🇮🇩 Indonesia visa for EU citizens

Indonesia offers a 60-day visa-free entry for some nationalities. Many others get a 30-day visa on arrival. Don't assume. Getting it wrong costs you.

Who Gets In Visa-Free (and Who Doesn't)

Indonesia splits passport holders into three groups for entry. The first is the lucky lot who get 30 days visa-free, extendable once for another 30. This includes citizens of EU countries, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. You typically just show up, get a stamp, and you're in.

Next up are the Visa on Arrival (VoA) countries. This list is extensive, covering most of Asia, South America, and some African nations. You pay a fee, usually IDR 500,000 (about $33 USD), get a 30-day stamp, and can extend it once for another 30 days. This is where most remote workers landing in Bali will find themselves.

Then there's the group that needs a pre-arranged visa. This includes citizens of a few countries in Africa and the Middle East. If you're in this bucket, you'll need to apply for a visa before you travel through an Indonesian embassy or consulate. Attempting to show up without one means you're getting denied boarding or sent straight back.

Stay Longer, Pay More (or Get Stuck)

That initial 30-day stamp, whether visa-free or VoA, is your first hurdle. You can extend it once for another 30 days. This requires a visit to the local immigration office, a bit of paperwork, and usually a fee. Plan this extension at least a week before your initial stamp expires. Overstaying is where things get pricey. A common penalty is IDR 1,000,000 per day (around $66 USD). That adds up fast. A significant overstay can lead to detention or deportation.

Some nationalities might be eligible for a double-entry visa, which allows you to leave and re-enter Indonesia within a specific period (often 60 days) without using up your main visa allowance. This isn't automatic with the VoA or visa-free entry. You'd typically need to apply for this specifically if you plan extended trips with short hops out of the country. Most people just get the standard 30-day VoA and its single extension.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp

This is the big grey area. Officially, you're supposed to be on a specific visa if you're earning money while in Indonesia. Working on a tourist visa or VoA is technically not permitted. However, enforcement varies wildly. For most digital nomads spending a few months in Bali or other popular spots, working on a tourist stamp is common practice. Immigration officials are generally more concerned with overstays than with someone tapping away on a laptop.

That said, don't advertise your remote work. Avoid setting up a permanent "office" visible to neighbours or landlords who might report you. If you're asked by immigration what you're doing, stick to "tourism" or "visiting friends." The risk is low for most, but it's not zero. If you plan to stay longer than a few months or want complete peace of mind, you'd need to look into specific business or B211A visas, which are more involved.

What's New in Indonesian Immigration

Indonesia has been slowly digitizing its visa processes. The eVisa system has been expanding, and while not all visa types are available online yet, it’s a step towards easier applications for certain categories. The B211A visa, often used by remote workers planning longer stays, is now frequently available as an eVisa, streamlining the application process from abroad.

Fees have seen minor adjustments, with the VoA remaining at IDR 500,000 for 30 days. There have been reports of expanded VoA eligibility for certain countries in recent years, but always check the latest official list from the Directorate General of Immigration before your trip. Some specific visa types or extensions might have seen processing time changes as they move to digital platforms. The key takeaway is to always verify the latest requirements directly with official Indonesian immigration sources or your local embassy.