A visa is an indication that the individual who is holding the document is authorized to enter the country that issued it.  However, the possession of a visa is not in itself a guarantee of entry.  Rather, the issuing country may revoke a visa at any time.  The principal purpose of a visa is to enable the host country to verify the identity of the visa applicant before they enter into the country. 

Indonesian Business Visas

Asia has become a common area for U.S. companies to do business, and travel there is often necessary.  Indonesia requires that United States travelers show a valid passport and a valid Indonesian visa when entering the country.  In order to obtain an Indonesian business visa, you must submit an application to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

United States citizens may apply for single or multiple-entry business visas that are valid for 90 days – meaning that the holder must enter Indonesia within 90 days of issuance.   Single entry visas authorize the holder to enter Indonesia once for up to a 60 day visit.  Multiple-entry business visas allow the holder to visit several times within a year.  However, the time spent in Indonesia over the life of the visa cannot exceed 60 days. 

How to Apply

In order to qualify for an Indonesian business visa, you have to first fill out the application, which can be found online.  After the application has been completed you must print, sign, and mail (or hand deliver) two copies to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia:

Consular Division (Visa)

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia

2020 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20036

The regular processing time for an Indonesian business visa is three business days from the date when the visa application was dropped off or received via mail.  In addition to the application form, the following is required of the applicant:

Passport - Your original passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry to Indonesia for single entry visa applicants.  It must expire at minimum one year after the date of entry for multiple entry visa applicants.  All applicants must have one visa page left blank.  Amendment and endorsement pages cannot be used for visa purposes.

Photographs – Two recent passport size color photographs on picture quality paper with a clear background are required.

Fees – Single entry visa applicants must pay a fee of $45.  Multiple entry visa applicants must pay a fee of $100.  The visa fee is payable by cash, money order, or company check payable to the Embassy of Indonesia.  Cash is only available as an option for in-person applicants at the Embassy. 

There are several additional requirements for Indonesian business visa applicants.  He or she must provide two copies of a letter of intent from their employer or sponsor describing the nature of the visit and guaranteeing all traveling and living expenses for the duration.  If it is a multiple entry business visa application, the applicant must provide two copies of a letter of invitation from the business partner or sponsor in Indonesia. 

Lastly, it is important to note that there are several regions in Indonesia where foreign citizens are not permitted to travel without special written permission:  Poso, Irian Jaya/West Papua.  Make sure to advise the Embassy or Consulates General about any intention to visit these areas.  Any visitor entering these areas without permission is subject to arrest, detention, and will be prosecuted under Indonesian law.  In order to obtain permission to visit these areas, contact the director at one of the Consulates General.