Foreigners who intend to enter and stay in Indonesia for purposes which are not considered “work activities” can apply for a visit permit. The majority of foreigners that are entering Indonesia are either entering on a business visa or on a tourist visa. Foreigners can also obtain a visit permit for a variety of other purposes of visit, including a social visa which allows stay in Indonesia for social purposes.
It is important to note that foreigners are not allowed to undertake any work activities in Indonesia without a work permit. This means that foreign business travelers are not allowed to work at desk outside a meeting room. For work activities foreigners require a work permit and stay permit (ITAS).
Our immigration lawyers and consultants help companies with the application of foreign worker business visas
Types of Business Visas and Tourist Visas
There are the following type of visit visas available for foreigners that intend to enter Indonesia for business or leisure:
1. Single Entry Visa
A Single-Entry Visa is valid for up to 60 days and may be extended twice, with each extension granting an additional 60 days. Certain activities may require the foreign national to attend a biometric and interview session at the local immigration office as part of the extension process. This visa only permits 1 entry into Indonesia, once the foreigner departs from Indonesia, the visa becomes invalid. The following activities fall under the Single-Entry Business Visa category:
- C2: Meetings and business talk
- C4: Government Duties
- C5: Journalistic visit
- C7: Art and culture performer
- C7A: Music performer
- C8: Participate in non-commercial sport activity
- C10: Participate in seminar or conventions as Participant or Speaker
- C11: Participate in international exhibition
- C12: Pre-investment (validity is 180 days)
- C14: Filming
- C16: Provide Guidance, counseling or industrial training
- C17: Conduct Audit, quality control and inspection
- C18: Foreign worker candidates in the trial ability
- C19: Aftersales services
- C20: Install and machine repairs
- C21: Attending Judicial process
- C22: Internship
For non-business purposes such as tourism or vacation, the available visa options are as follows:
- C1: Tourism, family and transit to continue travel to other country
- C3: Undergoing medical treatment
- C6: Social activity and humanitarian aid
- C9: Study and short courses/training
2. Multiple Entry Visa
The Multiple Entry Visa is available with validity periods of 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years. Once issued, foreign nationals can enter and stay in Indonesia for up to 60 consecutive days per visit. The stay period may be extended similar to the Single Entry Visa process. After departing Indonesia, the visa holder may re-enter multiple times, as long as the visa remains valid. The following activities are categorized under Multiple-Entry Business Visa:
- D2: Meetings and business talk
- D4: Government duties
- D12: Pre-Investment
- D14: Filming
- D17: Conduct Audit, quality control and inspection
For non-business purposes such as tourism or vacation, the available visa options are as follows:
- D1: Tourism, family and transit to continue travel to other country
- D3: Undergoing medical treatment
3. Visa on Arrival
The Visa on Arrival is valid for up to 30 days and may be extended once in-country for an additional 30 days. Foreign nationals are now able to apply VOA online prior to arrival through the Immigration website, this electronic VOA is easier and saves more time since they do not need to queue at the counter for purchasing the VOA.
4. Visa Exemption
Foreign nationals from ASEAN country may enter Indonesia without an entry visa. The visa exemption is valid for a maximum of 30 days and is non-extendable. We recommend visa exemption for leisure travel purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a business visa holder allowed to check emails at the office of the client?
No, you are not allowed to check emails in your office, as this will be regarded as working. As business traveler it is best not to enter the office area and limit your activities to meetings only.
Q: We have no company in Indonesia, can we apply for a business visa for one of our employees?
Yes this is possible. The client can sponsor the business visa of foreign business travelers. In case the client is not willing to provide sponsorship, a third party domiciled in Indonesia can also provide sponsorship.
Q: Do we need any other permits besides the business visa for our employees?
In case the foreigner visits locations outside Jakarta or Bali, the following additional permits or reports may be required:
- a travel permit to visit the sites; and
- The company may need to report the arrival of the foreign worker to the local police, manpower and immigration authorities