Summary of the Ins and Outs of National Visa
Policy.
Effective February 1, 2004, Indonesia introduced wide ranging
changes in the national visa-free and visa on arrival system.
Visa Free on Arrival
In the past the nationals of 48 nations were given a 60-day
stay (visa free) upon arrival at an Indonesian international
gateway.
Under the new rules effective February 1, 2004
- Only 11 countries and territories will be eligible for
a "Visa Free" facility, they are: Thailand,
Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Hong
Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Chile, Morocco, Peru and Vietnam.
- Nationals of the aforementioned countries and territories
will be issued with a 30-day stay permit without charge
upon presentation of a valid passport with 6 months remaining
validity.
- The Visa Free Facility is not extendable or convertible
into another type of visa.
Visa on Arrival
Beginning February 1, 2004, the nationals of 21 countries
will be able to obtain a "Visa on Arrival" processed
at the gate of entry following the payment of an official
fee.
- The citizens of 21 countries and territories
eligible to purchase visas on arrival are: the United
States, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark,
United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom,
Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Norway, France,
Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Taiwan.
- The citizens of the aforementioned countries
must hold a passport with at least 6 months remaining
validity at the time of arrival, present a completed embarkation/disembarkation
card provided by the airlines, be able to demonstrate
they have sufficient means to live during their stay in
Indonesia, not be listed on any official blacklist of
individuals prohibited from entering the country, and
pay the stipulated fee to obtain a visa.
- The Visa on Arrival fee for citizens of eligible
countries is US$ 25 for a 30 day visa and US$ 10 for a
3 day visa.
- The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot
be converted into another class of visa.
- Immigration authorities promise the visa purchasing
system will take no more than 3-5 minutes per applicant.
6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer have been
set up to process payments.
- Once payment is completed the tourist will proceed
to an immigration counter for final inspection of documents
and visa issuance.
Visa on Arrival at Limited Gateways
Initially, the visa on arrival facility will only be available
at the following international gateways:
- Airports: Medan, Pekanbaru, Padang, Jakarta, Surabaya,
Bali and Manado.
- Seaports: Batam, Tanjung Uban (Bintan), Belawan (Medan),
Sibolga (Sumatra), Dumai, Teluk Bayar (Padang, Sumatra),
Padang Bai (Bali), and Jayapura (Papua).
Applying for Visas Before Arrival
Citizens of countries not included on a visa-free or visa-on-arrival
lists must apply for a visa overseas before arriving in
Indonesia. Citizens of any country wishing to stay more
than 30 days must also apply for an appropriate visa at
their nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before traveling
to Indonesia.
Special Facilities
A certain number of special facilities are being introduced
in connection with the new visa policy, including:
- Tour Agents are able to arrange express handling for
groups at no additional charge by presenting the completed
immigration cards, passports and applicable visa fee.
- Passengers who overstay their visa period for a short
period of time can be processed immediately at the airport
by paying US$ 20 for every day they "overstayed"
their 30 day visa.
- Airlines that experience technical difficulties or delayed
flights can apply for their passengers to be exempted
from paying any "overstay" penalties.
A Short Guide To Indonesian Visas
At present their are six types of visas granted to foreigners
in Indonesia:
-
Visitor's Visas
-
Temporary Resident Visas
-
Permanent Residence Visas
-
Special dispensations for Ships' crews
-
Free Visas on Arrival
-
Visas issued on arrival for a fee.
Visitor Visas
Within the category of Visitor Visa there are 4 classes
of visitor visas:
-
Sosial Budaya Visas - literally a Social-Cultural visa
usually issued to visit families and dependents, for
individuals to visit a social organization with which
they have an affiliation, and to those involved in cultural
exchanges of training programs.
-
Business Visas typically issued to business people
on short term work assignments, negotiations, or training
assignments.
-
Tourist Visas available to nationals of countries not
eligible for a free visa on arrival or a visa issued
on arrival for a fee and issued to visit tourism sites
or assist in the facilitation of foreign tourists visiting
Indonesian.
-
Visitor Visas for those on Government Service issued
to the employees of foreign governments and international
organizations on assignment in Indonesia or private
foreign contractors employed by the Indonesian government.
Stay Permits
-
Limited Stay Permits are given to individuals holding
limited validity entry permits including children and
dependent of foreigners on temporary resident visas
and the Indonesian-born children of an Indonesian mother.
-
Permanent Stay/Residency Permits are given to the Indonesian-born
children of foreigners holding permanent residency in
Indonesia and foreigners who successfully apply for
permanent residency in Indonesian.
-
Special Dispensation for Ship's Crews (DAHUSKIM)
-
A special category of stay permit for foreigners employed
as crews on foreign registered ships and oil platforms.
Overstaying your Visa Period
Means usually that you have to pay, around US$
20 a day. If there are legitimate reasons for your overstay,
like illness or transportation problems there might be exeption.
If Possible report your overstay at the immigration office.
Special Note
The above information is only meant as a general guide
to visas available to foreigners in Indonesia. Complete
details on immigration requirements can be obtained from
the Consular Section of your nearest Indonesian Embassy. |
