Indonesia’s Single Entry Visa system received major improvements in 2025 through its updated framework which provides specialized visa options for tourists, professionals, students and performers. On 2 May 2025, the Ministry of Immigration and Correction issued decree number M.IP-08.GR.01.01 (“2025 Decree”). This decree establishes both new activities under visa indices and more clarity for compliance requirements for visa applicants.
What is a Single Entry Visa?
The Single Entry Visa allows foreign visitors to enter Indonesia once for a one-time entry but must be utilized within 90 days from the date of approval. The short-term visa offers the most suitable option for those who plan to stay in the country without entering and exiting during a brief period.
The main features include:
- Applicants need to obtain e-Visa approval before their entry into the country.
- Sponsorship by a person or legal entity in Indonesia for most visa types
- The visa allows 60 days of residency for foreign visitors before requiring them to leave the country.
- The visa allows two in-country extensions of each sixty days without exiting the country.
The Single Entry Visa restricts its holders from obtaining employment positions or starting any activities that generate income. Work-related activities in Indonesia require a work permit and stay permit (ITAS).
Single Entry Visa Index Categories: 2025 Updates vs. 2024
The 2025 Decree updated Indonesia’s single entry visa classification system through an expanded set of allowed activities which span from C1 to C22 under each visa index. The modifications provide improved definition and operational freedom to travelers who want to enter the country for different purposes.
Below is an overview of the main changes of the single entry visa classifications:
- The C1 visa, previously used mainly for tourism and family visits, now includes business-related travel, medical treatment, and goods purchasing, making it more suitable for multi-purpose visitors. C2 visas serve business purposes but operate independently from C1 visas for professional or recurring business activities.
- A new category called C5A includes social media content development for foreign nationals. This change allows influencer marketing and digital content creation. Before these type of activities were included under the journalism C5 visa.
- Under the C7A to C7C indexes, artists and performers and their supporting staff can earn payment for Indonesian activities which were previously forbidden.
- Training and education have also been restructured. The C9 and C10 indexes now include dedicated subcategories for short religious training (C9A) and Indonesian language training (C9B), while C22A and C22B offer clarity between academic internships abroad and competency training at local companies.
- The C15–C20 indexes remain part of the C Visa classification although urgent work and aftersales services and equipment installation might need work permits according to local immigration agency policies.
The updates help travelers choose the proper single entry visa category for their activities to prevent legal problems from misclassification during their stay.
Eligibility and Sponsorship
Who Can Apply?
The Single Entry Visa is available for nationals who belong to countries which Indonesia allows entry under its e-Visa program. The immigration service requires applicants to avoid earning income in Indonesia except for specific indexes including C7 (arts) and C15 (emergency/urgent technical work).
Who Can Sponsor?
The sponsorship needs to come from legal entities based in Indonesia including companies NGOs and educational institutions and registered travel agencies or Indonesian individuals for family visits.
Application Process Single Entry Visa
The application process is generally as follows:
- Determine the correct single entry visa Index: The application process requires you to select the visa category that corresponds to your Indonesian activity (C1–C22B).
- Prepare the required documents. Please feel free to reach out to us for the updated document requirements
- Submit online application: Users can send their application documents through the official immigration portal.
- Receive e-visa approval: The approval process requires 5 to 7 working days to complete.
- Enter Indonesia: After entering the country you will receive a 60-day stay. You can extend your stay 2 times more for 60 days per extension.
Legal Risks and Prohibited Activities
Selecting the wrong visa category for your activities remains illegal because it violates immigration laws.
Common mistakes include:
- A C1 tourist visa holder forgets to timely extends the C1 visa and overstays the initial 60 day period.
- A C2 business visa holder is working as an employee or is managing operations.
- Using a C1 tourist visa while conducting research (C9) or journalism (C5).
- Drone and video recording operations under a tourist visa without the necessary filming permits.
Violations can result in:
- A fine for staying beyond the permitted period is IDR 1,000,000 per day.
- Deportation and potential entry bans.
How PNB Immigration Law Firm can help
Our experienced team supports clients throughout the visa process in Indonesia by helping them extend their single-entry visas within the country, identifying the most appropriate visa index based on their specific activities, preparing all necessary sponsorship and guarantee letters tailored to each visa category, and liaising directly with key government ministries such as Tourism, Education, and Kominfo to ensure a smooth and compliant application process.