Indonesia is extensively preparing for a tourism recovery in the near future as the government is putting their utmost effort to flatten the curve of pandemic through the acceleration of vaccination programs and the implementation of community restrictions. Currently, Indonesia has decided to reopen Bali and Riau Islands for visitors with terms and conditions applying. Before planning your trip to Indonesia, complete your basic preparation by learning about the visa and requirements to enter Indonesia.

1 | E-Visa

In order to provide ease of access, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights has developed an electronic visa (e-Visa) application system. This e-Visa aims to facilitate foreign travelers who are planning to visit Indonesia in the future and bring a positive impact on the development of tourism and creative economy of Indonesia.

The e-Visa application system allows foreigners to apply for a visa online without having to visit the Republic of Indonesia Representative out of the country or the Immigration Office. You can visit this article to find out more information about e-Visa.

The government has also launched the Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) program on 10 November, 2022, to provide an even easier entry process for foreign travelers. 

According to the Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-0794.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Immigration Policy regarding Electronic Visit Visa Services, Visit Visa on Arrival Services, and Free Visit Visa to Support Sustainable Tourism during the Covid-19 Pandemic, as of 1 December 2022, the eVOA program is accessible to foreign nationals from 86 countries. The eVOA is available at 16 airports, 91 seaports, as well as 6 cross-border immigration checkpoints across Indonesia. 

You can visit this link to find out the complete list of the eligible countries and the entrance points across Indonesia where the eVOA is available. As for the registration, you can head on to this page to gather more details about it. 

2 | Type of Visas

Before applying for a visa to Indonesia, you need to identify your purpose of visit in order to know what kind of visa you need. Based on the Decree of the Minister of Law and Human Rights (KEPMENKUMHAM) No. M.HH-03.GR.01.05 of 2021, here are the current types of visas you can apply for.

• Visit Visa
  • Index B211A with Purpose of Visit as follows:
    • Traveling
    • Emergency and urgent work
    • Business meeting
    • Purchasing goods
    • Film production
    • Voluntary, medical, and sustenance work
    • Government duty
    • Accompanying transport tool in the region of Indonesia
    • Development of marine industry (yachters)
    • Government duty in accordance with Indonesian Presidential related meetings in G20 or International Assembly of 144th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
  • Index B211B with Purpose of Visit as follows:
    • Candidate of expatriate in working competency trial
• Visa for Temporary Resident Permit
  • Visa for Temporary Resident Permit - Work
    • Index C312 with Purpose of Visit as follows:
      • Experts
      • Joining to work on board the ship, floating device, or installation which operates in the water, sea territory, continental shelf, and the exclusive economic zone in Indonesia
      • Supervising and monitoring the quality of goods or productions
      • Inspection or auditing on company branches in Indonesia
      • Post-sales service
      • Setting up and repairing mechanics
      • Non-permanent construction work
      • Film production activity with commercial purpose and have been granted permission from authorized institutions
      • Candidate of expatriate in working competency trial
  • Visa for Temporary Resident Permit - Non-Work
    • Index C313 with Purpose of Visit as follows:
      • Foreign investment with validity period of 1 year
    • Index C314 with Purpose of Visit as follows:
      • Foreign investment with validity period of 2 year
    • Index C316 with Purpose of Visit as follows:
      • Education and training
    • Index C317 with Purpose of Visit as follows:
      • Family union

According to the  Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-0708.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Ease of Immigration to Support Sustainable Tourism during the COVID-19 Pandemic effective from 23 September 2022, the Indonesian government has implemented a Visa Exemption Arrangement facility to 9 countries. You can visit this link to find out the complete list of countries eligible for Visa Exemption Arrangement.

Furthermore, on 25 October 2022, The Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) Ministry of Law and Human Rights officially launched the Second Home Visa, which details are stated in Circular Number IMI-0740.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Granting of a Second-Home Visa and Temporary Stay Permit.

You can visit this link for further information regarding types of visa that are applicable in indonesia.

3 | Latest Travel Regulations

On 15 September 2022, the government started applying the Visa On Arrival (VOA) program for 86 selected countries as well as the Visa Exemption Facility for 9 selected countries.

As a way to support the tourism recovery in Indonesia, the Indonesian Government will make sure to keep their utmost efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, namely by maintaining the  status as one of countries with the highest vaccination rates, as well as the country that consistently provides safety protocols for all of its visitors.

