Indonesia’s tourism sector has surged dramatically in recent years, reshaping the country’s immigration landscape and intensifying the spotlight on lawful stay and compliance. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the country recorded approximately 13.9 million international visitor arrivals in 2024, up roughly 19% year-on-year and the highest total since the pre-pandemic era.
For Australians in particular, Indonesia remains a top travel destination. Bali, for example, recorded over 600,000 international arrivals in May 2025, with Australian visitors accounting for a significant share of that activity.
Staying in Indonesia without the correct visa, overstaying a permitted stay, or failing to comply with immigration protocols carries real consequences, including fines, deportation, or future entry restrictions.
Do Australians need a visa to enter Indonesia?
Indonesia applies differentiated entry requirements based on nationality, with specific exemptions granted primarily to selected countries within Southeast Asia. As of 2024–2025, Australia is not subject to any special or restrictive entry regulations, but Australian nationals are no longer eligible for visa-free entry and must obtain an appropriate Indonesian visa prior to or upon arrival.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia permitted visa-free entry for up to 169 nationalities, including Australia, allowing a non-extendable 30-day stay. This policy has since been permanently revised. Visa exemption is now limited to a small group of ASEAN and neighbouring countries, namely:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Timor-Leste
Nationals of these countries may enter Indonesia visa-free for short stays, subject to prevailing conditions.
All other foreign nationals are required to obtain an Indonesian visa, most commonly through the Visa on Arrival (VoA) or electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) scheme, before or at the time of entry.
What is an Indonesia Visa on Arrival?
An Indonesia Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a short-term entry permit that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Indonesia for tourism, family visits, government-related visits, or limited business activities without applying for a visa well in advance. It is designed to facilitate mobility while maintaining regulatory oversight, particularly for travellers entering Indonesia for non-work purposes.
The VoA is issued upon arrival at designated airports and seaports, or in advance through Indonesia’s electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) system. Once granted, it allows an initial stay of up to 30 days, with the option to extend once for an additional 30 days, subject to immigration approval.
Indonesia Visa on Arrival as the best substitute Visa Exemption
There’s no doubt that applying for an Indonesian visa can be a hassle, especially with the amount of paperwork and steps involved. So for Australians who want to visit Indonesia for less than 30 days without any hassle, a Visa on Arrival is the right choice.
How much is an Indonesia Visa on Arrival?
Unlike a Visa exemption, applying for a visa on arrival requires you to pay USD $35 or IDR 500,000 for the visa. The registration payment can be done manually upon arrival, or online if your country is e-visa compliant.
When do Australians need a Visa on Arrival?
Australian passport holders must apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) when they travel to Indonesia for short-term visits. Under Indonesia’s current immigration framework, Australians are no longer eligible for visa-free entry and are therefore required to obtain either a Visa on Arrival or an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) before or at the time of arrival in Indonesia.
Australians are required to obtain a VoA if they:
- Travel to Indonesia for tourism, family visits, or limited business activities
- Plan to leave Indonesia within a short duration and do not intend to work or reside long term
The VoA may be obtained:
- At designated airports and seaports upon arrival, or
- In advance through the official e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) system
Once issued, the Visa on Arrival allows Australians to be legally allowed to enter Indonesia for up to 30 days, with the option to apply for a one-time extension of an additional 30 days, subject to immigration approval.
Australians must apply for the correct visa before travelling, as entering Indonesia without an appropriate visa may result in denial of entry or immigration penalties. Travellers are advised to confirm their eligibility and documentation requirements prior to departure to ensure a smooth entry process.
What is the Fee for VoA or e-VoA?
The fee for an Indonesia Visa on Arrival (VoA) or electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) is IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 35) per person. This government-regulated fee applies equally whether the visa is obtained upon arrival at a designated airport or seaport or in advance through the official e-VoA system.
Payment of the VoA or e-VoA grants an initial stay of up to 30 days in Indonesia, with the option to apply for a one-time extension for an additional 30 days, subject to immigration approval.
Travellers are advised to ensure the fee is paid through official channels or the official evisa website for indonesia Visa Application to avoid delays or complications during immigration clearance.
Extending an Indonesian VoA for Australian citizens
Extending a VoA can get you extra time involving 3 trips to Immigration offices. There is also another option you can go through to save a vast amount of time and effort in extending your VoA: Get your visa done smoothly through Lets Move Indonesia.
With Lets Move Indonesia, save your time and confusion with only IDR 1,000,000 for the best assistance from our trusted and experienced visa consultants. You can either drop your passport in any of our offices in Jakarta, Seminyak, Canggu, or Sanur, or you can contact our team to schedule a pickup. Later, you will still have to go to the Immigration office for a biometric season. But essentially, you have cut 2 trips and loads of hassle.
General Requirements to Apply for a VoA
To be eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) upon entry to Indonesia, foreign nationals must comply with the requirements set by the Directorate General of Immigration. Applicants are required to prepare the following:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of arrival
- Eligibility based on nationality under Indonesia’s VoA policy
- Completion of the Indonesia Arrival Card, either digitally or upon arrival
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Payment of the applicable VoA fee
All documentation must be presented to immigration officers at the port of entry.
Stay Longer in Indonesia with Single Entry Visa
Travellers who intend to remain in Indonesia beyond the VoA period may consider applying for a single-entry visa prior to travel. This visa must be obtained through Indonesia’s official e-visa website before entry to Indonesia.
The single-entry visa is designed for Indonesia travel that requires a longer stay and typically allows a 60-day initial stay. The visa is valid for a specified period, with its validity from the date of issuance determining the timeframe in which the holder may enter Indonesia.
Single-entry visas provide greater flexibility for travellers who do not qualify for extensions under a VoA or who require a longer lawful stay for tourism, family visits, or other permitted purposes.
Read more about Single Entry Visa in Indonesia…
Why get your Indonesia Visa on Arrival extension from Lets Move Indonesia?
As a subsidiary of LMI Consultancy, Lets Move Indonesia is one of the most established visa agencies operating in Indonesia, handling a high volume of Visa on Arrival (VoA) extensions each year for visitors across Bali, Jakarta, and other key entry points. Our approach is built on ethical standards, transparent pricing, and regulatory accuracy, setting us apart in an industry that has historically lacked consistency.
By standardising processes and pricing, Lets Move Indonesia has contributed to raising service standards across the visa services sector. Clients benefit from clear costs, predictable timelines, and reduced administrative burden, with each application managed in line with the latest immigration regulations.
Our commitment to compliance and continuous regulatory monitoring ensures that clients receive a smooth and optimised visa extension experience, minimising the risk of delays, errors, or non-compliance. This focus has earned Lets Move Indonesia recognition as “Best Visa & Business Consultancy in Indonesia” by the National Awards Foundation.
