Indonesia uses a structured visa system with letter-coded categories – B for short visits, C for single-entry visas, D for multiple-entry, and special categories like KITAS for long-term stays. Whether you need a quick tourist trip to Bali or a year-long work assignment in Jakarta, understanding these visa types is the first step to a smooth entry. Before you apply for your Indonesia visa, read this guide to pick the right category for your trip.
Indonesia Visa Categories at a Glance
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration assigns each visa a letter code and sub-number. The system groups visas by purpose and duration:
| Category | Common Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | Visa on Arrival (VoA) / e-VoA | Tourism, short visits | 30 days (extendable) |
| B211A | Social-Cultural Visa | Social visits, cultural events | 60 days (extendable) |
| C1 | Single-Entry Visitor Visa | Tourism, family visits | 60 days |
| C2 | Single-Entry Business Visa | Business meetings, conferences | 60 days |
| D | Multiple-Entry Visa | Frequent business travel | Up to 1 year |
| KITAS | Limited Stay Permit | Work, study, family reunion | 6 months – 2 years |
| KITAP | Permanent Stay Permit | Long-term residents | 5 years |
Most travelers fall into one of the first four categories. If you are unsure which visa fits your trip, check the Indonesia visa requirements for nationality-specific details.
B1 – Visa on Arrival (VoA) and e-Visa on Arrival
The B1 category is the most common entry permit for tourists. It comes in two forms: the standard Visa on Arrival purchased at the airport, and the electronic version you can apply for before you fly.
Standard Visa on Arrival (VoA)
You purchase this visa at the immigration counter when you land at any major Indonesian airport or seaport. The process takes 10-20 minutes at the counter.
- Fee: IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD)
- Duration: 30 days
- Extension: One 30-day extension available (total 60 days)
- Payment: Cash (IDR or USD) or card at major airports
- Available to: 97 nationalities
e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA)
Indonesia introduced the electronic version to speed up arrival. You apply online before your flight and receive approval by email. At immigration, you skip the payment queue and go straight to the e-gate or counter.
- Fee: IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD) – same as standard VoA
- Duration: 30 days from entry
- Extension: One 30-day extension available
- Must be used within 90 days of issuance
- Apply at: evisa.imigrasi.go.id
When to Choose B1
The B1 visa works for standard tourism, short holidays, visiting friends, and transit stays under 30 days. If you need more than 60 total days, consider the C1 visitor visa instead.
B211A – Social and Cultural Visa
The B211A visa covers non-tourism social purposes: visiting family, attending cultural events, volunteering, short-term study, or journalistic activities. It is sometimes called the “social visa” or “cultural visa.”
Key Details
- Fee: IDR 1,500,000 (~$95 USD)
- Duration: 60 days from entry
- Extension: Up to four 30-day extensions (total 180 days)
- Requires: Sponsor letter from an Indonesian citizen or organization
- Single-entry only
Who Needs a B211A
- Travelers staying longer than 60 days who do not qualify for KITAS
- Digital nomads working remotely from Bali (though dedicated remote work permits now exist)
- Journalists covering events in Indonesia
- Volunteers with an Indonesian NGO sponsor
- People attending workshops, seminars, or cultural programs
The B211A is popular with long-term travelers because it offers up to 6 months of stay without a work permit. You must find an Indonesian sponsor, which can be an individual, a company, or an organization.
C1 – Single-Entry Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)
The C1 visa is the standard single-entry visitor visa for tourism, family visits, and transit. It replaced the older Visa 211 designation and is applied for online through the official e-Visa portal.
Key Details
- Fee: IDR 1,500,000 (~$95 USD)
- Duration: 60 days from entry
- Extension: Up to four 30-day extensions (total 180 days)
- Type: Single-entry
- Apply online: evisa.imigrasi.go.id
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
C1 vs B1: When to Choose C1
| Factor | B1 (VoA/e-VoA) | C1 (Visitor Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| Stay length | 30 days (60 with extension) | 60 days (180 with extensions) |
| Application | At airport or online before travel | Online only, before travel |
| Fee | IDR 500,000 | IDR 1,500,000 |
| Extensions | 1 extension | Up to 4 extensions |
| Best for | Short holidays, quick trips | Longer stays, multiple extensions |
If your trip is under 30 days and you want the simplest process, go with B1. If you might need 60 days or more, apply for the C1 tourist visa in advance. See our detailed C1 tourist visa guide for step-by-step instructions.