Visit this link to gather more information about the latest travel regulations that currently apply in Indonesia.

Note that this regulation is dynamic and can be changed from time to time, so that travelers need to recheck and confirm before planning their future journey.

We hope that this information can assist you in preparing your next journey to Indonesia. We kindly ask you to stay safe by always practicing healthy habits such as washing hands frequently, wearing a mask in public, and implementing social distancing. See you soon in the near future.

Do also follow our Instagram @wonderfulindonesia, Facebook @WonderfulIndonesia, Twitter @wonderfulid, TikTok @wonderfulid, and subscribe to our Youtube Wonderful Indonesia so you don’t miss out on any news regarding Indonesia’s travel regulations and awe-inspiring destinations.

 

*Disclaimer: This article was updated on January 16, 2023. Due to the dynamic nature of travel regulations, please keep yourself updated by following our social media accounts.

Currency

What is the currency of Indonesia?
The official currency of Indonesia is Rupiah which is Issued and controlled by the Bank of Indonesia. The currency code for Rupiahs is IDR, and the currency symbol is Rp. By law, all transactions are required to be conducted in rupiah, and information on the daily exchange rate can be found in newspapers or from the internet and online apps. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and large stores.

Indonesian banknotes come in denominations of IDR1000, IDR2000, IDR5000, IDR10000, IDR20000, IDR50000, and IDR100000. Coins in circulation include IDR1000, IDR500, IDR200, IDR100, and IDR50.

Where can I buy and exchange currency?
You can exchange foreign currency in major cities throughout the archipelago at banks and money changers. Most tourists’ resorts have money changer facilities; however, if you are traveling to more remote areas it is advisable to exchange your money beforehand. If you need a large amount of foreign currency, and you don't have a foreign currency account at your bank, it is best to order the money the day before. Local banks keep a limited amount of foreign currency in their smaller branches.
Are ATMs easily accessible?
ATMs on the international Plus/Cirrus or Alto networks are common in all major Indonesian cities and tourist destinations. Limitation withdrawal is depending on your respective home bank. Machines are loaded with IDR50,000 denomination notes or IDR100,000 denomination notes, as indicated on the machine; however keep in mind that the bigger notes can be harder to split, especially in rural non-tourist areas. It is also best to withdraw some money from an ATM in major cities before venturing onto more secluded destinations.

Credit Card
 
In recent years Credit and Debit Cards have been commonly used as a method of payment in Indonesia. Indonesian people especially living in major cities have opted to bring less cash at hand and use Credit or Debit Cards for practical and convenient reasons. So foreigners traveling to Indonesia need not worry to use credit or debit cards for your traveling pleasure. 

What kind of Credit or Debit Cards Acceptable in Indonesia?
Most international credit card networks are acceptable in Indonesia’s major cities and tourist hotspots like Jakarta, Bandung, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Yogyakarta, etc. 

Cards such as JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) is acceptable in Indonesia because it is affiliated with some of Indonesia’s major well-known bank such as BNI (Bank Negara Indonesia), CIMB Niaga, Mandiri, BRI (Bank Rakyat Indonesia). While American Express (Amex) is also acceptable however Amex has fewer affiliated local banks in Indonesia. Bank Danamon is currently one of the local banks affiliated with Amex. The most widely accepted card in all merchants in Indonesia is Visa and Mastercard.

There will be instances where stores may not display the symbols of the cards they accept. Be sure to check with the salesperson in the store prior to using your card if your card is acceptable or not. 

How Much Cash Can I Bring to Indonesia?
Although credit, debit and prepaid cards of well-known brands are generally accepted in the major cities, carrying rupiah in a sufficient amount at hand is highly advisable. Especially when traveling to smaller towns and remote areas, it would probably be quite a problem finding ATMs around and local stores could only accept cash.

The amount of cash allowed into Indonesia or taking it outside the country is in the amount of IDR100,000,000.00 (one hundred million rupiahs) or other currency equivalent to this amount. More than this amount, then travelers must declare it to Indonesian Customs.

Which ATMs Could I Withdraw Cash From?
ATM's are widespread throughout Indonesia’s major cities. Cards with Cirrus, Maestro, Plus network seems to be the most prevalent card accepted and could withdraw cash nationwide in most of Indonesia’s major bank ATMs. Cirrus and Maestro logo are associated with Mastercard, while Plus is associated with Visa. Be sure to check if the Cirrus, Maestro or Plus logo is displayed in the ATM machine prior to inserting your card.

