Are you planning a trip to Indonesia? If so, you’re in for a treat! Indonesia is a beautiful country with stunning scenery, delicious food, and friendly people. But before you book your flights and accommodation, there’s one important thing you need to know: whether or not you need a visa.
In this article, we explain what the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is, which nationalities can apply, and which nationalities can extend, as well as answer your most common questions about this visa.
What is an Indonesia Visa on Arrival?
The Indonesia Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa which allows foreigners the right to stay in Indonesia for 30 days without the need to gain a visa from an Indonesian Embassy abroad.
What is the purpose of an Indonesia Visa on Arrival?
This 30-day free visa is intended for people who are entering Indonesia with the purpose of:
- Leisure and tourism.
- Family.
- Social.
- Art and Culture.
- Government visits.
- Giving a lecture or attending a seminar.
- Attend a meeting held by the Head office or Representative office in Indonesia.
- While in transit on the way to another country.
How to apply for an Indonesia Visa on Arrival to travel to Indonesia?
Obtaining a VOA on the spot
To obtain a VOA on the spot, you will need to:
- Arrive at an Indonesian international airport that offers VOA.
- Proceed to the VOA counter and fill out a visa application form.
- Present your passport, return or onward ticket, and visa fee.
- Have your fingerprints and photo taken.
- Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa stamp in your passport.
Using the electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)
The e-VOA is a more convenient way to obtain a VOA, as it allows you to apply for and pay for your visa online before you travel to Indonesia. To apply for an e-VOA, you will need to:
- Visit the Indonesian Immigration website and create an account.
- Fill out the e-VOA application form and upload the required documents, including a copy of your passport and return or onward ticket.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Once your e-VOA is approved, you will receive a notification email.
- When you arrive at an Indonesian international airport, proceed to the e-VOA counter and present your passport and e-VOA approval notification.
- You will then be issued with a visa stamp in your passport.
Important note to get a visa on arrival
- Not all Indonesian international airports offer VOA or e-VOA. Be sure to check the requirements of the airport you are flying into before you travel.
- Visa requirements can change at any time, so it is always best to check with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
- If you are staying in Indonesia for longer than 30 days, you will need to extend your visa. You can do this at an Indonesian immigration office.
When does the 30-day calculation start?
The Visa on Arrival is counted per day, not per night, which means your first and last day are included in the 30-day calculation. Please be aware that even if you arrive just before midnight, that day will be counted as a day in Indonesia.
Please note that this is a single-entry visa. Every time you enter and exit the country, the visa will start again and you will get another 30-day visa.
What requirements do I need to enter Indonesia?
No matter which nationality you are from, you will be required to provide:
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Indonesia
- One blank page in your passport
- Proof of return or onward flights out of Indonesia
List of nationalities which can visit Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival
According to the last update in 2023, there are 97 nationalities may enter Indonesia using a non-extendable Visa on Arrival, which includes:
Which countries are granted Visa Exemption and able to enter Indonesia without a visa on arrival
There are 10 nationalities that can enter Indonesia without having to apply for a visa or visa on arrival. These countries are:
- Brunei Darussalam
- The Philippines
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Timor Leste
If your nationality is not on the above list, you need to apply for a visa, and it can be quite expensive and time-consuming – Speak to the LetsMoveIndonesia team and we can advise your options.
Can all nationalities apply for a Visa on Arrival?
Currently, there are 97 nationalities that can extend their Visa on Arrival for an additional 30 days.
If you are from a country that allows extensions or are under the impression you may want to stay longer than 30 days, then pick the paid option. This option is $37 USD but does give you flexibility if you do decide you would like to stay longer.
If my nationality does not have the ability to extend, but I would like to spend more time in Indonesia, what should I do?
There are a few options; many people will often take a cheap flight out of the country to a neighbouring one and restart their VOA when they arrive back in Indonesia. However, if you would prefer not to do this every month, you may apply for a Single Entry Visa, which gives the holder the option to hold a 6-month visa.
To find out more about the Single Entry Visa, Click Here
Are there any charges if I overstay my 30 days?
As of 2019, the overstay fee rocketed from 300,000 IDR to 1 Million IDR per day. With that in mind, it is extremely important that you keep an eye on your entry and exit dates so you do not get stung with penalties at the airport.
Please note that the maximum amount of time you can overstay is 60 days, if you stay longer than that, the maximum punishment is 5 years imprisonment or a 500,000,000 IDR penalty.
Can I process the Visa on Arrival Extension myself?
The simple answer is yes. If you have selected the paid Visa on Arrival ($35 USD) when you entered Indonesia, you can extend it one time, for an additional 30 days.
You will need to start extending your visa 7 working days prior to the expiration date, which involves going to the immigration office in person. Please note that when attending the visa office, you must dress formally as to respect the culture. It is not uncommon for the immigration office to deny entrance based on clothing (or lack thereof).
Please note that you will have to spend an additional 500,000 to extend it.
What are the benefits of using LetsMoveIndonesia for my Visa Extension?
Trips to the immigration office can be time-consuming and you may be required to do this over 3 trips. 1. To fill in forms/drop off passport (Please remember to bring a pen with black ink) 2. To pay for the visa, take photos and provide fingerprints 3. To pick up the passport.
To make your life simpler LetsMoveIndonesia can process this for you, eliminating the need to go to the Visa office 3 times. By using our service, you will only be required to go one time for photos and fingerprints (biometrics) where you will be met by one of our colleagues who will be available on hand to help speed up the process and assist with any language barriers you may have.
What requirements do you need to extend your VOA?
- Original passport
- Entry ticket of first arrival
If you would like assistance in processing your Visa on Arrival Extension then please feel free to contact LetsMoveIndonesia by T: +62 21 300 297 27 E: [email protected] Fill in the contact form below or come and visit us in our office in Bellagio Mall, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta – The only walk in Visa Agency in Jakarta!
Want to know more about Visas & Company Establishment within Indonesia? Then check out our useful guides below by clicking the links:
Bali Visa on Arrival 2023 Complete Guide
The KITAS Process – Everything you need to know before applying for yours!
How to set up a business in Indonesia
Registering a Trademark in Indonesia – How to protect your business
