Traveling to Indonesia Made Easy

It’s now straightforward to travel to Indonesia. Tourist visas are again available upon arrival at the airport or online before your trip. The electronic visa (e-VOA) allows you to cross borders within minutes using automated gates at Jakarta and Bali airports. This article explains all the formalities you need to know to enter Indonesia and tips to save precious time upon arrival after a long journey. Read on to the end for advice on finding the best flight deals to Indonesia!

Entry Requirements for Indonesia

A Valid Passport

Travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months from entry into Indonesia, with blank pages for the visa and entry/exit stamps. The passport must be in excellent condition, as damaged passports (e.g., torn pages, worn covers, or stains) may lead to denied entry.

If your passport is slightly damaged or you have doubts, applying for an e-VOA online is strongly recommended. With an e-VOA, you can enter through Jakarta or Bali and use automated gates without needing to face immigration officers who might be meticulous.

Health Passport for Mpox

The WHO declared Mpox (monkeypox) a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024. While health forms were previously required for all passengers entering Indonesia, this is no longer necessary.

Indonesia Tourist Visa for 2024

French tourists staying less than 30 days can get a “Visa on Arrival” (VOA) at the airport for 500,000 IDR per person (including children). Payment can be made by Mastercard, Visa, or cash if you haven’t already obtained an e-VOA online.

This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once. Recently installed automated gates allow VOA holders to skip long immigration queues. Note that immigration officers may ask for a return ticket or proof of onward travel. Check the official immigration site for the list of 97 eligible countries.

The Electronic Visa for Indonesia (e-VOA)

You can find information and apply for an e-VOA at: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/e-voa/.

Since January 2024, e-VOA holders with electronic passports (e.g., European passports) can use automated gates at Jakarta and Bali airports. Bali currently has 30 gates, with plans to add 50 more soon, enabling immigration clearance in just a few minutes.

e-VOA extensions for an additional 30 days can also be done online, unlike the VOA, which requires a more cumbersome process.

How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Indonesia

The VOA can be extended online once for 30 days, but the process should begin at least 15 days before expiry.

Overstaying costs 1 million IDR per day. Plan ahead to avoid penalties. Alternatively, a short trip to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur may be cheaper than paying overstay fees.

Long-Stay Visas (B211 Visa)

If you plan to stay longer than 2 months, apply for a B211 visa. This visa is valid for 2 months and renewable twice for 2 months each time, up to 6 months. Costs range from 2.5–5 million IDR, depending on whether it’s a first-time application, renewal, or expedited service.

You’ll need:

• A passport scan
• Proof of at least $2,000 USD in a bank account
• A recent photo

Tips for Saving Time on Arrival

• Get an e-VOA online to avoid long waits and simplify visa extensions.
• Fill out your customs declaration up to 3 days before arrival at: https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/.
• If traveling to Bali, you can pay the Bali tourist tax (150,000 IDR) online at “Love Bali,” but proof of payment is not yet required at the airport.

Driving in Bali

A valid international driving license is strongly recommended if you plan to rent a scooter. This ensures insurance coverage in case of an accident. While obtaining one can take months in France, an online process allows you to get one in just 8 minutes, even after arriving in Indonesia.

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations are required, but certain ones are recommended based on the regions you plan to visit. Check with your country’s health advisory for detailed guidance.

Finding the Best Flights to Indonesia

Key Considerations:

• Airline Preference: Frequent flyers may prioritize airlines with loyalty programs or personal preferences (e.g., Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Qatar Airways).
• Layovers: Stopovers in cities like Singapore or Dubai can add a touch of tourism to your journey.
• Price: Use flight comparison tools like Trip.com to find the best deals. Flexible dates can reveal cheaper fares.

Neighboring Airports:

Flights from Brussels or Geneva are often cheaper than those from Paris. Jakarta flights are also less expensive than Bali, and you can book a domestic flight to Bali if needed.

Rules for traveling within Indonesia

Please read our article about how to get around Indonesia.

Hotel Booking Tips

Book early for better prices. Many platforms, like Booking.com, offer significant discounts for advance bookings. Hotels also adjust rates dynamically, so last-minute rooms can be more expensive.

What is the best time to visit 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.