Before you join us on board for some perfect waves and cold Bintangs it’s important to know how to secure the right tourist visa for entry. Indonesia makes the process simple, offering two easy options depending on how you prefer to organize your travel.
Option 1: Visa on Arrival (VOA)
This option is processed when you land in Indonesia. It’s straightforward and ideal for travellers who prefer to sort things out at the airport.
Option 2: Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA)
This is the apply before you fly option. You complete the application online from home, pay in advance, and enjoy a smoother arrival experience with fewer queues.
Both visas allow you to enter Indonesia for tourism and stay for up to 30 days, with the option to extend once.
Below, you’ll find a clear, step by step guide for each visa type to help you choose the option that suits your travel style and ensure your arrival is as stress free as possible.
A Simple Step by Step Guide to Getting a Visa on Arrival in Indonesia
The process is straightforward once you know what to expect. This guide walks you through each step so you can breeze through the airport like a seasoned traveller.
- Follow the Signs to Visa on Arrival: After you step off the plane, follow the overhead signs for Immigration or Visa on Arrival. Indonesian airports are well marked, and staff are usually nearby to point you in the right direction if you’re unsure.
- Head to the VOA Payment Counter: Before you join the immigration queue, you’ll stop at the Visa on Arrival payment counter. This is where you pay for your visa.
- What you’ll need:
- Your passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- IDR 500,000 per person. This needs to be paid in Indonesian currency. Not any other currency. Best to have it ready before you arrive to ensure your visa application is smooth. Prices can change, so it’s always worth checking before you travel.
- Once you’ve paid, you’ll receive a VOA payment receipt. Keep it inside your passport. You’ll need to show it at immigration.
- Join the Immigration Queue. With your receipt in hand, head to the immigration line marked Visa on Arrival. At the counter, the officer will:
- Check your passport.
- Verify your payment receipt.
- Ask a few simple questions (e.g., length of stay, accommodation).
- Take your photo and fingerprints.
- You may get asked for your return ticket out of Indonesia. Have it printed and ready to show.
- This part usually takes just a few minutes unless the airport is busy.
- Receive Your Visa Stamp: Once everything is approved, the officer will place a 30 day Visa on Arrival stamp in your passport. This visa:
- Allows you to stay up to 30 days.
- Can be extended once for an additional 30 days (You can do this at an immigration office or through a visa agent).
- Collect Your Luggage: After immigration, follow the signs to Baggage Claim. Please make sure you have all your bags with you before you leave the airport. If your baggage doesn’t show up you will need to make a lost baggage claim at the airline counter. Keep your baggage tags with you.
- Clear Customs: Before exiting the airport, you’ll pass through customs. Indonesia now uses a digital customs declaration, which you can fill out before arrival or at kiosks in the terminal. You’ll receive a QR code to show to the customs officer. Fill out your digital customs declaration form before you arrive and screenshot the QR code and save it in your phone.
- Exit the Terminal and Begin Your Trip: Once you’re through customs, you’ll step into the arrivals hall where our drivers (if in Padang) will be waiting. If in Jakarta either walk to Anara Airport Hotel or meet your transport to your choice of hotel. Click here to read our guide on where to stay in Padang/Jakarta.
Tips for a Smooth VOA Experience
- Fill out your customs form online before landing to save time.
- Keep your passport accessible. You’ll need it several times.
- Have a screenshot of your accommodation booking in case immigration asks.
- Bring IDR500,000 in local currency with you. Clean new notes are better.
- Print your incoming and outgoing tickets. Have them ready to show.
- Make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months. You will be refused entry to Indonesia if your passport expiry is shorter than 6 months.
How to Apply for Indonesia’s e VOA Before You Arrive
Indonesia’s e VOA is designed for travellers who want a smoother arrival experience. By applying online, you can skip the payment counter queues and head directly to the immigration line. It’s especially helpful during peak travel seasons when airports get busy.
- Visit the Official Indonesian Immigration Website. Start by heading to the government’s official e Visa portal: www.evisa.imigrasi.go.id. This is the only legitimate site for applying directly, it’s secure, straightforward, and avoids the extra fees charged by third party agents.
- Create Your Account. You’ll need to register using your email address and create a password. Once your account is set up, you can log in and begin your application.
- Select the “Visitor Visa / e VOA” Option. From the dashboard, choose the Visitor Visa (Tourism) category. This is the standard visa for holidaymakers and is valid for 30 days, with the option to extend once for an additional 30 days.
- Prepare Your Required Documents. Before filling out the form, make sure you have the following ready to upload:
- A passport scan (valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date).
- A recent passport-style photo.
- Your return or onward flight ticket (sometimes requested).
- Accommodation details, such as a hotel booking or host address.
- Complete the Online Application Form. The form is simple and takes only a few minutes. You’ll enter your personal details, passport information, and travel dates. Double check everything before submitting to avoid delays.
- Pay the Visa Fee Online. As of January 2026 he e VOA costs IDR 500,000, the same price as the Visa on Arrival at the airport. Payment can be made using:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Once your payment is processed, your application moves into the approval stage.
- Receive Your e VOA Approval. Approval usually arrives quickly, often within minutes, though it can take a few hours during busy periods. You’ll receive an email with your approved visa attached as a PDF.
- Download it, save it to your phone, and keep a printed copy if you like extra peace of mind.
- On Arrival: Use the e VOA Immigration Lane. When you land in Indonesia, follow the signs for Visa on Arrival / e VOA. Show your passport and your approved e VOA to the immigration officer, and they’ll stamp you in for 30 days. No payment queues. No extra steps. Just a smooth entry into the country.
Tips for a Smooth eVOA Experience
- Apply at least a few days before your trip, just in case.
- Make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months.
- Keep your accommodation and flight details handy for immigration.
- Save your e VOA PDF in multiple places (email, phone, cloud).
- If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, remember you can extend once from inside Indonesia.
- Print your incoming and outgoing tickets. Have them ready to show.
- Make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months. You will be refused entry to Indonesia if your passport expiry is shorter than 6 months.