Indonesia

Passport validity requirements

To enter Indonesia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Indonesia.

You can get a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) for:

• tourism  
• visiting family or friends 
• some business activities and official meetings 
• buying goods 
• official government visits 

The VOA is not suitable for all business activities, volunteering, influencer work, or creating commercial online content. If you plan to create sponsored social media content, work as an influencer, or produce online content for commercial purposes while in Indonesia, you may need a different type of visa.  

Check which visa you need on the Indonesian immigration website. 

The VOA costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah and can be paid by cash or card. It is valid for single entry only.  

To get a VOA, your passport must meet Indonesia’s entry requirements, and you must have proof of your onward or return journey. Most of the main airports and seaports issue VOAs. 

You can also apply online for a visa before you travel using the Indonesian immigration website. Apply at least one week before you leave. You can choose from several visa options, including multiple-entry visas and 60-day visas. 

Make sure your visa is approved before you arrive in Indonesia. If it is not approved before you travel, you may only be able to get a 30-day VOA. A visa approved after you enter Indonesia is not valid and you could face penalties for overstaying.

All Indonesia Declaration Form

Before travelling to Indonesia, fill out the online customs and health declaration on the All Indonesia arrival card website or app within 72 hours of arrival. The All Indonesia arrival card is a service free of charge and travellers should avoid accessing alternative websites or email links that request payment for this service.

After completing the form, you can also use the All Indonesia app to apply for a visa.

Extending your visa or residence permit

The 30-day visa can be extended once, for another 30 days, at any immigration office within Indonesia. If you applied online, you can get the extension on the Indonesian immigration website.

Make sure you extend your visa within the initial 30 days to avoid an overstay fine of 1 million rupiah a day.

KITAS extension (stay or work permit)

If you’re a KITAS holder with an expired stay permit, you can apply for an extension from outside Indonesia through a sponsor. The sponsor must submit the application to the immigration office attaching a copy of your passport and proof of your departure from Indonesia. The application is submitted without biometric sampling. The sponsor must report your arrival within 30 days.  

Visa scams

Beware of visa scams by fake visa agents who, having taken your money, may fail to provide a visa or supply the wrong visa. This could result in you overstaying and getting a fine of 1 million rupiah a day, plus possible deportation and a re-entry ban. Use the Indonesian immigration website to get or extend your visa.

Visa scams are increasing in Indonesia. Some travellers have lost significant amounts of money. Others have been deported despite paying a large fee to an agent to get the correct visa or extension.

Travellers are advised to use only the official government links provided via the FCDO travel advice to reduce the risk of engaging with fraudulent services.

Not following visa conditions

Using the wrong type of visa, or staying in Indonesia after your visa expires, is taken very seriously. It can lead to prosecution, detention and deportation at your own cost. The cost of overstaying your visa is one million rupiah a day.

If your visa will expire while you are in hospital or in detention, contact Indonesian Immigration before it expires to avoid any overstay fines.

You can find more information about visa overstays, deportation and how the British Embassy in Jakarta can help in these situations.

Registering with the police 

If you stay in private accommodation in Indonesia, you must register your presence with the local police at the nearest police station. You could be fined 5 million Indonesian rupiah if you do not register. If you’re staying in a hotel, you will be registered automatically.

Bali tourist levy

The Bali provincial government has introduced a tourist levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately £8) for all foreign tourists arriving in Bali. You can pay online or on arrival. See the Bali provincial government website for more details.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Indonesia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Indonesia guide.

Departure tax

Airport tax is included in the cost of all domestic flights within Indonesia. For some international flights departing Indonesia, airport departure tax might not be included in the price of the ticket. Check with your airline or travel agent before you travel.

Emergency services in Indonesia

Ambulance: 118

Fire: 112

Police: 110

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually need you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO provides guidance on how to help yourself stay safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Indonesia
• dealing with a death in Indonesia
• being arrested in Indonesia
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Indonesia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Volcanic eruptions

Volcanic eruptions occur frequently across Indonesia. In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the latest advice issued by the local authorities, including on areas to avoid, exclusion zones and actions to take if air quality is affected.

For more details, see Extreme weather and natural disasters on the Safety and security page.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Commercial options to leave Indonesia remain available, but your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.Before you travel: 

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice  

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Ramadan in Indonesia is from 19 February to 20 March 2026. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
• be patient and show tolerance

Balinese New Year

Balinese New Year (‘Nyepi’) is on 19 March 2026. During this time, local custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence by staying indoors, turning off lights, and making no noise. Ngurah Rai International Airport is closed for the entire day. However, emergency services and hospitals are allowed to operate.

Personal ID

You must always carry your passport or stay permit (such as KITAS or KITAP).

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not get involved with illegal drugs in Indonesia. Possession, using, making or trafficking  illegal drugs is a serious crime. The Indonesian authorities have a zero-tolerance policy and those caught may face  long prison sentences or the death penalty. Legal cases can be lengthy and costly.

Cannabis and cannabis-based products, including medicinal cannabis, cannabis-based oils and creams, hemp-based products, CBD, THC, hash and edibles, are illegal in Indonesia. This applies whether it is carried in a bottle, vape, or any other form. The NHS has guidance explaining how cannabis oils differ and the risks they may carry.

British nationals have been caught and given  long prison sentences for drug offences. Criminal groups  sometimes pressure people into carrying drugs across borders. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded.

Airports in Indonesia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

If you are detained by the police, it is important to understand your rights. The British embassy provides a guide to the legal and detention systems in Indonesia, but you must follow local laws and regulations. Any payments requested after arrest, that you agree to, are at your own discretion. 

In some venues drugs may be offered as free samples. Police often raid venues popular with foreigners, especially  in Bali. If police suspect drug use, you may be required to take a urine or blood test. A positive result will lead to arrest.

Alcohol laws and bans

The province of Aceh enforces Sharia law. It is the only province in Indonesia to do so and the laws apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

In Aceh, the consumption, production and distribution of alcohol are all illegal under Sharia law. Punishment following a Sharia court process is public caning.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the province of Aceh under Sharia law. Punishment following a Sharia court process includes public caning, a prison sentence or a fine payable in gold.

Across Indonesia, there have been reports of police arresting individuals at LGBT+ events. Some laws and regulations, including those related to pornography and prostitution, have been applied in a way that discriminates against the LGBT+ community. 

You should exercise caution and discretion, particularly in public spaces.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Gambling

In the province of Aceh gambling is illegal under Sharia law. Punishment following a Sharia court process includes public caning, a prison sentence or a fine payable in gold.

Extra-marital sex

In the province of Aceh, extra-marital sex is illegal under Sharia law and punishable by public caning after a Sharia court process.

Indonesia’s new criminal code imposes penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage if certain members of either party’s immediate family file a complaint.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. If you’re caught buying or smuggling illegal wildlife products, you’ll be prosecuted and could receive a prison sentence and a fine.