The visa on Arrival ( VoA ) scheme has helped simplify the way many foreigners travel to Indonesia for tourism and business meetings since the early quarter of 2022. This arrival visa policy facilitates foreigners for a visit visa of no more than 30 days, allowing the holder to obtain a visa directly on arrival. This visa scheme is popularly known to be an alternative to Tourist visas. The United States of America is one of the countries eligible for the Visa on Arrival scheme.
The regulations for the VoA in Indonesia will regularly undergo periodic changes. Therefore, it is important to keep yourself up to date with the latest information about the arrival visa.
Through this article, LetsMoveIndonesia’s consultants will share the most up-to-date Visa on Arrival regulation information in Indonesia.
Facts about the Indonesia Visa on Arrival to Visit Indonesia
The Indonesian Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows foreigners to stay in Indonesia without any pre-organised visa, meeting specific entry requirements. It can be obtained upon arrival at Indonesia International Airport. Additionally, the Visa on Arrival can also be obtained at cross-border posts. This visa is granted to foreigners who want to stay in Indonesia and is valid for 30 days without going through an extended visa processing procedure. Currently, 97 countries are allowed to go to Indonesia using VoA.
How many days does the Visa on Arrival provide?
The entry visa validity provides foreign nationals with an initial 30-day visa to Indonesia and is extendable (optional) for a further 30 days, limiting the maximum stay to 60 days within the country.
Can Visa on Arrival get an extension?
This visa is extendable and is eligible for a one-time extension for an additional 30 days through a straightforward visa extension process. If you would like to stay longer, we suggest contacting us before your visa expires.
How much does the Visa on Arrival cost?
To get a visa on arrival, foreign nationals registering for this visa will need to pay a visa fee of 500,000 IDR.
If you do not bring cash you may need to find an ATM at the airport, as the counter allegedly does not accept credit card. (let us know if you have experienced anything different). Other options is to apply online from the official website.
Does Indonesia provide an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA)?
Yes, Indonesia does provide an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA). This allows eligible travellers to apply for and pay for their visas online before their arrival in Indonesia, making the entry process smoother.
Keep in mind that the e-VOA is still a visa on arrival, meaning you obtain it at the airport or other designated entry points upon arrival. However, the online application and payment process simplifies things and can save time at the airport.
How is the processing to apply for a Visa on Arrival?
Upon arrival in Indonesia, ask the Immigration officer or go straight to the BRI counter (Official Bank of Indonesia) to make the payment for the visa application process. We recommend that you use IDR 500,000 IDR or USD 35 as the best option.
Update Visa on Arrival: 2023
Indonesian Immigration updated the visa regulations to include Kazakhstan as the 87th country allowed to use Visa on Arrival effective 18 January 2023. Kazakhstan can also use the electronic Visa on Arrival scheme to apply for an Indonesia Visa on Arrival.
On 27 February 2023, Kenya and Rwanda were also added to the list of countries subject to Visa on Arrival. The addition made a total of 89 nationalities that are allowed to enter Indonesia with the Visa on Arrival.
Starting from April 2023, Indonesia included Panama, Guatemala and Macau on the list of countries subject to Visa on Arrival (VoA) through the Circular Letter Number IMI-0133.GR.01.01 Year 2023.
Update Visa on Arrival in 2024: Inclusive of 97 Nationals
The Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia through Kepmenkumham Number M.HH-02.GR.01.06 Th 2024 dated 9 January 2024 has issued the latest Visa on Arrival (VoA) List of Visit Visa Recipients which contains a list of 97 (ninety-seven) countries.
Foreigners whose countries are included in the VoA list (attached) can obtain the visa at Immigration Checkpoints that issue VoA and or can also apply for e-VoA through the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration, i.e.: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/
How many eligible nationalities can enter using the Indonesia Visa on Arrival?
At this time, 97 nationalities may enter Indonesia using the VoA scheme. see the list of nationalities that are eligible for VOA here.
Visa Exemption
Visa-free entry is granted by the Indonesian government to foreign nationals from selected countries, allowing the holder to enter Indonesia without a paid visa for 30 days. The list below is some countries that do not need to pay for VoA rates on their arrival:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Phillippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam, and;
- Timor Leste as of February 2023.
For foreign nationals in the list above using the free visas, please note that it is not extendable. If travellers have travel plans longer than 30 days, they will need to obtain the paid VoA.
Should you be a citizen of one of the countries listed above and are using a free visa, please be aware that it cannot be extended. If you want to stay in Indonesia for longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a paid VoA.
If you plan to leave Indonesia, you might want to learn how to legally leave the country with an Exit Permit Only (EPO) here.
