Contents
1. What is Indonesia's Visa on Arrival?
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) — formally classified as the B213 tourist visit visa — is Indonesia's flagship entry visa for international visitors. It allows eligible citizens from 169+ countries to enter Indonesia without pre-arranging a visa, paying a flat fee on arrival and receiving a 30-day entry authorization within minutes at the airport counter.
The VoA was introduced to streamline tourism arrivals and has become one of the most used entry mechanisms in Southeast Asian travel. For a broader overview of all Indonesian visa categories, see our complete Indonesia visa guide. It combines the convenience of no advance paperwork with full legal entry authorization — you are entering Indonesia on a properly issued visa, not a waiver or exemption, which means it can be extended (once) at an immigration office for another 30 days.
Where is the VoA Available?
The VoA is available at all major Indonesian international airports, including:
- Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) — Indonesia's busiest airport
- Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) — Primary gateway for Bali visitors (see our Bali visa requirements guide for Bali-specific tips)
- Surabaya Juanda International Airport (SUB)
- Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO)
- Lombok International Airport (LOP)
- Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG)
- Manado Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC)
The VoA is also available at a number of international seaports (including Batam and Bintan, which receive arrivals from Singapore) and select land border crossings. The complete current list is maintained at the official Indonesian immigration website, imigrasi.go.id.
What Activities Does the VoA Allow?
The VoA authorizes tourism and recreational activities — sightseeing, attending cultural events, visiting friends and family, short-term language study, and general leisure. It does not authorize working for Indonesian companies, conducting paid business activities in Indonesia, or earning Indonesian-source income. For business trips involving meetings and negotiations, the Business Visa (C2) is more appropriate — though in practice, many short-term business visitors enter on VoA for activities that don't involve contracts or employment.
2. Which Countries Qualify?
As of 2026, citizens of 169+ countries are eligible for the Indonesian Visa on Arrival. This includes the vast majority of countries that contribute significant tourism to Indonesia. The eligible list covers:
Major Eligible Countries (Partial List)
- Europe: All EU member states, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland
- Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and most Latin American countries
- Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Egypt
- Africa: South Africa and several other African nations
- Russia and CIS: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and most former Soviet states
Countries on Free Visa Exemption Instead
ASEAN member countries — Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar — typically receive free visa-exempt entry for up to 30 days rather than the VoA. This is a better deal financially (no fee), but the visa-exempt entry cannot be extended. Citizens of these countries who want to stay more than 30 days should consider applying for a B211A social visa before traveling.
Countries NOT on the VoA List
Some nationalities are not eligible for VoA and must apply for a visa at an Indonesian embassy or consulate before traveling. This includes citizens of certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa, some Middle Eastern and South Asian nations, and North Korea. If you're unsure whether your nationality qualifies, check the current official list at imigrasi.go.id — the list is periodically updated based on bilateral agreements and diplomatic relations.
3. VoA Cost & What's Included
The Visa on Arrival has a single, transparent fee structure with no hidden charges:
Standard VoA Fee
- Cost: IDR 500,000 per person (approximately $35 USD at current exchange rates)
- What's included: 30-day single-entry authorization
- Children: Same fee regardless of age — there is no child discount
- Family of 4: IDR 2,000,000 (~$140 USD total)
Extension Fee (If Needed)
- Cost: IDR 500,000 per person (~$35 USD)
- What's included: One additional 30-day extension (maximum stay becomes 60 days)
- Paid at: Indonesian immigration office after arrival, not at the airport
Payment Methods
At the airport VoA counter, accepted payment methods typically include:
- Cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Cash in US Dollars (USD) — widely accepted, with exchange calculated at current rates
- Credit and debit cards at most major airports (Visa, Mastercard)
- Pre-paid e-VoA via the molina.imigrasi.go.id online portal (same cost)
Having IDR or USD cash as a backup is advisable — card payment infrastructure at VoA counters has improved significantly but occasional technical issues do occur. ATMs are typically available both before and after the immigration area at major airports. For a complete breakdown of all visa fees, see our Indonesia visa cost guide.
4. The Airport Process Step by Step
Understanding the airport VoA process in advance makes the arrival experience significantly smoother. The key thing to know is that the VoA counter comes before the main immigration desks — you cannot pay at the immigration window itself.
Step-by-Step at Bali Ngurah Rai (DPS)
- Land and proceed through the terminal. Follow signs for "Arrivals" and "Immigration." You'll be walking through the terminal toward the immigration hall.
