Planning a trip to Indonesia? Whether you are dreaming of Bali’s beaches, Java’s temples, or the jungles of Sumatra, you will likely need a visa to enter the country. The Indonesia Tourist Visa, officially known as the C1 Visitor Visa, is the standard option for travelers who want to stay longer than what a Visa on Arrival allows.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the C1 tourist visa – who needs it, what it costs, how to apply, and how it compares to other visa options.
What Is the Indonesia Tourist Visa (C1)?
The C1 Visitor Visa (formerly called the Social/Tourist Visa or B211A) is a single-entry visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Indonesia for tourism, social, and cultural visits. It is part of Indonesia’s C-category visa system, which covers short-term visitor visas.
Key features of the C1 tourist visa:
- Duration of stay: Up to 60 days from the date of entry
- Type: Single-entry – once you leave Indonesia, the visa is used up
- Purpose: Tourism, social visits, cultural activities, sports events, and transit
- Extendable: Yes – you can extend it for an additional 60 days (total of 120 days)
- Application method: Online through the official e-Visa portal
The C1 visa replaced the older B211A social visa for most tourist purposes and is now the primary visa option for travelers planning stays beyond 30 days.
Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Indonesia?
Indonesia has several entry pathways depending on your nationality and the length of your stay:
- Visa-free entry – Citizens of certain ASEAN countries can enter without a visa for up to 30 days. This is not extendable.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) – Available to citizens of over 90 countries. Costs IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD), valid for 30 days, and extendable once for another 30 days.
- C1 Tourist Visa (e-Visa) – Required for stays longer than 30 days or if your nationality is not eligible for VoA. Also recommended if you want a smoother entry process.
You should apply for the C1 tourist visa if:
- You plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days
- You want the option to extend up to 120 days total
- Your nationality is not eligible for Visa on Arrival
- You prefer to have your visa approved before flying
If you are only staying for a short holiday (under 30 days) and your country qualifies, the Visa on Arrival is the simpler and cheaper option.
Tourist Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between the C1 tourist visa and the Visa on Arrival helps you choose the right option for your trip.
| Feature | C1 Tourist Visa | Visa on Arrival (VoA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | IDR 1,500,000 (~$95 USD) | IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD) |
| Duration | 60 days | 30 days |
| Extension | Up to 60 additional days (120 total) | One 30-day extension (60 total) |
| Entry type | Single-entry | Single-entry |
| Application | Online before travel (e-Visa) | On arrival at airport/entry point |
| Nationality eligible | Most nationalities | 90+ countries |
| Best for | Longer stays, flexible travel | Short holidays under 30 days |
For a deeper comparison, see our guide on e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival.
Indonesia Tourist Visa Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet all the requirements and have the necessary documents ready.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months from your date of entry into Indonesia
- Blank pages: At least 1-2 blank pages for entry stamps
- Condition: Passport must be in good condition – damaged passports may be refused
Documents You Need
To apply for the C1 tourist visa online, you will need:
- Valid passport – Scan of the biographical information page
- Recent passport-style photo – Color photo with white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Return or onward flight ticket – Proof that you plan to leave Indonesia before your visa expires
- Proof of accommodation – Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Indonesia
- Proof of sufficient funds – Bank statement showing you can support yourself during your stay (recommended minimum of USD 2,000)
- Email address – For receiving your e-Visa approval notification
- Payment method – Visa, Mastercard, or JCB credit/debit card for paying the visa fee online
Make sure all documents are clear, legible scans. Blurry or incomplete documents are a common reason for application delays or rejections.
How to Apply for an Indonesia Tourist Visa
The C1 tourist visa is applied for entirely online through the Indonesian government’s official e-Visa portal. Here is how the process works.
Step-by-Step Online Application
Step 1: Create an account on the official portal
Visit evisa.imigrasi.go.id and create an account using your email address. You will need to verify your email before proceeding.
Step 2: Select your visa type
Choose “Visitor Visa (C1)” from the visa category options. Select your purpose of visit (tourism/social/cultural).
Step 3: Fill in the application form
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport:
- Full name (as shown on passport)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number and expiry date
- Intended date of entry
- Port of entry (airport or seaport)
- Accommodation details in Indonesia
Step 4: Upload your documents
Upload the required documents:
- Passport bio page scan
- Passport-style photo
- Flight itinerary
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Bank statement
Step 5: Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee of IDR 1,500,000 (~$95 USD) using a Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card. The payment is processed securely through the portal.
Step 6: Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, though it can be faster. You will receive an email notification when your e-Visa is approved.
Step 7: Download your e-Visa
Once approved, log in to the portal and download your e-Visa approval letter. Print a copy and keep a digital copy on your phone – you will need to present it when boarding your flight and at Indonesian immigration.
Important: Your e-Visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. If you do not enter Indonesia within that window, the visa expires and you will need to reapply.
Indonesia Tourist Visa Fees
The costs associated with the C1 tourist visa are straightforward:
| Fee Type | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Visitor Visa (60 days) | IDR 1,500,000 | ~$95 |
| Extension (additional 60 days) | IDR 1,500,000 | ~$95 |
| Visa on Arrival (30 days) | IDR 500,000 | ~$35 |
| VoA Extension (30 days) | IDR 500,000 | ~$35 |
There are no hidden fees – the price you pay online is the total cost. No additional stamp fees or processing charges apply at the airport.
For a full breakdown of all visa types and fees, see our Indonesia visa fees guide.
Tourist Visa Duration & Extensions
The C1 tourist visa gives you flexibility for longer trips:
- Initial stay: 60 days from the date you enter Indonesia
- Extension: You can extend for an additional 60 days by visiting a local immigration office in Indonesia
- Maximum total stay: 120 days (60 initial + 60 extension)
To extend your visa:
- Visit the nearest Kantor Imigrasi (Immigration Office) at least 7-14 days before your current visa expires
- Bring your passport, e-Visa printout, and a passport photo
- Pay the extension fee of IDR 1,500,000
- Processing takes approximately 5-7 business days
Note: Overstaying your visa in Indonesia incurs a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day of overstay. Always track your visa expiry date carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C1 tourist visa for Indonesia?
The C1 Visitor Visa is Indonesia’s standard tourist visa for stays of up to 60 days. It is applied for online through the official e-Visa portal and is part of Indonesia’s C-category visa system for short-term visitors.
How long can I stay in Indonesia with a tourist visa?
The C1 tourist visa allows an initial stay of 60 days. You can extend it once for an additional 60 days, giving a maximum total stay of 120 days.
How much does an Indonesia tourist visa cost?
The C1 tourist visa costs IDR 1,500,000 (approximately $95 USD). Extensions cost the same amount.
Can I extend a tourist visa in Indonesia?
Yes. The C1 tourist visa can be extended once for an additional 60 days. Visit a local immigration office at least 7-14 days before your current visa expires.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and Visa on Arrival?
The Visa on Arrival costs IDR 500,000 (~$35) and is valid for 30 days with one 30-day extension. The C1 tourist visa costs IDR 1,500,000 (~$95) and is valid for 60 days with one 60-day extension. The C1 is better for longer stays; the VoA is simpler for short trips.
Do I need a tourist visa for Bali?
Bali follows the same visa rules as the rest of Indonesia. If your country qualifies for Visa on Arrival and you are staying under 30 days, you do not need a C1 tourist visa. For stays longer than 30 days, the C1 visa is required. See our Bali visa guide for details.
How early should I apply for an Indonesia tourist visa?
Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your departure date. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but delays can happen. Your e-Visa is valid for 90 days from issuance, so applying early gives you a comfortable buffer.
