Indonesia

Entry & Visa

Before travelling to Indonesia, check which entry arrangement applies to your passport, nationality and visit purpose. Indonesia offers visa-free short visits to certain nationalities, Visa on Arrival (VoA) to a wider group of eligible travellers, and advance visas for other circumstances.

Visitors entering for tourism should generally have a passport valid for at least six months from arrival and evidence of a return or onward journey. Entry permission and the authorised stay remain subject to immigration checks.

International arrivals must also complete the All Indonesia digital arrival declaration, which combines immigration, customs, health and quarantine information. It can be submitted during the three days before arrival.

If visiting Bali, remember that its provincial foreign-tourist levy is separate from national visa arrangements.

Rules vary by travel document and intended activity. Tourism permission should not be assumed to cover employment or other purposes. Check the Immigration Directorate's current requirements before departure, particularly if you intend to extend your stay.

Visa overview

Indonesia provides several different short-visit arrangements.

Eligible visa-exempt travellers may enter for up to 30 days without paying a visa fee. This visa-free stay is not extendable.

Travellers from designated Visa on Arrival countries may obtain a VoA at participating entry points or apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) before departure. The standard initial stay is 30 days, with one extension available under the applicable rules, allowing a total stay of up to 60 days.

As verified on 14 October 2026, the official VoA fee is Rp500,000. Additional payment-processing charges may apply to particular online transactions. Other travellers may need an appropriate visa obtained before arrival.

Eligibility lists, fees, extension procedures and permitted activities can change. Confirm the correct arrangement for your exact nationality through Indonesia's Immigration Directorate.

Passport requirements

For ordinary short tourist visits, Indonesia generally requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Have evidence of a return or onward journey available, and make sure your passport details match any electronic visa and arrival declaration.

Special travel documents, including emergency passports, can be subject to different requirements. Travellers using these documents should confirm eligibility directly with Indonesian immigration or a diplomatic mission.

Carry your original passport when needed for domestic flights, accommodation registration or identity checks, and keep a secure copy of its identification page.

eVisa / Visa on arrival

Eligible travellers can apply for Indonesia's electronic Visa on Arrival through the official government portal: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/

The e-VoA allows approved travellers to arrange their visa before departure rather than applying at the arrival payment counter.

Visa on Arrival is also available to eligible travellers at designated immigration entry points. Not every nationality qualifies, and not every visa class can be issued on arrival.

The standard B1 visitor visa grants an initial stay of up to 30 days, with one extension available under current regulations.

Travellers who need a different visa—for example, for employment, study or certain extended stays—must use the appropriate immigration category.

An approved electronic visa is not a guarantee of admission if other entry requirements are not met.

Arrival requirements

Indonesia introduced the All Indonesia digital arrival declaration for international passengers on 1 October 2025.

The system brings immigration, customs, health and quarantine declarations together. Travellers can complete the required information during the three days before arrival.

You will generally need passport details, travel information and other information requested by the declaration system. Check the completed details carefully and retain access to your submission for arrival procedures. Official portal: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/

The All Indonesia declaration is not a visa and does not replace an e-VoA or other required entry permission.

The previous standalone customs and health declaration processes have been integrated into the new system for normal international arrival reporting.

Official immigration information ↗

Money & Payments

Indonesia uses the rupiah (IDR), written as Rp. Prices can contain several zeros, so take a moment to check the amount before paying or withdrawing cash.

International cards are widely accepted at established hotels, shopping centres and many restaurants in cities and popular tourist destinations. Cash remains useful for local markets, small eateries, drivers and businesses outside major tourism areas.

QRIS digital payments are common, but international visitors cannot assume that their foreign banking apps will work with every QR payment system.

ATMs are available in larger towns, although access becomes less reliable in remote areas. Use reputable banks or authorised currency exchanges, and check fees before accepting currency conversion.

When visiting smaller islands, carry sufficient local cash for transport, meals and unexpected expenses. Don't rely on finding an ATM immediately after arriving.

Language & Communication

Indonesian, commonly called Bahasa Indonesia, is the country's national and official language. It provides a shared means of communication across an exceptionally diverse population.

Many Indonesians also speak regional languages, including Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese. You will hear different languages as you travel between islands, even when people use Indonesian for everyday communication with visitors.

English is common in some hotels, established tourism businesses and popular destinations such as Bali, but it is less consistently understood in smaller towns and rural communities.

A few Indonesian expressions are worth learning. Terima kasih means thank you, selamat pagi means good morning, and permisi is useful when politely getting someone's attention.

Keep destination names and accommodation addresses available in writing. A translation tool can help with everyday situations, especially outside the main tourism centres.

SIM, Internet & Connectivity

Mobile data is particularly useful in Indonesia for navigation, transport bookings, translation and checking ferry or flight changes.

Travellers can choose international roaming, a locally registered prepaid SIM or a travel eSIM. Local tourist SIM products may require passport and device IMEI information for registration. Confirm the rules with your chosen operator rather than assuming any purchased SIM will activate immediately.

Before choosing an eSIM, check whether your phone is unlocked, compatible and supported by the provider. Some products offer data only, without an Indonesian telephone number.

Coverage is generally better in Jakarta, Bali's developed visitor areas and major towns. Remote islands, mountain valleys, rainforest regions and offshore routes can have limited or no mobile signal.

Many hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi, but speed and reliability vary. Download offline maps, tickets and essential addresses before long journeys or excursions.

Electricity & Plugs

Getting Around

Transport planning in Indonesia begins with geography. Travelling between islands often requires a domestic flight, ferry or passenger ship, while journeys within an island can vary significantly in difficulty.