- Locate the VoA counter BEFORE immigration. In the arrivals corridor, before you reach the rows of immigration booths, you'll see dedicated counters labeled "Visa on Arrival" or "e-VOA / Visa on Arrival." This is where you stop first.
- Present your passport and pay the fee. Hand over your passport and pay IDR 500,000 (or USD equivalent, or by card). You don't need to fill out a paper form at this stage if you pre-paid online.
- Receive your VoA approval/stamp. The counter officer will stamp your passport or provide a VoA approval slip. This authorizes you to proceed to immigration.
- Complete the arrival registration. Indonesia has been transitioning to a digital arrival card system. You may be directed to a kiosk or mobile form — alternatively, paper arrival cards may be available on your aircraft or at the terminal.
- Proceed to immigration desks. Join the regular queue with your VoA-stamped passport. The immigration officer will review your entry documents and apply the official entry stamp.
- Collect baggage and clear customs. Standard arrival process continues after immigration.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Peak arrival days: Bali Ngurah Rai can be significantly congested on Sunday mornings, Monday mornings, and during peak holiday periods (July–August, December–January). Arrival during mid-week or early morning is generally faster.
- Have documents ready: Keep your passport easily accessible, along with return ticket confirmation and accommodation details — you may be asked for these.
- Passport validity: Confirm at home, before your flight, that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Indonesia. Officers will check this at the counter.
- Separate travel group members: If traveling with family, one person can queue at the VoA counter while others wait — but all passports must be presented and paid for before anyone can proceed to immigration.
Process at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK)
The process at Jakarta is essentially identical to Bali. VoA counters are located before the immigration desks in each terminal's international arrivals area. Jakarta being a transit hub means the airport processes extremely high volumes of arrivals — pre-paying online is particularly recommended here.
Explore All Tourist Visa Options
See every Indonesian tourist and social visa type — VoA, B211A social visa, B211 tourist visa — with costs and durations.
View Tourist Visa Options →5. Online Pre-Approval (Skip the Queue)
Indonesia's Immigration Directorate offers an official online VoA pre-payment system that allows travelers to pay the VoA fee before their flight, receive a QR code, and use a dedicated fast-lane at the airport. This system is one of the most practical improvements to the Indonesian arrival experience in recent years.
How to Use molina.imigrasi.go.id
- Visit molina.imigrasi.go.id (the official Indonesian immigration e-VoA portal)
- Create an account or log in
- Enter your passport details and travel information (flight number, arrival date, accommodation)
- Pay IDR 500,000 via international credit/debit card or eligible payment methods
- Receive a confirmation email with a QR code
- At the airport, look for the "e-VoA" fast lane — typically much shorter than the standard VoA queue
- Present your QR code for scanning, receive stamp, proceed to immigration
When to Pre-Apply
You can apply online from up to 90 days before your scheduled arrival date. There's no disadvantage to applying well in advance. If your flight changes, the e-VoA is generally transferable to a new arrival date within the approval window — check the portal for current terms.
Is the Online System Reliable?
The molina.imigrasi.go.id system has become well-established and is widely recommended by frequent Indonesia travelers. Occasional technical issues do occur with the portal itself (particularly around major holidays), so applying at least 3–7 days before your flight rather than the day before is advisable. The approval QR code can be saved as a screenshot in case of connectivity issues at the airport.
Who Benefits Most from Online Pre-Approval
Pre-payment is especially valuable for:
- Bali Ngurah Rai arrivals on peak days (Sunday/Monday mornings, holiday seasons)
- Families where every member needs to pay separately — online pre-payment can cover the whole family in one transaction
- Travelers with tight connection times who want to minimize immigration delays
- Anyone uncomfortable with carrying large amounts of cash or uncertain about card readers at the counter
6. How to Extend Your VoA
The Visa on Arrival can be extended once, adding 30 additional days to your stay (maximum total stay: 60 days from entry). The extension is not automatic — you must actively apply at an immigration office before your current 30-day period expires. Our visa extension guide walks through the full process step by step.