C2 – Single-Entry Business Visa
The C2 visa covers business activities: attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations, and commercial audits. It does NOT authorize employment or paid work in Indonesia.
Key Details
- Fee: IDR 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 (~$95-$130 USD depending on duration)
- Duration: 60 days from entry
- Extension: Up to four 30-day extensions (total 180 days)
- Requires: Invitation letter from an Indonesian company
- Single-entry only
What You Can and Cannot Do on C2
Allowed: Business meetings, conferences, trade shows, contract signing, factory visits, market research, corporate training.
Not allowed: Paid employment, receiving Indonesian salary, long-term project management (these require KITAS).
The C2 visa is the right choice if you are visiting Indonesia for business purposes and already have a host company that will provide the invitation letter.
D – Multiple-Entry Visa
The D-category visa allows unlimited entries and exits during its validity period. It is designed for business executives, diplomats, and others who travel to Indonesia frequently.
Key Details
- Fee: IDR 3,000,000 (~$190 USD)
- Duration: Up to 1 year from issuance
- Stay per visit: Usually 60 days per entry
- Extension: Per-visit extensions available
- Requires: Strong justification and sponsor company
Who Needs a D Visa
- Executives managing Indonesian business operations
- Consultants with regular Indonesia client visits
- Government officials on bilateral missions
- Academic researchers with ongoing projects
For most travelers, even regular business visitors, a C2 visa with extensions is more practical than a D visa. The D visa is only worthwhile if you genuinely enter Indonesia 4+ times per year.
KITAS – Limited Stay Permit
KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is for foreigners who intend to stay in Indonesia long-term for work, study, or family reasons. It is not a visa in the traditional sense – it is a residence permit that requires a local sponsor.
Types of KITAS
| Type | Purpose | Duration | Sponsor Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work KITAS | Employment in Indonesia | 6-12 months (renewable) | Indonesian employer |
| Student KITAS | University or language study | 6-12 months (renewable) | Educational institution |
| Family KITAS | Spouse/child of KITAS holder | 6-12 months (renewable) | Family member’s sponsor |
| Retirement KITAS | Retirees over 55 | 1 year (renewable) | Licensed agent |
| Investor KITAS | Company shareholders | 1-2 years (renewable) | Indonesian company |
Work KITAS Process
- Your employer obtains an IMTA (work permit) from the Ministry of Manpower
- The employer applies for a Telex visa approval
- You collect the visa at an Indonesian embassy abroad
- Upon arrival, convert the visa to a KITAS card at local immigration
- Obtain a MERP (Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit) if you need to travel in and out
The entire process takes 4-8 weeks and costs between IDR 6,000,000 and 12,000,000 ($380-$760 USD), depending on the type and agent fees.
KITAP – Permanent Stay Permit
KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) is the highest-level stay permit. It grants 5 years of residence and is renewable. Eligibility is limited to:
- Spouses of Indonesian citizens (after 2 years of marriage and KITAS)
- Foreign investors with significant capital
- High-level expatriate workers after multiple KITAS renewals
- Former Indonesian citizens seeking to return
KITAP holders receive a KTP (national ID card equivalent) and can open bank accounts, own vehicles, and access services more easily than KITAS holders.
Indonesia Visa Fee Comparison
| Visa Type | Fee (IDR) | Fee (USD approx.) | Duration | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 VoA | 500,000 | $35 | 30 days | 60 days |
| B211A | 1,500,000 | $95 | 60 days | 180 days |
| C1 Tourist | 1,500,000 | $95 | 60 days | 180 days |
| C2 Business | 1,500,000-2,000,000 | $95-$130 | 60 days | 180 days |
| D Multiple | 3,000,000 | $190 | 1 year | 60 days/visit |
| KITAS | 6,000,000-12,000,000 | $380-$760 | 6-12 months | As stated |
| KITAP | Varies | $500+ | 5 years | As stated |
Currency conversions are approximate. Fees are updated as of 2026. Always confirm current fees on the official Indonesia visa fee page or at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before applying.
