Planning a trip to Labuan Bajo or anywhere in Indonesia? Before you arrive, it’s important to understand the entry rules and prepare the right documents. This guide covers everything from passport requirements to visa options, the All Indonesia Arrival Card, and the new Bali tourist levy.
By following this checklist, you’ll avoid surprises at the airport and enjoy a smooth start to your journey.
Passport Requirements
Your passport is the key document for entering Indonesia. Make sure it meets the following conditions:
- Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Immigration is strict on this rule.
- Condition: Keep your passport in good shape. Passports with torn pages or water damage may not be accepted.
- Blank Pages: At least one empty page is required for immigration stamps.
- Emergency Passports: Temporary or emergency passports are not valid for Visa on Arrival (VOA). If you have one, check other visa options before you travel.
Indonesian Visa Options
Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you have several options for entering Indonesia:
Visa-Free Entry
- Eligibility: Citizens of 13 countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam).
- Duration: Up to 30 days.
- Purpose: Tourism only.
- Limitations: Cannot be extended or changed into another visa.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Eligibility: Citizens of 90+ countries including USA, UK, Australia, and EU.
- Duration: 30 days; extendable once for another 30 days.
- Cost: IDR 500,000 (~USD 35).
- Where to Get: Available at major airports and seaports.
- Requirements: Passport valid for 6+ months, proof of onward or return ticket, and visa fee.
Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)
- Apply Online: evisa.imigrasi.go.id before departure.
- Duration & Cost: Same as VOA.
- Payment: Visa, Mastercard, or JCB.
- Benefits: Faster entry, avoid queues, and easier to extend online.
Tip: Use your phone to apply. The system scans your passport photo and fills in your details automatically.
Single Entry Tourist Visa
- Duration: 60 days; extendable twice (up to 180 days).
- Cost: IDR 1,000,000 (~USD 65).
- Application: Online or through an Indonesian consulate.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
- Duration: Up to 60 days per visit.
- Validity: 1, 3, or 5 years.
- Cost: Starts from IDR 3,000,000 (~USD 200).
- Perfect for: Frequent travelers to Indonesia.
Other Visa Types
For business, study, work, or investment visas, visit the official immigration website or contact the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country.
Return or Onward Ticket
To enter Indonesia, you must show proof of a return or onward flight.
- Why: To make sure travelers don’t overstay their visa.
- Without It: You may be denied entry or asked to buy a ticket immediately at the airport.
- Travel Tip: Match your return flight date with the visa you’re using.
All Indonesia Arrival Card (Starting August 2025)
Indonesia now uses a unified digital arrival card that combines customs and health forms.
- Who needs it: All travelers, including Indonesian citizens.
- When to fill: Within 3 days before your flight.
- Where to apply: allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id.
- What you get: A QR code to show at immigration.
Before August 2025, travelers must still fill out:
- Customs Declaration: ecd.beacukai.go.id
- SATUSEHAT Health Pass: sshp.kemkes.go.id
Bali Tourist Tax
If your trip includes Bali, note that a tourist levy has been introduced:
- Cost: IDR 150,000 (~USD 10) per person.
- Payment Options: Online at lovebali.baliprov.go.id or at the airport in Bali.
- Purpose: Supports environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Indonesia Entry Checklist
Here’s a quick recap of what you’ll need for a smooth entry:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Correct visa (Visa-Free, VOA, or e-VOA)
- All Indonesia Arrival Card (digital form)
- Bali tourist tax (only if visiting Bali)
Travel Tips Before You Arrive
- Book your accommodation in advance.
- Keep both digital and printed copies of your documents.
- Apply for an e-VOA online to save time at the airport.
- Double-check entry requirements before you fly — rules may change.
⚠️ Important: Official Indonesian websites use “.go.id” domains (e.g., indonesia.go.id, evisa.imigrasi.go.id). Be careful with non-official sites.
