Visas for Indonesia can trip up even seasoned travellers, as the government is known to amend regulations at short notice. Citizens of ASEAN countries and a handful of others enjoy visa-free entry for short stays, while visitors from around 80 countries can pick up a visa on arrival. For longer stays, the permit system is more involved, and the rules shift often enough that checking ahead of any trip is well worth the effort.
This guide covers tourist and residence permits in Indonesia. It’s always wise to get in touch with a nearby Indonesian embassy before travel, as regulations can change without significant prior notice.
Tourist visas for Indonesia
Tourist visas for Indonesia come in two main flavours: the visa on arrival for shorter trips and the single-entry visa for stays of up to six months. Nationals of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, or apply for an electronic visa on arrival (e-VoA) online before flying, a popular option that skips the queue. In either case, visitors must produce an onward or return ticket. Visitors must also hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their date of arrival in Indonesia.
Standard tourist (single entry) visas allow an initial stay of up to 60 days, which can be extended in-country for a total stay of up to 180 days. Tourist visas obtained on arrival allow a stay of up to 30 days, extendable once for an additional 30 days (a maximum of 60 days).
Expats planning to do business in Indonesia will need to apply for their visit visa ahead of time. During the application process, they will need to submit documents from the companies involved stating the nature of the business to be conducted.
Visitors from all ASEAN countries, as well as from Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong, Peru, Suriname, and Turkey, among others, are eligible for visa-free entry for up to 30 days. This visa exemption cannot be extended; travellers who want the flexibility to stay longer should opt for the visa-on-arrival instead.
Useful links
- Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration
- Indonesian Immigration: Official e-Visa and e-VoA Portal
Residence permits for Indonesia
Residence permits for Indonesia fall into two main categories: limited stay permits for those on work, investment, retirement or family visas, and permanent stay permits for long-term residents.
Limited stay permit
Expats intending to stay in Indonesia for a period beyond that covered by a tourist visa will need to obtain a limited stay permit, also called an ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas). The ITAS for foreigners employed in Indonesia is typically valid for one year, although validity periods range from six months to five years. An ITAS can be renewed for the same period it was initially granted, up to a maximum total stay of around six years for most categories. After this, holders typically convert to a permanent stay permit (KITAP) or apply for a new permit.
Permanent stay permit
After holding a limited stay permit for several consecutive years, typically three to five, you become eligible to apply for a permanent stay permit, also known as a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap). The KITAP is valid for five years and is renewable. Expats married to Indonesian nationals can apply after just two years.
Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI)
The Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) scheme is a long-term and permanent stay pathway for foreign nationals with strong ties to Indonesia. The scheme is open to former Indonesian citizens (foreign passport holders who previously held Indonesian nationality), their spouses, their children, and their grandchildren (up to the second degree of descent), as well as children from mixed marriages with an Indonesian parent.
The centrepiece of the GCI is an indefinite, unlimited stay permit with multiple re-entry rights. Some subcategories offer five- or ten-year limited stay permits instead. The GCI is a residency scheme, and it doesn’t confer citizenship or automatic work rights, so you would still need to get authorisation to work in Indonesia.
Useful links
- Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration
- Indonesian Immigration: Official e-Visa Portal (GCI Applications)
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.