Getting an Indonesian Tourist Visa in the U.S.

Jurisdiction: 

Area of Law: 

 

Indonesia

 

A visa is an indication that the person holding the document has been authorized to enter the country that issued it. Nevertheless, 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 function of a visa is to enable the host country to verify the identity of the visa applicant before they enter into the country. 

 

Indonesian Tourist visas

 

Indonesia is a very popular travel destination for tourists.  Indonesia requires that United States travelers present a valid passport and a valid Indonesian visa when entering the country.  In order to obtain an Indonesian tourist visa, you must submit an application to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

 

United States citizens may apply for single entry or multiple entry tourist 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 tourist 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 tourist visa, you have to first fill out the application.  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 tourist 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 tourist visa applicants.  The applicant must provide a copy of his or her round trip itinerary.  An applicant also must provide a letter of employment, indicating the applicant’s employment status. If the applicant is retired, then he or she must provide proof of a retirement fund.  Students can provide a letter of intent from their school stating that they are enrolled at the school.  A copy of the applicant’s bank statement within two weeks of the visit is also required to confirm that he or she has sufficient funds to finance his or her stay.

 

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.