Extension Requirements
- Valid passport with current VoA stamp
- Completed extension application form (available at the immigration office)
- Passport-size photographs (typically 2–4, check local requirements)
- Payment of IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD) extension fee
- Proof of accommodation for the extended period
- Return or onward ticket (to demonstrate you will leave within the extended period)
Where to Apply for an Extension
Extensions must be processed at an Indonesian immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) in the city or area where you are staying. Key offices for tourist-heavy areas:
- Bali: Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus TPI Ngurah Rai, Jalan Raya Puputan, Renon, Denpasar — open Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm
- Jakarta: Multiple immigration offices (Kantor Imigrasi Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta Pusat, etc.) — check address closest to your accommodation
- Lombok: Kantor Imigrasi Mataram
- Yogyakarta: Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I TPI Yogyakarta
Timing Your Extension Application
Apply for your extension 3–7 days before your current VoA expires. Do not wait until the last day — if there are processing delays or the office is unexpectedly closed, you could inadvertently overstay. Immigration offices can process extensions in 1–2 business days, though same-day processing is sometimes possible in less busy offices.
After the Extension: What Are Your Options?
After the 60-day maximum on a VoA (initial 30 + one extension of 30), you must depart Indonesia. If you want to continue staying in Indonesia, your options are:
- Depart Indonesia and re-enter on a new VoA (subject to immigration officer assessment of your entry pattern)
- Before the 60 days expire, convert to a different visa type if eligible (e.g., B211A social visa — though this typically requires applying before arrival)
- Depart and apply for a B211A social visa for your next entry, which allows up to 180 days
7. VoA vs Other Visa Options
Here's how the VoA compares to other entry options for Indonesia:
| Feature | VoA (B213) | Free Exemption | B211A Social Visa | B211 Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $35 | Free | $150–250 | $25–50 |
| Initial stay | 30 days | 30 days | 60 days | 30–60 days |
| Max stay with extensions | 60 days | 30 days (no extension) | 180 days | 60 days |
| Apply in advance? | No (optional online pre-pay) | No | Yes (required) | Yes (required) |
| Sponsor required? | No | No | Yes | No |
| Best for | Short trips, most tourists | ASEAN nationals, quick visits | Long stays, digital nomads | Pre-planned tours, non-VoA nationals |
For the majority of international tourists visiting Bali or anywhere in Indonesia for up to 60 days, the Visa on Arrival remains the optimal choice — it requires no advance preparation, costs a modest $35, and can be extended if plans change. The B211A social visa becomes relevant when your stay will exceed 60 days or when you want the security of a longer authorized stay from the outset.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Indonesia on a Visa on Arrival?
No. The VoA is strictly a tourist visa that authorizes recreational activities, visiting family and friends, and short-term cultural experiences. It does not authorize working for Indonesian companies, providing services to Indonesian clients, or earning income from Indonesian sources. Working under a VoA is illegal under Indonesian immigration law and can result in fines of up to IDR 25 million, detention, deportation, and a multi-year re-entry ban. For those who need to work in Indonesia, the appropriate path is the KITAS work permit system.
Can I come back on a new VoA after the 60-day maximum?
Technically yes — there is no official legal rule prohibiting sequential VoA entries. However, Indonesian immigration officers have discretionary authority at the border, and a pattern of repeated short entries with departures right at the 60-day limit can attract scrutiny. Officers may question your purpose and plans if you've entered multiple times in quick succession. While many travelers do "visa runs" without issue, it's not an officially sanctioned long-stay mechanism, and the outcome at immigration is not guaranteed. For those planning extended presence in Indonesia, the B211A social visa or KITAS system is the legally appropriate and more secure path.
What if my country isn't on the VoA eligible list?
You will need to apply for a visa in advance at the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate. This will typically be a B211 tourist visa or a C1 visitor visa, depending on your purpose of travel. The application process involves submitting a passport, application form, photos, and supporting documents (itinerary, accommodation bookings, financial proof). Processing at embassies typically takes 5–10 business days. You can also check whether Indonesia's e-visa portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) accepts online applications from your nationality — some countries not on the VoA list can still apply via the online portal.
Is the VoA the same as a tourist visa?
Functionally they produce a similar result — entry authorization for tourism — but technically they are different documents. The VoA is formally the B213 visa, while the pre-arranged tourist visa is the B211. The key differences: the VoA is obtained on arrival without prior application, while the B211 must be applied for in advance. The VoA offers a 30-day initial stay (extendable once), while the B211 may offer 30–60 days depending on the issuing consulate's practice. For practical purposes, eligible travelers should use the VoA for its convenience. The B211 pre-arranged tourist visa is mainly relevant for citizens of non-VoA countries or travelers making specific arrangements that benefit from confirmed pre-arrival authorization.
About this guide
Written by the Indonesia Immigration Guide editorial team. IndoVisaGuide.com publishes practical, research-based immigration guides for expats, remote workers, and business travelers. Content is reviewed against official Directorate General of Immigration sources.
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