New Visa Rules for Indonesia: What Travelers Need to Know
Indonesia, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities, has introduced new visa rules that affect travelers planning to visit the country. The new regulations, which came into effect in 2022, aim to simplify the visa application process, promote tourism, and enhance national security. In this article, we will guide travelers through the new visa rules and what they need to know before planning their trip to Indonesia.
Types of Visas
There are several types of visas available for travelers visiting Indonesia, including:
- Tourist Visa: This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. It is suitable for travelers who plan to visit Indonesia for tourism, leisure, or business purposes.
- Business Visa: This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended for an additional 60 days. It is suitable for travelers who plan to conduct business in Indonesia, attend conferences, or engage in other business-related activities.
- Social Visa: This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended for an additional 60 days. It is suitable for travelers who plan to visit family or friends in Indonesia, or engage in social activities such as volunteering or research.
- Multiple Entry Visa: This visa is valid for 1 year and allows travelers to enter and exit Indonesia multiple times during the validity period.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia, including:
- ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam)
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Spain
Eligible travelers can stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa, but they must meet certain requirements, such as holding a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity, having a return ticket, and sufficient funds.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Travelers who are not eligible for visa-free entry can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at designated airports in Indonesia, including:
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali
- Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya
The VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. The cost of a VOA is IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 35) for a 30-day stay.
E-Visa
Indonesia has also introduced an e-visa system, which allows travelers to apply for a visa online before their trip. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. The cost of an e-visa is IDR 200,000 (approximately USD 14) for a 30-day stay.
Requirements
To apply for a visa, travelers will need to meet certain requirements, including:
- Holding a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Having a return ticket
- Having sufficient funds (approximately IDR 1,000,000 or USD 70 per day)
- Having health insurance that covers COVID-19
- Providing a hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
Conclusion
The new visa rules for Indonesia aim to simplify the visa application process and promote tourism in the country. Travelers should carefully review the requirements and regulations before planning their trip to Indonesia. With the introduction of the e-visa system and visa-free entry for certain countries, traveling to Indonesia has become easier and more convenient. However, it is essential to note that visa regulations can change, and travelers should always check with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country for the most up-to-date information.
