Indonesia's visa policy accommodates travel intentions and durations through four principal visa types. Each category is tailored to specific entrants' needs, from diplomatic missions to temporary residency for multiple purposes.

Short-Stay Visas:

A short-stay visa for Indonesia allows you to stay there for a limited period, usually up to 60 days.

• Tourist Visa (B211a):

Purpose: Designed for individuals wishing to visit Indonesia for tourism, family, or social purposes.

Validity: Tourist visas can be issued for single or multiple entries. A single-entry tourist visa typically allows for a stay that can be extended to a maximum of 60 days in Indonesia for another 30 days. Multiple-entry visas, less common for tourism, have a longer validity (usually up to one year) but still limit each stay to 60 days.

Requirements: Applicants must provide a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds.

• Visit Visa on Arrival (VoA): 

Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a specific type that enables qualified foreign nationals to acquire a visa after arriving at designated entry points in Indonesia. Here are some critical details about the Visa on Arrival for Indonesia:

Eligibility: Citizens of a few nations recognised by the Indonesian government are eligible for the Visa on Arrival program. You are advised to confirm your eligibility by contacting your nation's embassy or consulate, as the list of qualified nations is subject to change.

Purpose: The Visa on Arrival is intended for tourists and individuals visiting Indonesia for short-term purposes such as tourism, social visits, or business meetings. It is unsuitable for long-term stays, employment, or other purposes requiring a different type of visa.

Duration: The Visa on Arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days in Indonesia. However, it can be extended once for 30 days, totalling a maximum stay of 60 days. The extension must be requested at an immigration office within Indonesia before the initial 30-day period expires.

Application Process: Upon arrival at one of the designated entry points in Indonesia, eligible travellers can proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter. They must fill out an application form, present their passport with a minimum validity of six months, provide a return or onward ticket, and pay the designated visa fee in cash (usually payable in Indonesian Rupiah). After that, the passport will receive a visa stamp from the immigration officer.

Visa Fee: The Visa on Arrival fee varies depending on the traveller's nationality and the length of stay. The cost is subject to change, and it is advisable to have the exact amount in cash (in Indonesian Rupiah) available to pay upon arrival.

Limited Stay Visas:

In Indonesia, "Limited Stay Visas" encompass a distinct category beyond short-stay visas. They allow you to stay longer than short-stay options, typically 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years, catering to various purposes beyond tourism. However, they are still considered temporary visas and not permanent residency permits. Here's a breakdown of the different types of limited-stay visas:

• Business Visa (B211b):

Category: Business Visit

Purpose: Intended for foreign nationals engaging in business activities in Indonesia that do not involve employment, such as attending meetings, seminars, or short-term training.

Validity: Business visas can be either single or multiple entries. Single-entry business visas are valid for up to 60 days, whereas multiple-entry visas can be valid for one year, with each stay up to 60 days.

Requirements: Similar to tourist visas, an invitation letter from an Indonesian company and sometimes proof of business affiliation are required.

• Work Visa (KITAS/KITAP):

Category: Long-term Employment

Purpose: Issued to foreign nationals employed in Indonesia, including professionals, executives, and skilled workers.

Validity: The normal validity of a Work Visa (KITAS) is one year, although it can be extended once a year for a maximum of five years. After this period, eligible applicants may apply for a KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit), valid for 5 years and indefinitely extendable.

Requirements: A comprehensive application including a sponsorship letter from the Indonesian employer, proof of qualifications, and a non-objection letter from the relevant ministries, depending on the field of work.

• Student Visa (Pelajar):

Category: Education

Purpose: For foreign nationals intending to study full-time at Indonesian educational institutions.

Validity: Valid for the duration of the study program, usually issued for one year at a time with the possibility of extensions.

Requirements: An admission letter from the educational institution, evidence of financial capability, and sometimes health insurance are required.

• Retirement Visa (Jenis): 

Category: Retirement

Purpose: Offered to senior citizens who wish to retire in Indonesia.

Validity: The retiree may apply for a permanent stay permit (KITAP) once their one-year visa has expired. It has the potential to be renewed annually for a total of five years.

Requirements: Applicants must be 60 or older, have proof of health and life insurance, have a rental agreement in Indonesia, and have a statement of living expenses guaranteeing a certain income level.

• Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa:

Category: Special Category for Remote Workers.

Purpose: Allows remote workers and digital nomads to live in Indonesia while working for foreign employers or clients.

Validity and Requirements: As of my last update, Indonesia introduced a Digital Nomad Visa to attract remote workers with a tax-free period if they earn from outside Indonesia. Details, including validity and specific requirements, were still under discussion, and prospective Applicants should check the latest regulations from Indonesian immigration authorities.

Other Visa Categories:

• Diplomatic and Service Visas: Diplomatic visas are issued to diplomats, government officials, and individuals travelling on official government business.

These visas are granted based on diplomatic relations between Indonesia and other countries. Service visas are issued to individuals who are not diplomats but are travelling on behalf of their government or international organisations for official purposes.

• Journalist Visas: Journalist visas are designed for professional journalists who plan to visit Indonesia for reporting purposes. These visas are granted to individuals working for recognised news organisations and require the submission of supporting documents, such as an assignment letter from the employer or a press card.

• Crew Member Visas: Crew member visas are issued to crew members of ships and aircraft arriving in Indonesia. These visas allow crew members to stay in Indonesia temporarily while their vessel or aircraft is docked or stationed there. 

Usually, the validity of the visa is limited to a specific time and is granted based on the crew member's employment status and the vessel or aircraft's itinerary.

Each visa type caters to different visitor needs, from short-term tourism to long-term business or family visits, ensuring travellers can select the option that best suits their travel purposes and duration in Indonesia.

FAQS

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