JCB cardholder could withdraw cash in Indonesia’s affiliated banks such as BNI (Bank Negara Indonesia), CIMB Niaga, Mandiri, BRI (Bank Rakyat Indonesia). Be sure to check if the JCB or Cirrus Logo is displayed in the ATMs. While American Express cardholders could use the facility of express cash and withdraw cash from Danamon Bank ATMs throughout Indonesia.

Although it is practical to carry credit or debit cards around for your traveling pleasure, when traveling to remote areas and visiting local or traditional markets, it is highly wise and preferable to have some small change at hand for purchasing purposes. This way you are set to have a smooth and fun vacation in Indonesia. Enjoy your stay!

A Guide to Plugs and Electricity in Indonesia
Charging your phone, laptop and other important gadgets is essential, especially during trips like this. For your trip to Indonesia, understand that plugs and electricity in Indonesia might differ from one back home. So what do you need in Indonesia? An adapter? A voltage converter? Maybe both. Check it out below!

How is the standard voltage and electricity in Indonesia?
The standard voltage throughout Indonesia is normally 230 V and with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. If you’re from the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia or Africa, most of your phones, laptops and other gadgets could be charged like normal. However, if you come from countries like the United States, Canada, and most South American countries, the range of voltage differs here in Indonesia. 

Charging it like normal is possible, but only for a short time and with a few risks. So you should consider buying a voltage converter instead, which is also available on Amazon or electrical stores in Indonesia.

How does the power plugs in Indonesia differ from my country?
Most power plugs and sockets in Indonesia are type C and F. This plug is the 2 pin socket and plug design which is the standard European plug. If you’re coming from a country that does not use this type of sockets, you should buy an adapter. Amazon sells plenty, but you can also find them in many local minimarkets around Indonesia.

Where can I charge my gadgets in Indonesia?
You can find a socket in almost all the restaurants in Indonesia, especially in a tourist attraction. All hotels and airports have sockets and plugs you can use for free as well. In trains, a plug is provided for all classes (economy and business) and in most shuttles, you can plug in a USB cable to charge your phone.

Language

What is the main language of Indonesia?
Bahasa Indonesia is the national and official language of Indonesia and is used in the entire country. It is the language of official communication, taught in schools and used for broadcast in electronic and digital media. Most Indonesians also have their own ethnic language and dialect, with the most widely spoken being Javanese and Sundanese. Some ethnic Chinese communities continue to speak various Chinese dialects, most notably Hokkien in Medan and Teochew in Pontianak.
Do people speak or understand English?
English is not widely spoken, however, an acceptable level of English can be understood in a number of major cities and tourists’ destinations including Bali, Batam, Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. Moreover, most hotel and airline staff can also communicate in English on a basic to moderate level.
What are some common phrases in Bahasa that can help me?
Indonesian pronunciation is relatively easy to master. Each letter always represents the same sound and most letters are pronounced the same as their English counterparts.

People & Culture
 
What are the different ethnic groups in Indonesia?
Living on more than 13,400 islands, the Indonesian nation today counts some 200 million population comprising over 200 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects that range in population from the Javanese (about 70 million) and Sundanese (about 30 million) on Java to peoples numbering in the thousands on remote islands. After gaining Independence in 1945, inter-marriages among people of different ethnic groups have welded the population into a more cohesive Indonesian nation.
What is the dominant religion practiced in Indonesia?
The majority of the population is Muslim, while in Bali the Hindu religion is predominant. Whereas in areas like the Minahasa in North Sulawesi, the Toraja highlands in South Sulawesi, in the East Nusatenggara islands and in large parts of Papua, in the Batak highlands as well as on Nias island in North Sumatra, the majority are either Catholics or Protestants. On the whole, Indonesian people are religious in nature.
What are the principal beliefs of the Indonesians?
And, true to the Pancasila, the five principles of nationhood, - namely Belief in the One and Only God, a Just and Civilized Humanity, the Unity of Indonesia, Democracy through unanimous deliberations, and Social Justice for all - Indonesian societies are open and remain tolerant towards each others religions, customs, and traditions, while faithfully adhering to their own. The Indonesian coat of arms moreover bears the motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, “Unity in Diversity”.

