Indonesia has become an increasingly active destination for international exhibitions, trade shows, business forums and industry events, bringing together exhibitors, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the world. For foreign nationals planning to enter Indonesia for an exhibition, choosing the correct visa is an important part of the preparation.
Indonesia’s current visa framework provides several visitor visa categories depending on the purpose of travel. For foreign nationals participating as exhibitors at international exhibitions or marketing products and services, the C11 Exhibitor Visitor Visa provides a dedicated immigration route. The Directorate General of Immigration describes C11 as a single-entry visitor visa for participating in international exhibitions and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) to market goods or services.
It is important, however, to distinguish between an exhibitor and a speaker. A foreign professional invited to give a presentation or participate as a speaker at a conference or seminar may fall under the C10 Business Events Speaker Visitor Visa, rather than C11. Indonesia’s current visa classification lists C10 and C11 as separate visitor categories.
What Is the C11 Single Entry Visa Indonesia?
The C11 Single Entry Visa Indonesia is a visitor visa intended for foreign nationals participating in international exhibitions and related MICE activities, particularly where they are attending as exhibitors to market goods or services.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, C11 permits a first stay of up to 60 days from the date of arrival. The stay permit can be extended several times, potentially up to a total stay of 180 days, subject to the applicable immigration requirements. The sponsor can submit an extension online through its registered account on the official e-Visa system.
The visa itself is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. This is different from the permitted period of stay: the 90-day period determines how long the issued visa can be used to enter Indonesia, while the stay period begins when the foreign national arrives.
This distinction is particularly important when planning an international exhibition. A visa issued well before an event should still be used within its validity period.
What Can You Do With a C11 Exhibition Visa?
The C11 is designed around exhibition and MICE-related activities. According to Indonesian Immigration, holders can participate in international exhibitions and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions to market products, goods or services.
The visa allows short-term entry permit to aid certain visitor activities, including tourism and visiting friends or family. However, the C11 is not a general work visa.
A tourist with a C11 stay permit cannot receive compensation or wages from an Indonesian individual or corporation. The holder is also not permitted to sell goods or services unless the activity is required as part of the exhibition being attended.
This is an important consideration for companies sending representatives to Indonesia. Participating in an exhibition to promote a company’s products is different from taking up employment with an Indonesian company.
Who Should Apply for the C11 Visa?
The C11 may be relevant to foreign business owners, company representatives and professionals travelling to Indonesia specifically to participate in an international exhibition or similar MICE event as exhibitors.
For example, an overseas company sending its representative to Jakarta to display products, meet prospective customers and promote its services at an international trade exhibition may need to consider the C11 category.
The correct visa, however, depends on the actual purpose and activities planned in Indonesia.
A foreign national should not select C11 simply because the event is described as an “exhibition”. The applicant’s role within the event and whether they will receive remuneration in Indonesia should also be assessed.
C11 or C10: Which Visa Is Right for an Exhibition Speaker?
The distinction between C11 and C10 is particularly relevant for international conferences.
The current immigration classification lists:
- C10 – Business Events Speaker Visitor Visa: for foreign nationals participating as speakers in business events.
- C11 – Exhibitor Visitor Visa: for participating in international exhibitions and MICE activities to market products or services.
Therefore, an international expert invited to Indonesia to deliver a keynote speech or participate as a conference speaker should consider the C10 category rather than automatically applying for C11.
The purpose of the visit should correspond with the visa category. This is one reason why reviewing the event invitation and the applicant’s role before submitting an application can be valuable.
How Long Can You Stay in Indonesia With a C11 Visa?
The C11 provides an initial stay of up to 60 days from arrival. Unlike the visa’s 90-day validity period, this stay period starts when the foreign national enters Indonesia.
The stay permit can be extended several times, with the official Immigration information stating that the total stay can reach up to maximum 180 days, subject to the applicable conditions. Extensions can be handled online by the sponsor through its registered account on the Indonesian e-Visa system.
For exhibitors attending a short event, the initial 60-day period may be sufficient. Those combining an exhibition with a longer business presence should assess their visa and stay requirements before travelling.
What Are the C11 Visa Requirements?
The C11 application requires sponsorship. The sponsor must have an account on Indonesia’s official e-Visa system before submitting the application for the foreign national.
The official requirements include:
- A valid travel document with at least six months’ remaining validity;
- An application letter and sponsor’s statement;
- Evidence of sufficient living expenses, such as a three-month bank statement in the foreigner’s or sponsor’s name showing at least USD 2,000 or equivalent;
- A recent colour photograph; and
- A reference or invitation letter from the government agency or private institution organising the event.
Applicants holding non-standard travel documents, including certain temporary or emergency passports, may have additional requirements, including a re-entry permit and onward or return ticket.
Because visa requirements can change, applicants should check the current requirements before submitting their application.
What Is the C11 Visa Fee?
The final cost of arranging an exhibition visit can also include professional assistance, document preparation and other services, depending on how the application is handled.
Applicants should distinguish between the government immigration fee and any professional service fee charged by a visa agency.
Offshore and Onshore Visa Options in Indonesia
Indonesia’s immigration system provides different pathways depending on whether the foreign national is applying before entering Indonesia or is already in the country.