Java has the country's most developed intercity railway network, connecting destinations including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Jakarta also has MRT, commuter rail and bus services, though the best option depends on the neighbourhood and time of day.

Bali relies more heavily on road transport. Private drivers, taxis and app-based vehicles can be practical, but traffic around southern Bali may make relatively short journeys slow.

Ferries and fast boats connect several islands, including routes around Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. Conditions at sea can change quickly, and services may be delayed or cancelled. Confirm the operator, departure port, baggage arrangements and weather before travelling.

PELNI operates passenger ships serving numerous Indonesian ports, including routes to destinations less accessible by air.

If renting a motorbike or car, check the required licence, insurance and local road rules. Do not assume an ordinary car licence covers scooters.

Safety & Emergency

Indonesia's safety considerations vary by destination and activity. In busy visitor areas, keep valuables secure, use reputable transport providers and be cautious with unfamiliar payment links or unofficial tour offers.

Road conditions and driving standards may differ from those in your home country. Motorbike accidents are a particular concern for inexperienced riders. Use proper protective equipment, comply with licence requirements and ensure your insurance covers the activity.

Indonesia is also exposed to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flooding and landslides. Follow local evacuation instructions and check official BMKG weather and earthquake information. If strong shaking occurs near the coast, move promptly to higher ground or inland and follow tsunami guidance rather than waiting on the beach.

Sea conditions can make boat transfers unsafe, particularly during rough weather. Use established operators and don't pressure a captain to depart in unsuitable conditions.

Avoid illegal drugs and respect local regulations. Some provinces and religious sites have additional behavioural expectations.

For police emergencies, call 110; ambulance 119; fire 113. The integrated 112 emergency number is also available in supported areas.

Emergency numbers: Police: 110; Ambulance: 119; Fire: 113

Health & Practical Information

Indonesia's tropical climate makes hydration, sun protection and mosquito-bite prevention important. Dengue occurs in many areas, including major cities and popular tourist destinations.

Other health risks depend heavily on the region. Malaria is a concern in parts of eastern Indonesia and selected rural areas, including some destinations around Flores, Komodo, Papua and Maluku. Risk is not the same across Bali, Jakarta and remote islands.

Seek individual travel-health advice before visiting areas where malaria prevention or specific vaccinations may be appropriate. Yellow fever vaccination documentation is required for certain travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk.

Avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs, monkeys and other animals because of potential bites, scratches and rabies exposure. Seek prompt medical attention after an animal bite or scratch.

Choose safe drinking water and take care with food hygiene. Avoid swallowing water during swimming and be cautious of contaminated floodwater.

For remote trekking, diving or sailing, consider medical cover that includes evacuation, as specialist care may be far away.

Travel Costs

Moderate

Indonesia can offer good value, but the total cost of a trip depends greatly on the destinations you choose and how you move between them.

Everyday food at local warung restaurants and simple guesthouses can be relatively affordable. International resorts, private villas, beach clubs and specialist activities in popular destinations such as Bali may cost considerably more.

Transport is another major factor. A traveller staying in one area of Bali may spend less than someone moving between Java, Flores, Komodo and Raja Ampat, where domestic flights, boats and guided excursions add to the budget.

Accommodation costs also vary by season, location and availability. Remote island resorts may be expensive because of limited access and the cost of supplying them.

Foreign tourists visiting Bali are subject to a separate provincial levy of Rp150,000 per person, with specified exemptions. Payment is managed through the official Love Bali system and should not be confused with a national visa fee.

Compare real accommodation rates, transfers and activity costs for your itinerary rather than relying on one daily budget for all of Indonesia.

Culture & Etiquette

Indonesia's cultural traditions differ enormously between islands, and visitors should not assume that customs familiar from Bali apply everywhere.

Much of the population is Muslim, while Bali has a distinctive Hindu cultural tradition. Other religious communities and local traditions are important throughout the archipelago. Dress respectfully when visiting mosques, temples, villages and sacred places, and follow local instructions about footwear and photography.

In Bali, small offerings called canang sari are often placed near doorways and on pavements. Watch where you step and avoid disturbing them. Temple visits may require a sarong and sash.

Religious ceremonies are not simply performances for tourists. Ask before photographing participants and avoid interrupting worship.

During Ramadan, be considerate of people who are fasting, particularly in more observant communities.

Bali's Nyepi, or Day of Silence, brings unusual island-wide restrictions on travel and outside activity. Check the dates and arrangements if visiting around the Balinese New Year.

Climate / When to Visit

Indonesia has a tropical climate, but rainfall and seasonal conditions vary widely across its islands.

In much of Java, Bali and the Nusa Tenggara islands, the drier period generally falls between April and October, while wetter conditions are more common from approximately November to March. These are broad patterns rather than guaranteed dry or rainy months.

Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua have more complex regional rainfall patterns. Some places experience substantial rain at times when Bali is relatively dry.

The drier months can be attractive for visiting Bali, exploring Java's temples and arranging outdoor activities around Lombok or Flores. However, popular holiday periods may also bring more visitors and higher accommodation demand.

Indonesia's meteorological agency publishes seasonal outlooks and warnings that can help with regional planning. Weather also affects ferries, mountain treks, diving and volcano access.

Pack lightweight clothing, rain protection and suitable footwear. For mountain destinations, bring warmer layers and check local conditions rather than assuming every part of Indonesia feels tropical at all times.

Useful Links

Guides to Indonesia

Indonesia

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Frequently Asked Questions