Indonesia

The most significant holiday in Indonesia is Eid al-Fitr, locally known as Lebaran. Celebrated by the majority Muslim population, this holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Millions of Indonesians travel to their hometowns to reunite with family, resulting in increased transportation demand and higher accommodation prices in many destinations. Travelers are advised to plan and book well in advance during this period.

Indonesia is also known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, with festivals celebrated across its many islands. In Bali, the Hindu New Year known as Nyepi is one of the most unique events, during which the entire island observes a day of silence and all activities, including flights, are temporarily suspended. Other notable celebrations include the Bali Arts Festival and various local cultural festivals that showcase Indonesia's diverse traditions and heritage.

Visa Exemption

Indonesia grants visa-free entry to citizens of selected countries for short tourism visits. The list of eligible countries and the duration of stay may change according to Indonesian immigration regulations.

You need to meet the following conditions under Indonesian immigration law:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

• You must possess a return or onward ticket.

• Visitors must comply with the permitted duration of stay granted upon entry.

• Visa-exempt travelers may enter Indonesia through designated international airports and seaports.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Citizens of many countries are eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when entering Indonesia. The VOA is generally issued for tourism purposes and can be extended according to current immigration regulations.

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

Indonesia offers an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) and other online visa services through its official immigration portal.

Official website:

https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id

Travelers can apply online before departure, making the immigration process faster and more convenient. Processing times vary depending on visa type and applicant nationality.

Requirements

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.

• Passport-sized photograph (if required).

• Confirmed return or onward ticket.

• Proof of accommodation or travel arrangements.

• Visa fee payment (if applicable).

Visa Fee

The visa fee depends on the visa type selected and the applicant's nationality. Travelers should verify the latest fees through the official Indonesian Immigration website before applying.

Urgent Visa

In exceptional circumstances, travelers should contact the nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate for guidance regarding urgent visa applications and emergency travel documentation.

Fast Track Services

Fast Track immigration services are available at selected Indonesian international airports, including airports in Jakarta and Bali. Travelers may request this service for an additional fee to facilitate a quicker arrival process.

BY AIR:

Visitors can easily enter Indonesia by air, as the country is well connected to major destinations across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and North America through an extensive international flight network. As the world's largest archipelago, air travel is the most convenient way to travel between Indonesia's islands and regions.

Travelers can arrive through several international airports. Some of the busiest airports in Indonesia include:

• Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), located in Jakarta.

• Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), located in Bali.

• Juanda International Airport (SUB), located in Surabaya.

• Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), located in Medan.

• Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG), located in Makassar.

BY LAND:

Indonesia is an island nation, therefore international land border crossings are limited. Travelers can enter Indonesia by land from neighboring countries through designated border checkpoints.

Border between Indonesia and Malaysia:

• Entikong (West Kalimantan) – Tebedu (Sarawak, Malaysia)

• Aruk (West Kalimantan) – Biawak (Sarawak, Malaysia)

• Nanga Badau (West Kalimantan) – Lubok Antu (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Border between Indonesia and Timor-Leste:

• Motaain (East Nusa Tenggara)

• Motamasin (East Nusa Tenggara)

• Wini (East Nusa Tenggara)

Border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea:

• Skouw (Papua Province)

Please note that travelers entering Indonesia via land borders must comply with Indonesian immigration regulations and visa requirements applicable to their nationality before crossing the border.

BY SEA:

As an archipelagic country consisting of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia can also be accessed by sea through several international ferry terminals and seaports.

Some popular international sea entry points include:

• Batam Ferry Terminal (Riau Islands), connecting Indonesia with Singapore and Malaysia.

• Bintan Ferry Terminal (Riau Islands), connecting Indonesia with Singapore.

• Benoa Port (Bali), welcoming international cruise ships and yachts.

• Tanjung Priok Port (Jakarta), Indonesia's largest seaport and an important international cruise gateway.

Travelers arriving by sea must complete immigration and customs procedures at the designated international ports of entry.

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Approximate exchange rate:

1 USD = 16,000 IDR (exchange rates may vary depending on market conditions).

Foreign currencies can be exchanged easily in major cities and tourist destinations such as Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, and Lombok. Exchange rates may vary from one exchange office to another, therefore we recommend exchanging money at authorized money changers or banks for the best rates. Avoid exchanging money with unofficial street vendors.

ATM AND CREDIT CARDS

International credit and debit cards such as VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and tourist areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the country, particularly in urban centers and popular destinations.

When using a foreign card, banks may charge a small transaction or withdrawal fee. Cash withdrawn from ATMs will be dispensed in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Please note that some remote islands and rural areas may have limited access to ATMs and card payment facilities. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling outside major tourist regions.

TIPS

Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia, but it is appreciated for good service and has become increasingly common in tourist areas.

For example, you may tip your guide after a full day or several days of touring. Drivers, luggage porters, and hotel staff may also receive small gratuities as a gesture of appreciation.

In restaurants, some establishments already include a service charge in the bill. If no service charge is included, leaving a small tip is always appreciated but not expected.

When visiting temples, mosques, or cultural sites, donation boxes are often available for visitors wishing to contribute to the maintenance of the site. These contributions are voluntary and are considered donations rather than tips.

VACCINATIONS

Officially, no vaccinations are required to enter Indonesia, except for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, who may be required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

However, if you travel to Indonesia, it is recommended that your routine vaccinations are up to date before departure. Vaccinations against Tetanus, Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B are commonly recommended for international travelers.

Depending on the areas you plan to visit and the duration of your stay, additional vaccinations or preventive measures may be advised. We recommend consulting your doctor or travel health clinic before traveling.

HEALTH ADVICE

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially in tropical and humid regions.

• Do not drink tap water. Bottled or filtered water is recommended.

• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

• Avoid consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables. Choose freshly prepared food whenever possible.

• Be cautious when consuming ice in remote areas where water quality may be uncertain.

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing appropriate clothing, particularly in rural or forested areas.

• Most importantly, trust your instincts. If food does not appear fresh or hygienic, avoid eating it and be cautious when purchasing food from street vendors.

• Keep a light jacket or sweater with you, as air conditioning in hotels, airports, shopping malls, and transportation can sometimes be quite cold.

Police: 110

Ambulance: 118 or 119

Fire Department: 113

Pre-Departure Tasks

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Indonesia and that you have the correct visa or travel authorization if required. Please check the latest visa requirements before departure. We also recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, baggage loss, and trip cancellation.

Consult your doctor regarding any recommended vaccinations and medications before traveling.

Clothes

Indonesia has a tropical climate throughout the year, with warm temperatures, high humidity, and occasional rainfall depending on the season and region.

• Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing is recommended.

• Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight trousers can help protect against the sun and mosquitoes.

• Comfortable underwear made from breathable fabrics is advisable.

• Sleepwear suitable for warm temperatures.

• T-shirts and casual clothing for everyday activities.

• A light sweater or jacket may be useful in air-conditioned environments, mountain areas, or during cooler evenings.

• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho, especially during the rainy season.

• Swimsuit for beaches, islands, and resort areas. When visiting local communities, modest clothing is recommended.

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the tropical sun.

• Comfortable walking shoes or trekking shoes for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• Waterproof sandals or flip-flops for beach destinations and boat trips.

• Smart casual clothing for evenings, restaurants, or special occasions