Indonesia rewards travelers with extraordinary variety: temples and rice terraces in Bali, volcanic landscapes across Java, Komodo dragons in East Nusa Tenggara and some of the richest coral reefs on Earth in Raja Ampat. Before the adventure begins, however, every visitor needs to understand the country’s entry procedures.
The requirements are manageable when completed in the right order. Your nationality, passport, length of stay and arrival point determine which visa option applies. Travelers continuing to Bali must also account for the island’s separate tourism levy.
This guide explains the main steps, but immigration rules can change. Always confirm the requirements for your passport on Indonesia’s official immigration website before departure.
Check your passport first
For most tourist entries, your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Indonesia. It should be in good condition, with sufficient blank space for immigration processing. A damaged passport can cause delays or refusal of entry even when the traveler holds a valid visa.
Make sure the name on your flight reservation matches the passport exactly. Families should check every passport separately, including those belonging to children. Each traveler normally requires an individual visa or entry permission.
Keep digital and printed copies of the passport identification page, insurance details, onward ticket and accommodation confirmation. Store the copies separately from the original document.
Determine which Indonesian tourist visa you need
Indonesia offers several visitor-visa routes. Eligibility depends on nationality and purpose of travel, so there is no single answer that applies to everyone.
Many eligible tourists use a Visa on Arrival or electronic Visa on Arrival. The standard visitor option commonly permits a stay of up to 30 days and can generally be extended once for another 30 days. The official fee for the 30-day visitor visa is currently IDR 500,000.
An electronic application can save time at the airport. Indonesia’s immigration service advises eligible travelers to submit an electronic application before departure and recommends allowing at least 48 hours. The visa’s period of validity is not the same as the permitted length of stay, so read both dates carefully.
Travelers planning to stay longer, enter more than once or participate in activities beyond tourism may need a different visa. Tourism permission does not authorize employment. Never rely on an unofficial agent or social-media link for immigration documents; visa scams frequently imitate government websites.
Use only the official portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
Complete the All Indonesia arrival declaration
International arrivals are required to submit Indonesia’s digital arrival declaration. The All Indonesia system consolidates arrival information used for immigration, customs, health and quarantine processes.
The form can be completed within the three days before arrival. After submission, travelers receive a QR code to present when entering the country. Save the code to the phone and take a screenshot so it remains accessible without airport Wi-Fi. Families or groups can prepare their information together, but each passport must be entered accurately.
The official form is free. Access it through allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id or follow the link from the official immigration website. Be cautious of look-alike services charging unnecessary processing fees.
Prepare proof of onward travel and accommodation
Immigration officers may ask to see evidence that you will leave Indonesia before your permitted stay expires. Carry a confirmed onward or return ticket that falls within the visa period.
You should also have the address of your first accommodation readily available. This information is needed for arrival forms and may be requested by airline staff before boarding. If your itinerary involves multiple islands, the first hotel or yacht embarkation address is usually the relevant arrival address.
Pay the Bali Tourism Levy when visiting Bali
Bali has a tourism levy separate from Indonesia’s visa fee. International tourists visiting the province are currently charged IDR 150,000 per person. The levy supports the protection of Balinese culture and the natural environment.
Payment can be made through the provincial government’s official Love Bali website or authorized payment channels. Keep the levy voucher and QR code on your phone. Certain non-tourist visa holders and other defined categories may qualify for an exemption, but tourists should not assume an exemption applies without checking the official rules.
The Bali levy is not a substitute for an Indonesian visa, and paying for a visa does not automatically pay the levy. They are separate requirements.
Review health and travel-insurance requirements
Health rules can change in response to outbreaks. Check the latest guidance from your national travel-health authority and discuss your itinerary with a qualified clinician, particularly if you plan to visit rural, jungle or remote island areas.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. For diving or a liveaboard journey, confirm that the policy covers scuba diving at your planned depth, emergency evacuation and treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. Yacht operators may require evidence of travel or diving insurance before embarkation.
A simple pre-departure checklist
- Passport valid for the required period and in good condition
- Correct visa or confirmed visa eligibility
- All Indonesia arrival declaration and saved QR code
- Return or onward flight within the permitted stay
- First accommodation address and booking confirmation
- Bali Tourism Levy voucher, if visiting Bali
- Travel insurance covering all planned activities
- Copies of important documents stored securely
Frequently asked questions
Can I obtain a visa when I arrive?
Eligible nationalities can generally obtain a Visa on Arrival at approved entry points. Applying electronically in advance can reduce airport administration, but eligibility should be checked before flying.
Do children need their own visa and Bali levy?
Children traveling on their own passports normally require individual immigration processing. The Bali levy applies per international tourist unless an official exemption applies.
Can I extend a 30-day visitor visa?
The common 30-day tourist visitor visa is generally extendable once. Start the process well before the original permission expires and follow official immigration instructions.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying can result in daily fines and, in more serious cases, detention, deportation or restrictions on future entry. Never plan an itinerary that depends on overstaying.
Plan your arrival with confidence
Entry paperwork should be the least memorable part of an Indonesian holiday. Let’s Explore Indonesia can coordinate your itinerary, accommodations, domestic flights, airport transfers, private transportation, tours and yacht charter so that every stage after arrival connects smoothly.
Contact our local travel specialists at Let’s Explore Indonesia for a personalized travel proposal.