Obtaining a visa to visit Indonesia involves a series of crucial steps and essential documents to prepare. Whether you're on holiday in Bali, on a business trip to Jakarta, or exploring the Komodo islands, it's worth understanding the formalities for entering and staying in this South-East Asian country.
French Embassy in Jakarta
One of the first steps in preparing your trip to Indonesia should be to consult theFrench Embassy in Jakarta. This site is a valuable source of up-to-date information on entry requirements, travel recommendations and, of course, the steps you need to take to obtain an visa. In certain cases, it is possible to apply for a visa on arrival or a e-Visadepending on the length of stay and the reason for the visit. However, these options are not available for all passport types or travel purposes.
How do I get a visa for Indonesia?
La procedure for obtaining a visa for Indonesia varies according to the type of visa required. Here is an overview of the main categories:
- Tourist Visa For people who want to visit Indonesia for tourism or to visit their loved ones.
- Business Visa For those planning a business trip to Indonesia.
- Social/Cultural Visa for a cultural, educational or social visit.
Each of these visas has its own requirements in terms of documentation and procedure. Most applicants will need to provide a valid passport, a passport photo, and proof of stay such as a return ticket and hotel reservation. Some visas, such as the business visa, may require letters of invitation from local business partners.
For those who need extend their visa during their stay, specific procedures must be followed, often involving a visit to local immigration well before the initial visa expires.

Visa validation and checks on arrival
Once the visa has been obtained, it is essential to ensure that all the information is correct and matches the passport details. On arrival in Indonesia, travellers should present themselves at checkpoints with their passport, visa and supporting documents. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your travel insurance covering medical expenses and possible repatriation.
| Type of visa | Validity | Length of stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 60 days | 30 to 60 days |
| Business Visa | 90 days | 60 days, renewable |
| Social/Cultural Visa | 60 days | 30 days, renewable up to 180 days |
All in all, travelling to Indonesia requires careful preparation, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa. Contact theFrench Embassy in JakartaSelecting the right visa for your trip, carefully preparing the required documents and understanding the procedures for extending your visa are all key steps to a successful stay in Indonesia.
