive in Indonesia is 17 years old, and they follow standard international driving laws with a speed limit of 50 kph in urban areas and 100 kph on motorways. Driving is on the left side of the road, and it is recommended to hire a driver due to hazardous road conditions and high traffic congestion.

Gambling Laws

Gambling is strictly prohibited in Indonesia for both locals and foreigners. There are no proper casinos in the country, and those found gambling face severe punishments, including jail time.

Frequently asked questions