Offshore Visa Application
An offshore application is made before the foreign national travels to Indonesia. For an exhibition participant, this can allow the appropriate visa to be arranged before departure.
For travellers whose actual purpose is broader than a specific exhibition, other visitor visa categories may be more appropriate. For example, the C1 Tourism Visitor Visa is a single-entry visitor visa that permits an initial stay of up to 60 days and can be extended under the applicable rules. The C1 also covers certain visits to exhibitions and similar events, although it is not designed specifically for exhibitors marketing products or services.
Onshore Immigration Options
If circumstances change after arrival in Indonesia, the available options depend on the person’s existing immigration status and intended activities.
The Indonesian Immigration framework allows certain visitor stay permits to be extended or, where the requirements are met, converted into a temporary stay permit with the same sponsor.
For someone considering a Stay Permit (KITAS), however, this should be assessed as a separate immigration pathway rather than assuming that every visitor visa can automatically be converted.
Choosing the Right Entry Visa for Your Indonesia Exhibition
Choosing a Single Entry Visit Visa to Indonesia should start with one question: what exactly will you do in Indonesia?
| Purpose of visit | Potential visa category |
| Participating in an international exhibition as an exhibitor | C11 |
| Speaking at a business conference or event | C10 |
| Tourism and certain visitor activities, including attending exhibitions | C1 |
| Multiple visits for eligible purposes | Relevant D-series Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa |
| Longer-term residence or employment | Appropriate KITAS/work-related route, subject to eligibility |
The C11 is therefore most directly relevant where the foreign national is attending an international exhibition as an exhibitor and marketing products or services.
If the individual is attending purely as a visitor, speaking at the event or undertaking employment, another visa category may be required.
More about Visit Visa Services from Lets Move Indonesia
How to Apply for a C11 Visa in Indonesia
1. Review the Applicant and Purpose
First, establish the applicant’s nationality, travel document, intended activities, event dates and role at the exhibition.
2. Prepare the Documents
Prepare the required passport, photograph, financial evidence, sponsor documentation and event invitation or reference letter.
3. Submit the Application
The sponsor submits the relevant electronic documents through the immigration system and follows the application requirements.
4. Complete Payment
Once the relevant billing information is generated, the applicable immigration fees can be paid through the designated payment channels.
5. Receive the Visa
Once approved, the foreign national can use the visa to enter Indonesia within its validity period and receive the applicable stay permit upon arrival.
Because the C11 visa is connected to a specific purpose, careful document preparation to adhere with the current regulations is particularly important where an exhibition involves multiple foreign participants.
Why Use Lets Move Indonesia Visa Services?
International exhibitions often involve tight schedules, international flights, event registration and multiple participants. Immigration documentation is one more operational requirement that organisers need to manage.
Lets Move Indonesia can assist with the administrative side of Indonesian visa applications, including document preparation, sponsor coordination and application support.
Our services can include:
- Online visa assistance for eligible applications;
- Support with required documents and sponsor letters;
- Guidance on the appropriate visitor visa category;
- Extension support where the relevant stay permit is extendable;
- Assistance for applicants already in Indonesia who need to assess their available immigration options; and
- Broader immigration support where a longer-term Stay Permit (KITAS) may be relevant.
Where automated immigration gates are available, eligible travellers may also benefit from Indonesia’s automated border-processing infrastructure. Access to automated gates depends on the traveller, airport and applicable immigration requirements and should not be treated as a universal feature of every e-Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the C11 a Single Entry Visa Indonesia?
Yes. The C11 is classified as a single-entry visitor visa. The initial stay is up to 60 days from arrival, while the visa itself is valid for 90 days from issuance.
Can I extend my C11 visa?
Yes. Current Immigration information states that the C11 stay permit can be extended twice, up to a total stay of 180 days, subject to the applicable requirements.
Can I work in Indonesia with C type of visas?
No. The C-visa is not a general employment visa. Holders cannot receive wages or compensation from Indonesian individuals or corporations.
Especially for C10 Visa, the sale of goods or services is also restricted, except where required as part of the exhibition.
Is C11 Visa allows Multiple Entry?
No. As the name implies, the C – type visas are all aiding one time entry, means you cannot leave and return to Indonesia afterwards.
How long is the C11 visa valid?
The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. This should not be confused with the 60-day initial stay, which starts from the date of arrival in Indonesia.
Plan Your Indonesia Exhibition Visit With Lets Move Indonesia
For an international exhibitor, the visa is part of a much larger event-planning process. Getting the immigration category right before departure can help avoid unnecessary complications once the exhibition schedule begins.
Lets Move Indonesia provides professional Immigration Consultation, Legal and Business Setup Consultation, and Tax Consultation in Indonesia and ASEAN, assisting foreign nationals, investors and businesses navigating Indonesia’s regulatory environment.
Whether you need a Single Entry Visit Visa to Indonesia, are preparing a C11 exhibition application, or are assessing longer-term options such as a Stay Permit (KITAS), our team can help you review the appropriate route based on your intended activities.
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Lets Move Indonesia can also assist with visa applications for travel from Indonesia to selected destinations, including the South Korea, Australia, Schengen countries, Japan and Russia, subject to the relevant destination-country requirements.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Indonesian visa categories, fees, eligibility requirements and procedures may change. Applicants should verify the latest requirements with the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration before travelling or submitting an application.
