Entry Options for French Citizens

French passport holders have two main options for tourist travel to Indonesia.1 Choose based on how long you plan to stay:

Option 1: Visa on Arrival / e-VOA (IDR 500,000)

• 30 days initial stay
• Extendable for another 30 days
• Best for most holiday trips

Option 2: Tourist e-Visa (IDR 1,500,000)

• 60 days initial stay
• Extendable for up to 180 days total
• Best for longer visits

Most French travelers heading to Bali, Jakarta, or other Indonesian destinations choose the VOA for its simplicity and lower cost.1 If you know you will want to stay longer than 30 days, the Tourist e-Visa may be more convenient than extending a VOA.

Application Process

For Visa on Arrival at the Airport

The simplest option for most travelers:1

1. Arrive at Immigration

After landing, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter before passport control. Look for signs directing VOA applicants. This is available at all major Indonesian international airports including Bali and Jakarta.4

2. Pay the Fee

Pay IDR 500,000 in cash (IDR preferred, but EUR or USD accepted at some counters) or by card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB).1

3. Receive Your VOA

Your visa is processed immediately. Proceed to passport control with your VOA receipt.

For e-VOA (Online Application)

Applying online before travel saves time at the airport:1

1. Create an Account

Visit evisa.imigrasi.go.id and register with your email. Activate your account within 1 hour of receiving the verification email.1

2. Submit Your Application

Upload your passport biodata page (JPG/PNG, max 200KB), passport photo, and fill in your travel details including arrival date, entry point, and accommodation address in Indonesia.1

3. Pay Online

Pay IDR 500,000 by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or JCB). Complete payment within 120 minutes of starting.1 A small card processing fee may apply.

4. Download Your e-VOA

Once approved (usually within minutes), download your e-VOA from your account or via the email link. Keep a digital or printed copy for immigration.1

For 60-Day Tourist e-Visa

For longer stays, apply for the Tourist e-Visa (B211A):1

1. Create Account and Apply

Use the same evisa.imigrasi.go.id portal. Select the Tourist Visa (60 days) option.

2. Upload Additional Documents

Beyond the standard requirements, you will need to show proof of funds of at least USD 2,000 (bank statement or similar).1

3. Pay the Higher Fee

The Tourist e-Visa costs IDR 1,500,000. Processing typically takes 5 working days.1

4. Receive and Use Your Visa

Download your approved visa and enter Indonesia within 90 days of issue.

Fees

Credit card payments may incur additional fees according to your bank’s policies.1 The Bali tourist levy is separate and applies only to international arrivals in Bali.

Designated Entry Points

French travelers can obtain VOA at 16 airports including:1

• Bali: Ngurah Rai International Airport
• Jakarta: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
• Surabaya: Juanda International Airport
• Yogyakarta: YIA International Airport
• Medan: Kualanamu International Airport
• Lombok: Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport

VOA is also available at 91+ seaports and 7 land border crossings.1 Direct flights from Paris (CDG) typically arrive at Jakarta or Bali.

Extending Your Stay

If you entered with a VOA, you can extend your stay by 30 days at any immigration office in Indonesia.1 The extension process:

1. Visit an immigration office before your current visa expires
2. Bring your passport and current VOA
3. Pay the extension fee of IDR 500,000
4. Processing takes 5-7 working days
5. Your passport may be held during processing

Consider using a visa agent in Bali or Jakarta to handle the extension process. They charge an additional fee but save you time and handle the paperwork.

After Arrival

At Indonesian immigration, you may be asked to show:1

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
• Return or onward ticket
• e-VOA document (if applied online)
• Accommodation address

Immigration officers have full discretion to deny entry even with a valid visa.1 Be polite and have your documents organized.

Arrival Card Requirement

Before arriving in Indonesia, you must submit an electronic customs declaration (e-CD) through the Indonesian Customs app or website within 3 days of arrival.4 This is separate from the visa application.

Bali Tourist Levy

Since 2024, international tourists arriving in Bali pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately €9). This can be paid online before arrival at lovebali.baliprov.go.id or at the airport. The levy supports cultural preservation and environmental programs.

If Entry is Denied

Entry denial at Indonesian immigration is rare for French citizens. In 2024, only about 942 foreigners were denied entry out of 5.3 million arrivals (0.018%), and most denials were for travelers from countries not eligible for VOA.56 Common reasons for denial include:

• Passport validity less than 6 months
• Passport damage (torn pages, water damage)
• No return ticket
• Being on the immigration blacklist from previous violations

If denied entry, you will typically be returned on the next available flight at your own expense. There is no appeal process at the border.

To minimize risk:

• Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity and is in good condition
• Have your return ticket confirmation ready
• Apply for e-VOA in advance if you have any concerns
• Contact the Indonesian Embassy in Paris before travel if you have a complicated immigration history