Traveling to Indonesia (including Bali, Jakarta, and other popular islands) requires a specific type of entry document for all foreign visitors. Indonesia offers an efficient digital entry document called the Indonesia Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA), which is the easiest way for U.S. citizens to secure their short-term travel authorization before they travel to Indonesia. (See our main Indonesia visa guide for other visa types).
The Indonesia e-VOA simplifies your arrival by allowing you to pre-process your visa online, avoiding the payment and processing lines at the airport when you land. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to obtain your Indonesia e-VOA quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is an Indonesia e-VOA?
- Do I Need an Indonesia e-VOA?
- E-VOA Features: Validity and Stay Limits
- Applying for Your Indonesia e-VOA: Direct vs. Assisted
- The Official Indonesia e-VOA Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Mandatory Arrival & Customs Forms (In Addition to e-VOA)
- Other Entry Requirements & Checks
- Indonesia e-VOA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Indonesia e-VOA?
The Indonesia e-VOA is a specific type of short-term tourist visa that allows you to apply and pay online before traveling to Indonesia. It is not the same as a standard, pre-arranged visa, which typically allows for longer stays or different purposes like work or study. The Indonesia e-VOA is electronically linked to your US passport number and is digitally issued for tourism, business meetings, or transit purposes.
Do I Need an Indonesia e-VOA?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need an e-VOA to enter Indonesia for tourism or short business visits. The e-VOA is the most convenient type of visa for most foreign travelers.
You must get an Indonesia e-VOA if you are:
- Traveling for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or purchasing goods.
- Transit through Indonesia.
- Planning to stay for an initial period of up to 30 days.
Note: The Indonesia e-VOA is required for all visitors, including children and infants. It is a single-entry visa, valid for up to 30 days initially, with the option for one extension.
E-VOA Features: Validity and Stay Limits
The Indonesia e-VOA offers clear limits and a specific framework for short-term stays.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee: | IDR 500,000 (approx. $35 USD), plus potential card service fees. |
| Validity (Entry Window): | Must be used to enter Indonesia within 90 days of issue. |
| Duration of Stay: | 30 days (initial), extendable once for a maximum total stay of 60 days. |
| Use: | Single entry only. |
Applying for Your Indonesia e-VOA: Direct vs. Assisted
When it comes to obtaining your Indonesia e-VOA, you have a choice in how you apply.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating government websites and uploading multiple documents, applying directly through the official Indonesian eVisa portal is the most cost-effective method.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified process and expert review, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the process with a clear interface and provides an expert review of your application before it's submitted. This helps eliminate common mistakes that could lead to delays or denial. You also get 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and the ability to manage documents for hundreds of destinations worldwide.
The Official Indonesia e-VOA Process: A 3-Step Guide
The e-VOA application must be completed entirely online. Note: This e-VOA is the first mandatory document. You will also need to complete a separate Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) and an Arrival Card before you fly (covered below).
| Processing Time (Standard): | Typically processed within 5 working days. |
| Recommendation: | Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance of your trip. |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date).
- A recent color photograph.
- Proof of a return or onward flight ticket.
- The name and address of your accommodation in Indonesia.
- A credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or JCB) for payment.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official eVisa website or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Register an account using your email address.
- Fill out the visa form with your personal details and upload the required documents (passport, photo, flight ticket).
Step 3: Pay and Receive Your e-VOA
- Pay the non-refundable IDR 500,000 fee (approx. $35 USD).
- Double-check all your information for accuracy.
- Submit your application.
- Processing Time: E-VOA applications are typically processed within 5 working days.
- Once approved, you will receive the official e-VOA document via email.
- You must print this document or keep a digital copy to present at the immigration counter upon arrival. Having an e-VOA also makes you eligible to use the e-gates at major airports.
Mandatory Arrival & Customs Forms (In Addition to e-VOA)
An approved e-VOA does not complete your entry requirements. All travelers must also complete two other mandatory online forms before arrival:
- Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD): You must submit this online using the official government portal before your arrival.
- Arrival Card Submission: All travelers must also submit an online Arrival Card (separate from the e-VOA) within 3 days before arrival.
Other Entry Requirements & Checks
The e-VOA permits you to travel, but final admission remains at the discretion of Indonesian Immigration officials. An approved e-VOA does not guarantee entry into Indonesia. Be prepared to show:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your date of arrival.
- Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of a ticket for your departure from Indonesia.
Indonesia e-VOA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Yes. The e-VOA can be extended once for an additional 30 days, giving you a maximum total stay of 60 days. This extension must be applied for at the local Immigration Office in Indonesia before your initial 30 days expire.
A: No. After the single extension (maximum 60 days total), you must leave Indonesia. You cannot convert the e-VOA to any other visa type (like a long-term stay permit) while inside the country.
A: The e-VOA is a single-entry visa. If you leave Indonesia, you must obtain a new e-VOA or another valid visa to re-enter the country.
A: No. The e-VOA is a specific short-term entry visa designed for quick, online processing for tourism and short business trips. Regular visas are often for longer stays or non-tourism purposes (work, study) and typically require more extensive documentation and sponsorship.
A: The official government fee for the e-VOA is IDR 500,000 (approximately $35 USD).
Need a fast, simple way to secure your Indonesia e-VOA? Apply for your Indonesia e-VOA quickly and securely with iVisa today! Save your application and continue anytime, enjoy expert review, 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and complete confidence in your travel documents.
