Understanding Indonesia's New Visa System: A Comprehensive Guide

Indonesia recently revamped its visa system in January 2024. This guide explains everything you need to know about the new visa categories and what they mean for you.

Key Updates:

  • Online Application: Gone are the days of paper applications. Now, all visa applications must be submitted electronically for a more streamlined process.
  • New Visa Codes: To make things clearer, specific visa codes now categorize your visit purpose. These codes denote whether you’re entering for tourism, business, or other reasons.
  • Existing Codes Revamped: Familiar codes you might have used before, like B211 (business visa), have been updated with new names (e.g., Index C2 Visa). Don’t be surprised if you don’t recognize the names at first!

Indonesia Visa Categories Explained:

Indonesian visas are grouped by indexes (B, C, D, E), each with a letter-number combination (e.g., D2). These indexes come with different requirements, durations, and permitted activities. Here’s a breakdown of what each category offers:

  • Index B: Visa on Arrival (VoA)

    • Ideal for short trips to Indonesia, perfect for those seeking a quick getaway for tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends and family.
    • You can apply for a VoA online (eVoA) before arrival or upon arrival at the airport (except for ASEAN citizens who may still be eligible for visa-free entry).
    • Keep in mind that VoAs are for short stays, typically up to 30 days with a single extension for an additional 30 days. Make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
    • Working in Indonesia is not permitted with a VoA.

  • Index C: Single-Entry Visit Visa

    • This category is designed for foreigners seeking to participate in specific activities beyond just tourism. There are a whopping 30 different C visa codes available, each catering to a unique purpose.
    • C visas are typically issued for a validity period of 60 days (except for the C12 visa, which allows for a longer stay of 180 days). You might be eligible for extensions depending on your visa type.
    • Examples of activities covered under a C visa include business visits (C2), participating in art and cultural performances (C7), or even engaging in short work trials (C18).
    • Remember, working in Indonesia is generally not allowed with a C visa unless the specific visa code explicitly grants that permission.

  • Index D: Multiple-Entry Visit Visa

    • Offering the most flexibility, D visas are ideal for travelers who plan multiple trips to Indonesia or intend to stay for a longer duration. They encompass all the activities allowed under B and C visas.
    • D visas come with multiple entry options and varying validity periods, ranging from 1 to 5 years. This allows you to tailor the visa to your travel needs.
    • Some examples of D visas include D1 (Tourism), D2 (Business), and D14 (Film Production).
    • Just like the previous categories, working in Indonesia is not allowed with a D visa.

  • Index E: Limited Stay Permit (ITAS)

    • Moving beyond visas, Index E deals with permits for longer stays in Indonesia. These permits cater to individuals who want to work (on-site or remotely), invest, reunite with family, or even make Indonesia their second home.
    • You might have come across terms like ITAS or Izin Tinggal Sementara before. These are examples of the powerful permits offered under Index E. Remember, with great benefits come stricter requirements. The longer you intend to stay, the more documentation you’ll need to provide to prove you won’t be a financial burden on Indonesia.
    • Despite the stricter requirements, the application process for E visas is generally straightforward. However, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the paperwork, don’t hesitate to seek help from a visa consultant. They can guide you through the process and ensure a smooth application.

Important Considerations:

  • While some visas, like certain C visa codes, allow for business activities, they don’t necessarily permit paid employment. Working for an Indonesian company requires a specific work visa under Index E.
  • Double-checking the validity period of your visa is crucial. Overstaying your visa can lead to penalties. Make sure your visa covers the entire duration of your intended stay in Indonesia.
  • Consider seeking help from a visa consultant, especially when dealing with complex applications like those for E visas (work permits, retirement visas, etc.). Their expertise can save you time and ensure a successful application.

Further Resources:

  • This webpage provides a detailed breakdown of each visa type within the indexes, helping you choose the most suitable option for your trip.