Indonesia Tourist Visa

Visa on Arrival / e-Tourist Visa · For United States citizens

99%
approval
Immediate
Processing
IDR 500,000 (~US$35)
Fee
View Requirements Check Your Chances
Verified Guide
· 3 official sources

Planning a trip to Indonesia as an American citizen? US passport holders can enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for $35, valid for 30 days and extendable once. For longer stays of 60 days, apply for the electronic Tourist Visa online. This guide covers both options, requirements, and tips for hassle-free entry.

Application Process

American citizens have two main options for visiting Indonesia: Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the airport or applying for an e-Tourist Visa online before travel.1

1. Arrive at Indonesian Airport

Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter before immigration.1 VoA is available at all major international airports and several seaports.

2. Pay the Fee

Pay IDR 500,000 (approximately US$35) at the designated counter.1 Cash (Rupiah or US dollars) and credit cards are accepted at major airports.

3. Receive Your Visa

Your passport will be stamped with a 30-day single-entry visa.1 Proceed to regular immigration for entry stamp.

Option 2: e-Tourist Visa (For Longer Stays)

1. Apply Online

Visit evisa.imigrasi.go.id and create an account.1 Complete the application form with your travel details and upload required documents.

2. Pay the Fee

Pay IDR 1,500,000 (approximately US$100) online.1 Processing takes 5-10 business days.

3. Receive e-Visa

Download and print your approved e-Visa.1 Present it with your passport at Indonesian immigration upon arrival.

Fees

Visa TypeCostDurationExtension
Visa on ArrivalIDR 500,000 (~US$35)30 daysYes, once for 30 days
e-Visa on ArrivalIDR 500,000 (~US$35)30 daysYes, once for 30 days
e-Tourist Visa (B211A)IDR 1,500,000 (~US$100)60 daysYes, twice for 60 days each

Extension fees: IDR 500,000 per extension, processed at immigration offices in Indonesia.1

What You Need to Prove

Entry requirements for American citizens are straightforward:2

  • Valid passport: At least 6 months validity with blank pages2
  • Onward travel: Proof you will leave Indonesia within visa validity2
  • Accommodation: Address where you will stay1
  • Sufficient funds: May be asked to show ability to support yourself (approximately $2,000)1

Indonesia does not require advance hotel bookings or extensive financial documentation for US tourist visa applicants.

Processing Times

Visa TypeProcessing TimeNotes
Visa on ArrivalImmediateObtained at airport
e-Visa on Arrival48 hoursApply online, skip payment queue
e-Tourist Visa (60-day)5-10 business daysApply before travel
VoA Extension5-7 business daysApply at immigration office

For VoA extensions, visit an immigration office at least 7 days before your visa expires. Offices are located in major tourist areas including Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta.3

After Your Visa is Approved

For Visa on Arrival:

  • Keep your passport safe; the visa is stamped inside
  • Note your permitted stay duration (30 days from entry)
  • If extending, visit an immigration office before expiration

For e-Tourist Visa:

  • Download and print your e-Visa confirmation
  • Present both passport and e-Visa at immigration
  • Your 60-day stay begins from the arrival date

At the airport:

  • Complete the electronic customs declaration (e-CD)
  • Keep your departure card (if issued) for exit
  • Foreign currency over $10,000 equivalent must be declared

If Your Visa is Refused

Entry refusal for American citizens is rare but can happen. If refused at the airport:

  1. Check the reason: Usually passport validity or lack of onward travel proof
  2. Resolve immediately: Purchase an onward ticket at the airport or show other documentation
  3. Contact your embassy: The US Embassy in Jakarta can provide assistance for US citizens
  4. Alternative entry: If refused VoA, you may need to apply at an Indonesian Embassy before returning

For complex situations or previous immigration issues, apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C. or consulates before travel rather than relying on VoA.

Important Notes

  • Overstaying: Penalties are strict. Overstays result in fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day (up to a maximum) and potential deportation
  • Working: Tourist visas do not permit any form of work. This includes remote work for foreign companies
  • Bali digital nomads: If planning to work remotely, look into Indonesia’s Digital Nomad Visa (B-29A) instead
  • Entry points: While VoA is available at major airports, some smaller border crossings may have limited facilities

Common Rejection Reasons

Based on official refusal data for this corridor

50%

Passport Validity Issues

Passport has less than 6 months validity or is damaged.

How to avoid: Check passport expiration date before booking. Indonesia strictly enforces the 6-month rule.

25%

No Proof of Onward Travel

Cannot show evidence of plans to leave Indonesia within visa validity.

How to avoid: Book a refundable flight or have a bus/ferry ticket to a neighboring country ready to show.

15%

Previous Immigration Violations

History of overstaying or working illegally in Indonesia.

How to avoid: If you have previous violations, apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy before travel instead of using VoA.

10%

Insufficient Funds

Cannot demonstrate ability to support yourself during the visit.

How to avoid: Have bank statements or credit cards ready showing adequate funds if asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do American citizens need a visa for Indonesia?

Yes, but US citizens can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Indonesian airports for $35. This allows a 30-day stay, extendable once for another 30 days. No advance application is required for VoA.

What is the difference between Visa on Arrival and e-Visa for Indonesia?

The Visa on Arrival (VoA) costs $35 for 30 days and is obtained at the airport. The e-Tourist Visa costs approximately $100 and allows 60 days from the start. The e-Visa is processed online in 5-10 days and can be extended.

Can I extend my Indonesia tourist visa?

Yes. The 30-day VoA can be extended once for an additional 30 days at an immigration office in Indonesia for IDR 500,000. The 60-day e-Tourist Visa can also be extended. Extensions must be applied for before your current visa expires.

What airports accept Visa on Arrival in Indonesia?

VoA is available at all major international airports including Bali (Ngurah Rai), Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta), Surabaya, Medan, and Yogyakarta. It's also available at several seaports.

Can I work on an Indonesia tourist visa?

No. The tourist visa and VoA are strictly for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings. Working, including remote work for compensation, is not permitted. Violating this can result in deportation and future entry bans.

How much cash should I bring to Indonesia?

While there's no strict minimum, having proof of approximately $2,000 in available funds is recommended. Immigration officers may ask about your finances, though this is uncommon for US citizens.

Is the e-VoA worth it vs. regular VoA?

The e-VoA (electronic Visa on Arrival) costs the same as regular VoA but lets you skip the payment line at the airport. Apply at least 48 hours before arrival at molina.imigrasi.go.id for faster processing.

What is the approval rate for US citizens?

Indonesia has a near-perfect approval rate for American tourists, approximately 99%. Refusals are extremely rare and typically due to passport validity issues or incomplete documentation.

Sources