Indonesia continues to position the Visa on Arrival (VoA) as a core entry mechanism to support tourism, short-term business mobility, and international engagement, while maintaining regulatory oversight and fiscal discipline.

Under the current framework, more than 95 nationalities are eligible to enter Indonesia using the Visa on Arrival (VoA) or electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA), subject to prevailing immigration regulations. Eligible travellers may enter through designated international airports, seaports, and cross-border posts approved by the Directorate General of Immigration.

The VoA regime represents an evolution of Indonesia’s post-pandemic immigration policy, replacing the pre-2020 visa-free entry scheme with a paid, extendable, and more controlled entry system.

Key Takeaway

As Indonesia enters 2026, the Visa on Arrival remains a stable, widely accessible, and well-regulated entry option for short-term visitors. However, its simplicity should not obscure its limitations. Proper planning, accurate documentation, and adherence to permitted activities remain essential to avoiding immigration risk.

Regulatory Basis and Policy Evolution

The Visa on Arrival framework was initially expanded under the Form Letter of the Director-General of Immigration No. IMI-0603.GR.01.01 of 2022, issued on 28 April 2022, as part of Indonesia’s strategy to restore travel while supporting sustainable tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, the list of eligible nationalities has been progressively expanded through a series of circular letters and administrative updates between 2023 and 2025, reflecting Indonesia’s broader tourism and economic recovery objectives.

As of 2026, the VoA policy has been consolidated into a stable regime, with eligibility lists and entry points subject to periodic administrative review rather than ad hoc changes.

Expansion of Eligible Nationalities (2023–2025)

Key expansions to the VoA and e-VoA programme included:

• January 2023: Kazakhstan added as an eligible nationality
• February 2023: Kenya and Rwanda included
• April 2023: Panama, Guatemala, and Macau added via Circular Letter No. IMI-0133.GR.01.01/2023
• September 2023: Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania added to both VoA and e-VoA schemes
• 2024–2025: Further administrative alignment, including Papua New Guinea and selected additional jurisdictions, bringing total eligibility to 97 countries

These expansions were aimed at facilitating entry, supporting tourism flows, and encouraging short-term business activity, while maintaining compliance with national immigration controls.

List of eligible countries to apply for a Visa on Arrival

The number of nations formerly subject to Visa on Arrival under Indonesian government regulation has risen to 97 nations. Here is a complete list of countries that can use Visa on Arrival in Indonesia:

Entry Requirements for Visa on Arrival (2026)

To obtain a Visa on Arrival or e-VoA, foreign nationals must meet the following requirements:

• A passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry
• A return or onward ticket to another country
• Payment of the VoA fee, currently set at IDR 500,000
• Completion of the Indonesian Arrival Card, now predominantly digital
• Compliance with any prevailing health, customs, or security requirements

While travel insurance is no longer universally mandatory, it remains strongly recommended, particularly for medical coverage during the stay.

Validity, Extension, and Limitations of Indonesia Visa on Arrival

The Visa on Arrival grants:

• An initial 30-day stay
• A one-time extension for an additional 30 days
• A maximum stay of 60 days

Extensions must be processed through the local Immigration Office corresponding to the visitor’s place of stay in Indonesia. The VoA cannot be converted into another visa or stay permit onshore.

Foreign nationals found to have misused their stay permit, including engaging in unauthorised work or business activities, may be subject to administrative sanctions, fines, or deportation under Indonesia’s Immigration Law.

Permitted Activities Under the Visa on Arrival

The VoA may be used for:

• Tourism and leisure travel
• Family or social visits
• Attendance at meetings, conferences, or government-related international activities

For official or government-linked activities, travellers may be required to present an invitation letter issued by a relevant Indonesian ministry, agency, or institution.

The VoA does not permit employment, income-generating activities, or long-term residence.

Strategic Considerations for Travellers and Businesses

Indonesia’s VoA policy reflects a broader regulatory approach: ease of entry paired with clear compliance boundaries. Travellers are expected to select visas aligned with their purpose and duration of stay, while businesses hosting foreign visitors must ensure activities remain within permitted scopes.

For longer stays or business activities beyond VoA limitations, alternative visas, such as Single Entry Visitor Visas (C1) or longer-term stay permits, should be considered.

Professional Assistance and Compliance Support from Lets Move Indonesia

Given the frequency of regulatory updates and local procedural requirements, many travellers and companies engage professional visa consultants to ensure accurate applications, timely extensions, and full compliance with Indonesian immigration regulations.

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