Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded e-VOA Access
Indonesia has streamlined its electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) system for 2026, allowing online applications from more countries with faster processing times under 24 hours. The fee remains IDR 500,000 (€30), valid for 30 days and extendable once. This digital option eliminates airport queues for eligible travelers.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in Indonesia, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and visas.
Ensure no damage to the passport, as this can lead to entry denial; renew early if needed to avoid complications at immigration.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens from over 160 countries, including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, and Canada, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes.
This stay is non-extendable, so plan accordingly; overstaying incurs fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day and potential deportation.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available at major airports like Jakarta and Bali for 90+ nationalities, the VOA costs IDR 500,000 and allows a 30-day stay, extendable for another 30 days at immigration offices.
Apply on arrival or via e-VOA online; required documents include a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
e-Visa Applications
For longer stays or specific purposes, apply for an e-Visa through the official Indonesian immigration website, with fees starting at IDR 1,500,000 for single-entry visas valid up to 60 days.
Processing takes 3-5 business days; submit scans of passport, photos, itinerary, and financial proof (at least IDR 2,000,000 per day).
Health & Vaccination Rules
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but yellow fever is required if arriving from endemic areas; hepatitis A/B and typhoid are recommended for all.
COVID-19 rules have been lifted, but carry vaccination proof; comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is advised due to remote island access.
Visa Extensions & Overstay
Extensions for VOA or visa-free stays can be applied for at local immigration offices up to seven days before expiry, costing IDR 500,000 per 30 days.
Avoid overstays by monitoring dates closely; fines are steep, and repeated violations can lead to bans from re-entering Indonesia.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Jakarta or Bali by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for domestic flights between islands.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at warungs (small eateries) for authentic meals under IDR 50,000, skipping touristy restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs.
Street food markets in Yogyakarta or Bali offer fresh satay and gado-gado at bargain prices, with vegetarian options abundant.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for multi-ride cards like Jakarta's KRL Commuter Line pass at IDR 20,000/day, or inter-island ferries for budget island-hopping.
Domestic flight deals on Garuda Indonesia or Lion Air can cost under IDR 500,000 with advance booking, including free baggage.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Bali, rice terraces in Ubud, or Borobudur at sunrise without guides, which are cost-free and immersive.
Many temples and national parks have nominal entry fees (IDR 50,000), but hiking trails and viewpoints are often gratis.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and resorts, but carry cash for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where ATMs are scarce.
Use bank ATMs for withdrawals to get better rates; avoid airport exchanges and inform your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
Multi-Site Passes
Purchase a Bali Arts Festival pass or Yogyakarta cultural combo ticket for IDR 200,000, covering multiple temples and museums.
It pays for itself after 3-4 sites and includes discounts on local transport, ideal for heritage-focused itineraries.
Smart Packing for Indonesia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and modest temple visits.
Include quick-dry items, sarongs for cultural sites, and swimwear for beaches; layers for cooler highland areas like Bandung.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F), portable power bank for island hopping, waterproof phone case, and offline maps like Maps.me.
Download translation apps for Bahasa Indonesia and a VPN for reliable internet in remote spots; solar chargers are handy for off-grid adventures.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with antidiarrheals, motion sickness meds for ferries, and vaccinations record.
Pack high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, DEET mosquito repellent for dengue-prone areas, and water purification tablets for rural hydration.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack for volcano hikes, reusable water bottle, dry bag for boat trips, and a money belt for security in crowds.
Include passport copies, emergency cash in IDR, and a lightweight rain poncho; compression bags save space for multi-island packing.
Footwear Strategy
Choose flip-flops or sandals for beaches and daily wear, sturdy hiking boots for Mount Bromo treks, and water shoes for snorkeling reefs.
Waterproof options are essential due to sudden showers; break in shoes beforehand to handle long walks on uneven temple paths.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, aloe vera for sunburn, wide-brim hat, and electrolyte packets for humidity-induced dehydration.
Include wet wipes and laundry soap for extended stays; eco-friendly products respect Indonesia's sensitive environments like coral reefs.
When to Visit Indonesia
Dry Season Start (March-May)
Transition from wet to dry with warm temperatures of 25-30°C and decreasing rain, ideal for exploring Java's temples like Borobudur without crowds.
Shoulder season means lower prices on accommodations and flights, perfect for cultural festivals and early beach hopping in Lombok.
Peak Dry Season (June-August)
Best time overall with sunny skies, low humidity, and temperatures around 28-32°C, great for diving in Raja Ampat and hiking Rinjani volcano.
High season brings crowds to Bali but offers vibrant events like the Bali Arts Festival; book ahead for popular spots.
Shoulder Dry/Wet (September-November)
Milder weather at 26-30°C with occasional showers, excellent for surfing in Sumatra and wildlife spotting in Komodo National Park.
Fewer tourists mean better deals, and it's prime for cultural experiences like Nyepi in Bali with harvest festivals across islands.
Wet Season (December-February)
Rainy but budget-friendly with temperatures of 24-29°C, suited for indoor activities like spa retreats in Ubud or city exploration in Jakarta.
Shorter bursts of rain allow for off-peak adventures; Christmas and New Year bring festive vibes, though some remote areas may flood.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs widespread in cities; exchange rates fluctuate around 15,000-16,000 IDR per USD. Cards accepted in tourist areas but cash needed for markets.
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia is official. English is common in Bali and tourist hubs, but basic phrases help in rural areas like Sumatra.
- Time Zone: Three zones: WIB (UTC+7 Jakarta), WITA (UTC+8 Bali), WIT (UTC+9 Papua)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for all services (police, medical, fire); 110 for police, 118 for ambulance
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; add 5-10% at restaurants or IDR 10,000-20,000 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas to prevent stomach issues
- Pharmacies: Apoteks available everywhere. Look for green cross signs; staff can advise on common tropical ailments