United Kingdom Tourist Visa
Standard Visitor Visa · For Indonesia citizens
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom as an Indonesian citizen? You will need a Standard Visitor Visa, which costs £127 (approximately IDR 2.5 million) and takes about 3 weeks to process. This guide covers everything you need: required documents, biometrics appointment process, financial requirements, and strategies to strengthen your application.
UK Tourist Visa for Indonesian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Indonesia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Indonesian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK
Complete the online visa application form on the official UK government website
Recent colored photograph meeting UK visa specifications
Attend an appointment at VFS Global Indonesia to provide fingerprints and photograph
Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your UK trip
Evidence of your employment status and income source
Detailed travel plans showing your activities in the UK
Recommended (Optional)
Tuberculosis test certificate from approved clinic in Indonesia
Application Process
Indonesian citizens must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa before traveling.1 The application process involves an online form and an in-person biometrics appointment.
1. Complete the Online Application
Visit the official UK government visa website at gov.uk/standard-visitor.1 Create an account and complete the online application form. Provide accurate information about your travel plans, employment, financial situation, and personal details.
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card.3 The standard fee is £127 for visits up to 6 months.
3. Book Your Biometrics Appointment
After completing the online application, book an appointment at VFS Global Indonesia.4 Locations include:
- Jakarta
- Surabaya
- Bali
4. Attend Your Appointment
Bring to your appointment:2
- Printed application form
- Valid Indonesian passport
- All supporting documents
- Passport-size photograph (if not taken at center)
Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken at the appointment.
5. Submit Documents
Submit all required documents at VFS Global.4 You can choose to have your passport returned while waiting or leave it with your application.
6. Wait for Decision
Processing takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) from your biometrics appointment.1 You can track your application status online.
7. Collect Your Passport
Once a decision is made, collect your passport from VFS Global or have it couriered to you. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Fee (IDR approx.) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | £127 | IDR 2,500,000 | 6 months |
| Long-term 2 Year | £500 | IDR 10,000,000 | 2 years |
| Long-term 5 Year | £895 | IDR 18,000,000 | 5 years |
| Long-term 10 Year | £1,115 | IDR 22,000,000 | 10 years |
Long-term visas allow multiple entries but each visit is limited to 6 months maximum.1 Additional fees may apply for premium services at VFS Global.
What You Need to Prove
UK visa officers assess applications based on several key factors:1
- Genuine visitor: Clear, legitimate reason for visiting the UK
- Financial capability: Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, and living expenses without working
- Intent to leave: Strong ties to Indonesia demonstrating you will return before visa expires
- Accommodation: Confirmed place to stay in the UK
- Travel history: Previous international travel can support your application
Processing Times
| Service | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 3 weeks (15 working days) |
| Priority Service | 5 working days (if available) |
| Super Priority | Next working day (if available) |
Processing time is counted from your biometrics appointment date.1 Priority services may not always be available and cost extra. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
VFS Global Centers in Indonesia
Biometrics appointments are conducted at VFS Global centers:4
Jakarta: Main center serving the greater Jakarta area Surabaya: Serving East Java and surrounding regions Bali: Serving Bali and eastern Indonesia
Book appointments early during peak travel seasons (June-August, December-January) as slots fill quickly.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your UK visa is approved:
- Collect your passport with the visa sticker from VFS Global
- Check the visa validity dates and number of entries allowed
- Your visa shows the earliest date you can enter and the latest date you must leave
- At UK immigration, you may be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, and return ticket
- Keep supporting documents accessible during your journey
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected:
- Review the refusal letter: Understand the specific reasons for refusal
- Address the issues: Gather additional documentation to counter the refusal reasons
- Reapply: No mandatory waiting period; you can apply again immediately
- Consider administrative review: In some cases, you can request a review (additional fee applies)
Common issues that can be fixed include: adding more financial evidence, providing stronger employment proof, or clarifying travel plans with a detailed itinerary.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements not showing enough funds to cover the trip, unexplained large deposits, or inconsistent income patterns.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with regular income and a stable balance sufficient to cover your entire trip. Avoid large unexplained deposits before applying.
Weak Ties to Indonesia
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Indonesia, such as no stable employment, property, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Provide evidence of employment with approved leave dates, property ownership documents, family ties, or ongoing business commitments in Indonesia.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing documents, conflicting information between application and supporting documents, or unclear travel purpose.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents match your application. Ensure dates, names, and figures are consistent across all documents.
Unclear Travel Purpose
Vague travel plans, no clear itinerary, or inability to explain what you plan to do in the UK.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed travel itinerary with specific places you plan to visit and activities. Include confirmed accommodation bookings.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa overstays, refusals, or immigration violations in the UK or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. If you have a history of refusals, address them directly in a cover letter explaining the circumstances and changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indonesian citizens need a visa for the UK?
Yes, Indonesian citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option for Indonesian passport holders.
How much does a UK tourist visa cost for Indonesians?
The Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 (approximately IDR 2.5 million) for visits up to 6 months. Long-term visas are available: 2-year (£500), 5-year (£895), and 10-year (£1,115).
How long does UK visa processing take for Indonesians?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) from your biometrics appointment. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
What documents do I need for UK tourist visa from Indonesia?
Required documents include: valid passport, completed online application, passport photo, bank statements (6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary with accommodation bookings, and evidence of ties to Indonesia.
Where do I apply for UK visa in Indonesia?
Apply online through the UK government website, then book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global Indonesia. Centers are located in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali.
How long can I stay in the UK on a tourist visa?
The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) still limit each visit to 6 months maximum.
Do I need a TB test for UK tourist visa?
No, a TB test is not required for standard tourist visits under 6 months. It is only required if you plan to stay longer than 6 months.
What is the UK visa approval rate for Indonesian applicants?
The approval rate is approximately 78% for Indonesian applicants with complete documentation. Strong financial evidence and clear ties to Indonesia significantly improve approval chances.
Can I work on a UK tourist visa?
No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not allow paid employment in the UK. You can attend business meetings, conferences, or training, but cannot take up employment.
What happens if my UK visa is rejected?
You can reapply immediately with improved documentation. Review the refusal letter to understand the reasons and address them in your new application. There is no mandatory waiting period.
Can I extend my UK tourist visa while in the UK?
Standard Visitor Visas generally cannot be extended beyond 6 months. You must leave the UK before your visa expires and apply for a new visa from Indonesia if you wish to return.