How to Choose the Right Indonesia Visa
Follow this decision tree to find your visa type:
- Staying under 30 days for tourism? – Choose B1 (VoA or e-VoA)
- Staying 30-60 days for tourism? – Choose B1 with extension, or C1
- Staying 60-180 days? – Choose C1 with extensions
- Visiting for business meetings only? – Choose C2
- Need a social/cultural visit with sponsor? – Choose B211A
- Working in Indonesia? – You need KITAS (Work)
- Studying in Indonesia? – You need KITAS (Student)
- Married to Indonesian citizen? – Start with KITAS (Family), progress to KITAP
- Traveling to Indonesia 4+ times per year? – Consider D (Multiple-Entry)
If you are still unsure, check your nationality’s eligibility first with our visa requirements guide.
Visa Validity vs. Duration of Stay
Indonesia visa terminology can be confusing. Two terms that cause the most confusion:
- Validity period: How long you have to use the visa after it is issued. For e-Visa, this is 90 days. If you do not enter Indonesia within 90 days, the visa expires unused.
- Duration of stay: How many days you can remain in Indonesia once you enter. For B1, this is 30 days. For C1, this is 60 days.
You must enter Indonesia before the validity period ends. Once you enter, the duration-of-stay clock starts. You can extend your stay (up to the maximum allowed) even if the validity period has already passed.
FAQs About Indonesia Visa Types
What is the difference between B1 and C1 visa in Indonesia?
B1 (Visa on Arrival) is for short tourist stays up to 30 days with one extension. C1 (Visitor Visa) is a pre-arranged visa for 60 days with up to four extensions totaling 180 days. B1 is simpler and cheaper; C1 is better for longer stays.
Can I work in Indonesia on a B211A visa?
No. The B211A social-cultural visa does not authorize employment. Working on a B211A is a violation of Indonesian immigration law and can result in fines, detention, and deportation. To work legally, you need a Work KITAS sponsored by an Indonesian employer.
How much does an Indonesia visa cost in 2026?
A Visa on Arrival costs IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD). Single-entry visitor and business visas cost IDR 1,500,000 (~$95 USD). Multiple-entry visas cost IDR 3,000,000 (~$190 USD). Long-term KITAS permits range from IDR 6,000,000 to 12,000,000.
Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa while in Indonesia?
Generally, no. You must leave Indonesia and apply for the appropriate visa at an Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad. Your employer must first obtain the IMTA work permit before you can collect the work visa.
What happens if I overstay my Indonesia visa?
Overstaying incurs a fine of IDR 1,000,000 (~$65 USD) per day of overstay. If you cannot pay, you may be detained and deported. Overstays exceeding 60 days can result in a ban on re-entering Indonesia. Always extend before your visa expires or leave the country in time.
Do I need a visa if I am only transiting through Indonesia?
If you stay in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you do not need a visa. If you leave the transit area, you will need either a Visa on Arrival (B1) or a transit visa depending on your nationality and length of stay.
Is the Indonesia e-Visa the same as a Visa on Arrival?
The e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) is the electronic version of the standard Visa on Arrival. Both fall under the B1 category with the same fee and duration. The e-VoA lets you skip the payment counter at the airport since you pay online during application.
Can I extend my Indonesia visa multiple times?
It depends on the visa type. B1 VoA allows one 30-day extension. C1 and C2 allow up to four 30-day extensions. B211A allows up to four 30-day extensions. You must apply for each extension before the current period expires at the local immigration office.
What is KITAS and who needs one?
KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a Limited Stay Permit for foreigners staying in Indonesia long-term. It is required for employment, university study, family reunion with a KITAS/KITAP holder, and retirement. Each type requires a specific Indonesian sponsor.
How do I know if my nationality qualifies for Visa on Arrival?
Citizens of 97 countries are eligible for Indonesia’s Visa on Arrival. The full list includes most EU countries, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations. Check the current eligibility list on our [visa requirements page](https://evisa-indonesia.info/requirements/) or at evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
