As Indonesia’s busiest maritime trade hubs, Batam’s ports handle many import and shipping activities, attracting international ships daily. As a result, ship crews often need a crew visa to enter or leave Batam legally.
This guide provides all the necessary information to make obtaining a Batam crew visa straightforward and easy.
What is a crew visa?
A crew visa is a short-term visa for maritime personnel, including captains, officers, engineers, cooks, or staff on commercial vessels. It’s essential for anyone joining or departing a ship in Indonesian waters, including Batam.
Eligibility includes:
- Commercial ship crews (cargo, tanker, passenger)
- Offshore support vessels
- Crew changing port of call
Read more: Indonesia’s visa guide for foreigners: 2025 Updates
Types of Crew Visas & Eligibility
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity |
| 341A Crew Visa | Commercial vessel crew | Up to 7 days in Indonesian ports |
| B211A Transit Visa | Crew stopping before destination | Up to 60 days, single entry |
There are two main types of visas used by seafarers in Batam with specific purposes. Here’s what you need to know:
341A Crew Visa
This visa is issued for short stays (up to 7 days) for crew members arriving or leaving ships docked in Indonesia. It’s commonly used for quick port calls or vessel transfers.
B211A Transit Visa
This single-entry visa is used for extended stays (up to 60 days) and suits crew members waiting for ship assignments or undergoing medical checks. It can be extended depending on immigration approval.
Key Uses:
- Crew joining vessel at a later date
- Medical or logistical delays
- Temporary accommodation on land
Read more: Insights into Pre-Investment Visa (D12) in Indonesia
Why you should get a crew visa
A crew visa is not just a legal pass for seafarers to enter and exit Batam safely. It’s a crucial document that ensures the smooth operation of ships and prevents delays, penalties, and deportation.
Here are the benefits if your ship complies with Indonesian immigration law:
- Easy and legal ship boarding or disembarkation
- Smoother immigration checks
- Protection from legal issues
- Peace of mind during transit or medical visits
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The possibility of not holding a valid crew visa may lead to potential challenges ahead, such as:
- Fines up to IDR 50,000,000
- Deportation and blocklisting from re-entering Indonesia
- Detention by immigration authorities
- Delays in ship operations and legal trouble for the shipping company
How to apply for a Batam crew visa
Applying for a crew visa in Batam is straightforward and involves a few key steps. Whether you’re a shipping agent or crew member, preparing the proper documents ensures faster approval and fewer delays at immigration.
1. Required Documents
Make sure these essential documents are ready:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity)
- Seaman’s Book or official crew ID
- Employment or assignment letter from the shipping company
- Copy of ship’s arrival or departure schedule
- Passport-sized photographs
- Visa application form
2. Document Submission Through Local Agent
Visas are generally arranged through a licensed immigration agent in Batam, who handles submission to immigration authorities. Most shipping companies work with an agent to streamline the process.
3. Waiting for Approval
Visa approval takes 1 to 3 working days, depending on the type and completeness of the documents. Express service may be available for urgent crew changes.
Read more: Indonesia Visa on Arrival: A simple how-to guide.
Ensure a hassle-free visa processing in Batam with InCorp
Handling visa requirements in a busy port like Batam can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) provides reliable visa solutions for seafarers, shipping agents, and international professionals. We deliver fast, compliant, and hassle-free processing so that you can focus on your work and operations.
Our Batam visa services include:
- Crew Visa
- Transit Visa (up to 60 days)
- Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Work KITAS
- Investor KITAS
- Business Visa
Reach out today and experience a smoother way to sail through Batam.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is a crew visa different from a tourist visa?
Yes. A Crew Visa is specifically for seafarers joining or leaving a vessel, while a tourist visa is for leisure travelers. Using the wrong visa type can cause immigration issues.
Can crew members apply for a visa individually?
In most cases, no. Applications are typically processed through a shipping company or licensed visa agent to ensure proper documentation and faster approval.
What should crew visa members do in case of visa overstay?
If a crew member overstays, they should report immediately to immigration. Overstays can result in fines and may affect future entry into Indonesia.
Are health checks required for crew visa applications?
Usually, no. However, in cases of medical evacuation or long-term stays, additional health documentation may be requested by immigration.
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Disclaimer
The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind.
We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.
Verified by
Hotdo Nauli
Senior Legal & Delivery Manager at InCorp Indonesia
Hotdo heads the Legal and Delivery team at InCorp Indonesia, managing Product Registration, Legal Advisory, and Business Licensing. With over 8 years of experience, she focuses on compliance and integrity, ensuring all client operations align with Indonesian laws and regulatory standards, including contract reviews and sector-specific licenses. She is also a licensed advocate and a member of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI).
