Many dream of traveling to Indonesia, but securing the proper tourist visa is essential before your journey begins. Avoiding common mistakes in the visa application process can save you time, legal complications, and unnecessary stress.
This comprehensive guide highlights the most frequent errors when applying for a tourist visa in Indonesia and how to avoid them.
Key purposes of Indonesian tourist visa
A tourist visa for Indonesia grants foreign nationals permission to enter the country for leisure, vacation, or social purposes. This visa is strictly for tourism and personal visits. Any form of employment or business activity is not permitted under this visa.
There are two primary types of tourist visas:
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): This visa is issued to passport holders from eligible countries at selected Indonesian airports. It typically allows a stay of 30 days, which can be extended once for another 30 days.
- Visit Visa (B211A): A visit visa is ideal for travelers from countries not eligible for VOA or needing a longer stay. It grants an initial 60-day stay, which can be extended up to 180 days in total.
Choosing the correct type of tourist visa is vital. To help you navigate the application process smoothly, let’s explore the top mistakes to avoid when applying for Indonesia’s tourist visa.
Read more: How to apply for an Indonesian tourist visa.
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
Missing or incorrect documents are a significant reason tourist visa applications for Indonesia are delayed or rejected. These small mistakes can cost you time and possibly your trip.
Here are typical problems to avoid:
- Missing Documents: You’ll need a valid passport, a recent photo, return flight tickets, hotel bookings, and proof of funds.
- Passport Issues: Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Damaged or unreadable passports can cause rejection.
- Wrong Information: Make sure names, passport numbers, and travel dates match all documents.
- Wrong Visa Type: Don’t apply for a tourist visa if your purpose is business or work. It can lead to legal trouble.
Always double-check every form and file before submitting. A small oversight can delay your travel plans.
Read more: Indonesia’s visa guide for foreigners: 2025 updates
Late Submission
One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is waiting too long to apply for your tourist visa. Many travelers assume it will be quick, but depending on the type of visa and your nationality, the process can take days or weeks.
Here’s what can go wrong if you apply for your tourist visa too close to your travel date:
- Visa Processing Delays: Government offices or embassies may take longer than expected to process visas, especially during holidays or peak travel seasons.
- Last-Minute Plans: Applying just days before your flight can result in not receiving your tourist visa in time.
- Missed Appointments or Deadlines: Some visa applications require online bookings or embassy interviews. Missing one can restart the process.
To avoid this, start your visa application at least 2–4 weeks before your trip. Planning early gives you time to correct errors, gather extra documents, and avoid stress.
Overstay Or Misuse
Upon staying in Indonesia, many travelers sometimes unknowingly overstay or misuse their tourist visa, which can lead to fines, deportation, or future visa bans. Here are the key issues to avoid:
- Overstaying Your Visa: Each tourist visa has a strict validity period. Overstaying can lead to a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day.
- Doing Prohibited Activities: A tourist visa does not permit work, business, or volunteer activities. Engaging in these can violate immigration laws.
- Ignoring Extension Rules: If your visa allows extensions, you must apply before they expire. Late requests are often denied.
Always know the terms of your tourist visa—how long you can stay and what you can or cannot do. This knowledge is crucial to avoid overstay or misuse. When in doubt, consult immigration services or a reliable visa agency.
Read more: An in-depth guide to extending your Bali visa
Ensure a seamless tourist visa application with InCorp
Applying for a tourist visa can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company), a trusted visa and immigration service provider, specializes in handling tourist visa applications for travelers like you.
Why choose InCorp?
- Complete Document Preparation: We ensure your documents are accurate and complete.
- Early submissions: We monitor deadlines and submit your application early to prevent delays.
- Extension support: If you decide to extend your visa, our experts will guide you step by step.
- Risk-free guidance: We avoid costly mistakes like overstay fines or misuse by keeping you compliant with immigration rules.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and start your vibrant, hassle-free vacation in Indonesia with us.
Frequently Ask Questions
How can I apply for a tourist visa to Indonesia?
You can apply online for a Visit Visa (B211A) through a registered visa agent or directly via Indonesia’s immigration website. If eligible, you may also obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at selected entry points.
When should I apply for a Visit Visa (B211A) instead of using Visa on Arrival?
Apply for a Visit Visa (B211A) if you plan to stay longer than 60 days, come from a non-VOA eligible country, or need a pre-approved visa for smoother entry.
Is the tourist visa extendable while in Indonesia?
Yes. VOA can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Meanwhile, visit visa (B211A) can be extended multiple times, allowing a total stay of up to 180 days.
Is it possible to re-enter Indonesia with a new tourist visa after exiting?
Yes, but re-entry is subject to current immigration policies. Many travelers exit and reapply (commonly called a “visa run”), but frequent entries may trigger additional scrutiny.
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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).
Frequently Asked Questions
The difficulty level depends on your country of origin. Indonesia lists restricted countries, including Afghanistan, Guinea, Israel, North Korea, Cameroon, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia. Citizens from those countries will find the process complicated and challenging, with a high possibility that their application will be rejected.
Foreign investors need to have a minimum of IDR 10 billion in authorized capital, IDR 10 billion in paid-up capital, and IDR 1 billion in personal shares for applying for Investor KITAS/ITAS in Indonesia.
Register the product with BPOM (National Agency of Food and Drugs) and MoH (Ministry of Health). The type of testing and document requirements depend on the type of product you want to register. Also, the time frame for registration could vary between 3 to 15 months.
Foreigners need to be at least 55 years of age and not work to earn income in Indonesia. Consultation on further requirements is necessary.