When visiting other countries, it is customary to pay close attention to the local laws that apply, Indonesia is no exception. As a country of diversity with an abundance of different cultures, laws, and customs to honour, respect and comply with, travellers who plan to visit Indonesia must follow these local laws & customs to avoid any trouble or mishaps.
 
DRUGS
What is the penalty for drug possession and trafficking in Indonesia?
Like in many countries, Indonesia has Capital Punishments for Possession and Trafficking of illegal drugs.
Possession is punishable by 4 to 12 years of imprisonment. There is also IDR 800 million to 8 billion (US$89,600 to US$896,000) worth of fines. If the drugs exceed 1 kilogram (for raw drugs like marijuana) or 5 grams (for processed drugs like heroin and cocaine), a maximum punishment of life imprisonment may be imposed.
Trafficking is punishable by 5 to 15 years of imprisonment and fines of IDR one billion to ten billion (US$112,000 to US$1.2 million). If the volume of drugs exceeds 1 kilogram (for raw drugs) or 5 grams (for processed drugs), the death penalty may be imposed.

SMOKING
Is Smoking Allowed in Indonesia?
Smoking is prohibited in public places, such as Healthcare Facilities, Educational Facilities, and Places of Worship. Smoking is also prohibited in Public Transport. Children’s Outdoor or Indoor Facilities are also a smoke-free zone. Designated smoking areas are a must in other types of public places and office buildings.
How Many Cigarettes Can I Bring to Indonesia?
Travellers could bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. 

DRINKING
Is alcohol legal in Indonesia? 
As a country with Muslims as the majority, alcohol drinking is prohibited by the laws of the religion and frowned upon. However, since Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and religions, currently there are no alcohol bans being enforced in Indonesia, with the exception of Aceh. 
Drinking is also prohibited in most Public Places such as Worship Places, Workplaces, Schools, Malls, Supermarkets, Minimarkets, Outdoor/Indoor Public Space, and other places where there are a lot of people/crowd in the area. Also prohibited, driving while under the influence of alcohol. Don’t drink and drive!    
What is the drinking age in Indonesia?
The legal age for drinking in Indonesia is 21 years old. Those who are caught drinking outside the legal age will face serious punishment or charges from the authorities.

OVERSTAYING
What Happens if You Overstayed in Indonesia?
Indonesia’s law on immigration for travellers who overstay is no more than 60 days. Those who overstay within the 60 days period will have to pay a daily fine of IDR up to 1 million per day. Those who overstayed more than 60 days will face deportation and possible blacklisting.

DRIVING
Can Foreigners Drive in Indonesia?
Foreigners can drive using an international driving permit that has been issued in Indonesia, as well as a driver's license from the individual’s home country. Alternatively, foreigners can have the international driving permit issued in their home country before they leave, but this may need to be endorsed by the Indonesian licensing office in Jakarta once they arrive.
What is the Age Limit to Drive in Indonesia?
The age limit to drive in Indonesia after obtaining the Indonesian driving license issued by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is 17 years old.
What is the speed limit in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, people drive on the left-hand side of the road, and standard international driving laws apply. The speed limit is 50kph in urban areas in Indonesia, and 100kph on a motorway, but the only proper motorways in the country are in Java.

GAMBLING
Is Gambling Legal in Indonesia?
Gambling is prohibited in Indonesia, it is considered completely illegal for both locals and foreigners. There are no proper casinos in the country, and those who practice gambling may find severe punishments by authorities and thrown to jail.
 
WHAT IS THE EMERGENCY HOTLINE IN INDONESIA?
Indonesia has different systems for landlines and mobile phones: landlines use area codes, while mobile phones do not. For landline area codes, the digit "0" is added in front when dialling domestic long distance from within Indonesia, but is always omitted when calling from abroad. Here are some important numbers/hotline for Police Assistance in case you need assistance on a matter:

Emergency Numbers
Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112(From Satellite and Mobile Phones)
Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 118 or 119
Firefighter: 113
Search and Rescue (BASARNAS): 115
Natural Disaster Assistance: 129

Useful Numbers:
International Phone Number Information: 102
Local Phone Number Information: 108
Domestic Call Operator: 100 and 106
International Call Operators: 101 and 107

Tourism Information:
Bureau of Public Communication of the Ministry of Tourism: +62 21 3838899

Important note for foreigners visiting Indonesia, be sure to carry your passport with you at all times as a form of identification as a precaution measures. Chances are you won't need it, but there is always a chance that you may be required to do so.