Fly to Indonesia
Indonesia has canceled the PCR test obligation and has reintroduced the tourist visa on arrival at 7 indonesian airports for travelers from 92 countries. Since June 14 2023 there is no more covid vaccination obligation.
The conditions to fly to Indonesia :
- Valid immigration documents : passport valid for 6 months after travel and return ticket.
- PCR test and vaccination is no longer required
- Peduli Lindungi app should be downloaded on your phone
- you can get an electronic visa (e-VOA) in advance on the following website : https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/
- it is also better to complete your customs declaration from 3 days before your arrival on the following website : https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- For holders of a passport issued by one of the 92 countries listed.
- For flights landing at the following airports: Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Surabaya, Makassar, Manado, Yogyakarta
- With a return flight ticket of a one way ticket to another country
- Price of visa on arrival is IDR 500,000 per person (including children).
- Payable at the airport by MasterCard, Visa or cash in Indonesian Rupiah if you have not requested your e-VOA in advance
- the VOA is valid for 30 days and can only be extended once at the nearest immigration office.
Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA)
- For holders of a passport issued by one of the following countries : Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
- the VEA is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended
How to extend your tourist visa (VOA)
The VOA can be extended for an additional 30 days, but it’s important to start the process in advance. You can request the extension by going directly to the nearest immigration office, but be aware that the process can be quite lengthy. It’s advisable to rely on an agent who will handle the formalities and make an appointment for you at the immigration office for the photo and fingerprinting.
Agents generally offer two options. The standard option takes between 7 and 12 business days, with a typical price of 850,000 IDR. Alternatively, there’s a priority option for 1,250,000 IDR, which takes between 3 and 5 business days. Keep in mind that the penalty for overstaying your visa’s validity upon leaving Indonesia is 1 million rupiahs per day. Therefore, it’s important to schedule your extension as early as possible. An alternative is to make a round trip to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, which would cost you less than the penalty if you fail to extend your visa on time.
The agent will ask for (and keep) your passport, a copy of your return ticket, and, for children under 17 years old, a birth certificate. Feel free to email me if you want the contact information of a reliable agent, although most agents offer similar services.
If you plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 2 months, you can either make a round trip abroad or apply for a B211 visa.
B211 visa
If you plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 2 months, you can apply for a B211 visa, which is valid for 2 months. The visa can be renewed twice for an additional 2 months each time, totaling 6 months. The price varies from 2.5 million to 5 million Indonesian rupiahs, depending on whether it is your first visa or a renewal, whether you choose the standard or expedited procedure, and whether you apply for the visa in person or from abroad.
You will need to provide a scan of your passport, a copy of your bank account statement showing a positive balance of at least 2000 USD, a Covid vaccination certificate (all doses), and a photo.
Rules for traveling within Indonesia
To fly within Indonesia, you no longer need for a test if you have your full vaccination. The Garuda website gives more detailed information. Please read our article about how to get around Indonesia.
What is the best time to go to Indonesia?
The best time to visit Indonesia largely depends on your preferred activities and the regions you plan to explore. This vast archipelago nation indeed stretches across the equator, offering a wide range of climates and landscapes.
- Dry Season (April to October): This is generally considered the best time to visit most parts of Indonesia, including Bali, Java, and Lombok. During these months, the weather is typically dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities, beach vacations, and cultural exploration. The temperatures are warm but not scorching, and rainfall is minimal.
- Wet Season (November to March): There may be heavy rain and occasional flooding, especially in regions like Sumatra and Kalimantan. However, this is a great time for surfers to hit the waves in places like Sumatra’s Mentawai Islands, which enjoy consistent swells during this period.
- Shoulder Seasons: The transitional months of April and October can offer a pleasant compromise between the dry and wet seasons. Crowds are thinner, prices are often lower, and you can still enjoy decent weather.
- High Season: The peak tourist season aligns with the dry season and major holidays like Christmas and New Year. While it offers excellent weather, it can also be crowded and more expensive.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Indonesia varies depending on your destination and preferences. It’s essential to research the specific region you plan to explore and consider your preferred activities to make the most of your Indonesian adventure.