Since the Covid pandemic began, it has changed the way we travel to Indonesia and how we do it. Over the last few years, Indonesia has closed and reopened its borders multiple times, and one of the most widely used types of visa during this period has been the Single Entry Visa.
With the reopening of the Visa on Arrival scheme at the beginning of 2022, the demand for this visa has reduced for some travellers. However, the Single Entry Visa remains one of the most commonly used options for any foreigner planning to stay in Indonesia longer or complete a visa application before arrival.
In many cases, travellers prefer to arrange their visa process in advance rather than applying at the airport or visiting an Indonesian embassy. This allows visitors to enter the country with a confirmed visa issued through the Directorate General of Immigration, making the journey smoother when they travel to Indonesia.
For travellers planning to remain in Indonesia for several months, the Single Entry Visa can be particularly useful, as it allows visitors to stay in Indonesia longer without repeatedly leaving the country. Unlike the Visa on Arrival, which is initially granted for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days, the Single Entry Visa allows for a longer stay through multiple visa extension options.
In this article, we explain how the Single Entry Visa works, how the visa application and visa extension process is handled, who this type of visa is applicable to, and how it compares with other options such as the multiple entry visa.
It is important to note that this visa is intended for tourism, social visits, or business activities and does not function as a work Visa. Foreign nationals intending to work in Indonesia must apply for the appropriate employment permit through the proper immigration channels.
What is the Single Entry Visa and how does it work?
The Single-Entry Visa is a visit visa, with a 60-day permit upon arrival, available for 2 times extensions with a 60-day stay permit for each extension.
In total, the visa allows for a maximum stay in Indonesia of 180 days.
To obtain this visa, you are required to have sponsorship from a company in Indonesia, that has a business field of travel and tourism. The visa must be processed via the online registration system by the guarantor; presently, individual sponsorship is not available.
Can all nationalities apply for this visa?
Yes, this visa is applicable to all nationalities to enter Indonesia.
What are the types of Indonesian Single Entry Visitor visas?
There are several types of Single Entry Visit Visas available under Indonesia’s updated immigration classification system, now categorized under Index C visas. These visas are designed for different travel purposes, including tourism, business activities, social visits, and investment exploration.
C1 – Single Entry Tourist Visa Indonesia
The C1 visa is the primary Single Entry Tourist Visa, a visitor visa which allows foreigners to visit Indonesia for tourism, visiting friends or family, and other leisure activities. This visa is commonly used by travellers who plan to explore Indonesia or stay for an extended holiday.
C2 – Single Entry Business Visa Indonesia
The C2 visa is the Single Entry Business Visa, intended for foreigners visiting Indonesia for professional purposes such as attending business meetings, conducting market research, participating in conferences or seminars, and exploring business opportunities. However, this visa does not permit employment in Indonesia.
C6 – Social or Cultural Visit Visa Indonesia
The C6 visa, often referred to as the Social or Cultural Visit Visa, is typically used by foreigners visiting Indonesia for social, cultural, educational, or community-related activities, including visiting family members, participating in cultural exchanges, or attending non-commercial events.
C12 – Pre-Investment Visa
The C12 visa is the Pre-Investment Visa, designed for individuals who are exploring business opportunities or planning to establish a company in Indonesia. This visa allows prospective investors to conduct feasibility studies, meet potential partners, and prepare for business establishment before formally investing.
Each of these Single Entry Visa (Index C) categories allows visitors to enter Indonesia with a stay period that can be extended through the appropriate visa extension procedures in accordance with regulations set by the Directorate General of Immigration.
What is the Visa on Arrival, and can I get that instead?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is another type of visit visa available to eligible foreign travellers entering Indonesia. Unlike visas that must be arranged prior to departure, the VOA can be issued directly upon arrival at designated Indonesian airports and seaports.
Upon entry, travellers receive a 30-day stay permit, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days, allowing a maximum stay of 60 days in Indonesia. The VOA can be obtained at immigration counters upon arrival or applied for online through Indonesia’s e-VOA system before travelling.
VoA Visa Updates (2024–2025)
In recent years, the Indonesian government has expanded the Visa on Arrival and e-visa programs to support tourism recovery and international travel. As part of these updates, several additional countries—including Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania—have been added to the list of nationalities eligible for Visa on Arrival.
This expansion reflects Indonesia’s continued efforts to facilitate easier entry for international visitors and encourage tourism and business travel. Eligible travellers can now obtain their visas either upon arrival or through the online e-visa application system, making the entry process faster and more convenient.
Why Choose a Single Entry Visa Instead of a Visa on Arrival?
Although the Visa on Arrival is convenient for short visits, there are several reasons why travellers may prefer a Single Entry Visa.
One key advantage is flexibility for longer stays. The Visa on Arrival permits a maximum stay of 60 days, after which travellers must leave Indonesia and re-enter if they wish to continue their visit.
In contrast, the Single Entry Visa allows visitors to remain in Indonesia for a longer period through multiple extensions, enabling a stay of up to 180 days.
Another important consideration is immigration flexibility. Certain visa conversions or applications for other visa categories must be initiated while holding the correct visa type. The Visa on Arrival generally does not permit the holder to apply for other visas while remaining in Indonesia, which can limit future immigration options.
For travellers planning extended visits or exploring opportunities in Indonesia, the Single Entry Visa may therefore be a more suitable option.
What are the Visa Fees involved in obtaining a Single Entry Visa?
Government fees for a Single Entry Tourist Visa are approximately IDR 3.2 million, although the total cost may vary depending on processing services and sponsorship arrangements.
How long does the visa process take?
The Single Entry Visa typically takes 7–14 working days to process once all required documentation has been submitted and approved by Indonesian immigration authorities.
Why use Lets Move Indonesia for your Single Entry Tourist Visa?
Lets Move Indonesia is one of Indonesia’s most established visa and relocation consultancies, assisting expatriates, investors, and travellers across the country.
With offices located in Jakarta and Bali, our national agency provides immigration services throughout Indonesia. We are also uniquely positioned as Jakarta’s only mall-based visa agency, allowing clients to conveniently visit our office for consultations.
Since our establishment in 2016, we have assisted tens of thousands of expatriates with visa applications, relocation services, and business setup solutions.
Lets Move Indonesia has frequently been referenced by expatriate publications as one of the country’s most trusted agencies due to our transparent pricing, ethical practices, and commitment to improving expatriate services in Indonesia.
Our dedication to the industry was recognised with the Best Visa & Business Consultancy Award from the National Award Foundation in 2021.
Related Indonesia Tourist Visas for Short-Term Visit
Indonesia Multiple Entry Visa
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