Visa

Indonesia visa laws change frequently so always check the latest situation before travelling. All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and have proof of onward or return passage.

Currently citizens from 169 countries qualify for 30-day visa-free entry. The list includes all European countries, Usa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. This visa-free arrangement is non-extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days you have two choices.

• You can apply in advance for a visa (30 or 60 days) from an indonesian embassy; fees vary per country. It’s an (absurdly) complicated process in some countries and may require a recent bank statement showing a minimum balance (the UK specifies £1000), a recent letter from your employer, educational establishment, bank manager, accountant or solicitor certifying your obligation to return home/leave indonesia by the designated date.
• Alternatively, citizens of 61 countries (including most EU nations, UK, Usa, Usa, Canada, australia, New Zealand and south africa) can pay for a 30-day visa on arrival (which are extendable for another 30 days) at one of the country’s 44 designated gateway ports. Bali’s airports are visa-issuing gateways. The fee is $35, payable in US dollars or other currencies. Visa extensions can be arranged at immigration offices (kantor imigrasi) in Denpasar & Kuta; you need to apply at least a week before your existing visa expires. The extension price is Rp250,000, with an extra charge levied locally if you want your paperwork fast-tracked. You will need to fill out various forms, submit two passport photos and pay to have relevant passport pages photo copied. Travel agents can do all this for you, for a fee of course.