Seaports and Airports that provides VoA application
Airports
- Soekarno Hatta, Banten;
- Ngurah Rai, Bali;
- Kualanamu, North Sumatra;
- Juanda, East Java;
- Sultan Hasanuddin, South Sulawesi;
- Sam Ratulangi, North Sulawesi;
- Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta,
- Hang Nadim, Riau Islands,
- Zainuddin Abdul Majid, West Nusa Tenggara,
- Kertajati, West Java,
- Minangkabau,West Sumatra,
- Sentani, Papua,
- Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman, East Kalimantan,
- Sultan Iskandar Muda, Aceh,
- Sultan Syarif Kasim II, Riau
Seaports
- Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Riau Islands;
- Batam Centre, Riau Islands;
- Sekupang, Riau Islands;
- Citra Tri Tunas, Riau Islands;
- Marina Teluk Senimba, Riau Islands;
- Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi, Riau Islands;
- Bandar Seri Udana Lobam, Riau Islands;
- Sri Bintan Pura, Riau Islands,
- Benoa, Bali,
- Dumai, Riau,
- Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands
- Belawan, North Sumatra
- Biak, Papua
- Jayapura, Papua
- Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara
- Lembar, West Nusa Tenggara
- Malundung, North Kalimantan
- Marina Ancol, Jakarta
- Nusantara Pare Pare, South Sulawesi
- Padang Bai, Bali
- Sabang, Aceh
- Samudera, North Sulawesi
- Saumlaki, Maluku
- Sibolga, North Sumatra
- Soekarno-Hatta, South Sulawesi
- Sorong, Papua
- Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta
- Tanjung Emas, Central Java
- Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung
- Tanjung Perak, East Java
- Tanjung Priok, Jakarta
- Tarempa, Riau Islands
- Teluk Bayur, West Sumatra
- Tenau, East Nusa Tenggara
- Tual, Maluku
Cross Border Posts
- Aruk, West Kalimantan;
- Entikong, West Kalimantan;
- Mota’ain, East Nusa Tenggara;
- Motamasin, East Nusa Tenggara;
- Sota, Papua
- Tunon Taka, North Kalimantan;
- Wini, East Nusa Tenggara.
What are the requirements to apply for a VoA?
To obtain Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose, foreign nationals must fulfill the following criteria:
- Valid passport (diplomatic/official/ordinary) for at least 6 months,
- Return ticket or onward travel pass,
- Proof of payment of PNBP Visa on Arrival.
Can I apply for this visa online?
Yes, you can apply for this visa online through the official Indonesia Immigration website.
How much does it cost for the VoA visa extension process?
The extension fee if you choose to extend the VoA by yourself is 500,000 IDR, granting another 30 days of stay.
Are there any negatives to entering Indonesia using the Visa on Arrival?
Unfortunately, if you enter using this visa, you are subject to certain visa limitations, such as being unable to make a new visa onshore according to immigration regulations.
Furthermore, the Visa on Arrival cannot be converted into another type of stay permit.
What is the difference between a Visa on Arrival and a Tourist Visa?
In Indonesia, both Visa on Arrival (VOA) and Tourist Visa (e-Visa) serve the purpose of allowing foreigners to enter the country for tourism and other short-term activities. However, there are some key differences to consider when choosing between the two.
Key Differences Summary:
| Feature | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Tourist Visa (e-Visa) |
| Application Process | On arrival | Online before arrival |
| Eligibility | 92 eligible countries | Most countries |
| Validity | 30 days, extendable once for 30 days | 60 days, extendable four times for 30 days each |
| Purpose of Visit | Tourism, business, transit, etc. | Tourism, family visits, social visits, etc. |
The best option for you depends on your nationality, planned length of stay, and convenience preferences. Remember that both VOA and Tourist Visas are non-convertible and not subject to convert into other types of stay permits.
Can I do it myself or do I have to use a visa consultant?
Yes, you can do it yourself through self-application by visiting your local Immigration office. However, engaging a visa consultant will cut you much hassle in the application process. Professional visa consultants will guide you through the correct A-Z process of visa applications, from navigating the travel documents to registering on the official E-visa website.
What are the benefits of using an agent to assist with my Visa on Arrival extension?
If you choose to process the VoA by yourself, you will require to visit your local immigration office 3 times, but using agent services can simplify this process:
- To drop off documents
- To do biometrics
- To collect your passport.
If you use an agent, you only need to go to the immigration office 1 time for your biometric session. Collectively, using an agent will save you multiple travel/parking expenses, as well as hours you could be using doing something you love.
Why do I have to use a visa agent?
There are several reasons why you might want to use a visa agent in Indonesia, including:
- Save time: A visa agent can save you time by handling the paperwork for you, and you only need to visit the immigration office once for your biometric session.
- Save money: Using a visa agent can save you money on travel and parking expenses.
- Convenience: Some visa agencies offer free passport pickup and delivery services, which can save you time and effort.
- Guarantor: A visa agent can act as your guarantor during your stay in Indonesia.
- Expertise: A visa agent with experience is more knowledgeable and can help you deal with complex situations.
When choosing a visa agent, you can check the agent’s experience, look for customer testimonials, and make sure they have valid contact information. You should also be careful of agents that offer a price that is significantly lower than others, as this may indicate hidden additional costs.
Read more about the potential scams and fraud here: Watch out for visa scams in Jakarta & Bali
At Lets Move Indonesia, we provide assistances including a free pickup service to transport your documents and guide you through the immigration process. Our agents can also help you skip the queue when possible. If you are near one of our offices, our courier service can collect your passport for free.
Please note once again, that you can process it yourself, using LetsMoveIndonesia saves you significant time and travel expenses.
To find out more about the Visa on Arrival Extension, check out the link below:
Visa on Arrival Extension – everything you need to know
How do I extend a Visa on arrival in Bali?
To process the extension, contact the Lets Move Indonesia team using any of the contact details provided: WA: +62 811 1286 948 : +62 21 300 297 27 (Jakarta) : +62 361 934 8343 (Seminyak Bali) : +62 361 939 9406 (Canggu Bali) : +62 812 9260 0590 (Sanur Bali) E: [email protected] or check out their website
Found this article interesting? Then check out these useful guides about Visa & Company Registration processes in Indonesia!
Is this article interesting? Then check out these useful guides about Visa & Company Registration processes in Indonesia!
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