travel to indonesia passport validity

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Indonesia Entry Requirements

Please keep the following requirements in mind when traveling to Indonesia. You should carry a valid passport with you at all times, as officials at hotels and tourist destinations may ask you to produce documentation. In addition to your official passport, it’s also a good practice to carry a photocopy with you in the event your documents are lost or stolen.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival, and have two blank pages ready for the border agent to stamp. This is a strict requirement, and border agents regularly deny entry to travelers for failure to comply with this rule. Travelers to Indonesia cannot use an emergency passport.

If you need to get your passport renewed, err on the side of caution and budget about 8 weeks to complete the renewal. Expedited renewals take less time, but come with an additional charge.

If you are visiting Indonesia as a tourist and staying for 30 days or less, most travelers do not need a tourist visa. Visa-free travel is available to travelers from 169 countries, including the U.S. and the U.K. – here’s a complete list . There are no extensions allowed for this type of traveler, and you must be able to provide proof of onward travel — typically a return plane ticket.

Travelers who think they may want to stay longer than 30 days can apply for a visa-upon-arrival when they land. This type of visa can be extended for 30 days for a fee of $35 USD.

Travelers who overstay their visas are subject to fines of $25 USD per day, although this amount is subject to change. It’s also possible for travelers who overstay their visas to be detained or put in jail.

If you are traveling for any purpose other than tourism, please consult with Indonesian immigration website .

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Indonesia Visa and Passport Requirements

To enter Indonesia, a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

The complete list of visa exemption countries is as follows:   Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.   Nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply either for a visa on arrival or for an e-visa on arrival (https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/). Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, , Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City State and Vietnam.

An onward ticket is required.

Overstaying with a proper visa is a serious matter. Visitors who out-stay their visa will be fined IDR 1,000,000 per day. Visitors overstaying their visa risk hefty fines and may face deportation and will not be able to enter Indonesia for a certain period.

Types and Cost

Visa-free stamp (30 days and cannot be extended).

Visa on arrival or e-Visa on arrival (30 days and can be extended for another 30 days): IDR 500,000 or US$35.

Social, tourist or cultural single entry visa B-211 (60 days and can be extended three times for 30 days each): IDR 1,500,000.

Multiple-entry visa (up to 60 days per visit with a 12-month validity): IDR 3,000,000.

Visa on arrival: 30 days; B-211 (social, tourist or cultural) visa: 60 days; Multiple-entry visa: one year.

Application to

Either on arrival at a designated port of entry or in advance at the consulate (or consular section of embassy).

Temporary residence

For visits of up to one year, you must apply to the nearest Indonesian Embassy for a temporary stay permit.

Working days

If you apply in advance, visa processing usually two to 15 days from receipt, but it can take up to two months for nationals whose applications need to be referred to the Immigration Office in Indonesia.

Extension of stay

Visa on arrival (30 days and can be extended for another 30 days): IDR 500,000 or US$35.

Embassies and tourist offices

British embassy in indonesia.

Mon-Thu 0730-1600; Fri 0730-1300.

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the USA

Mon-Fri: 0900-1700

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the UK

Application submission only: Mon-Thu 0930-1230; Fri 0930-1200 Collection only: Mon-Fri 1430-1600.

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Indonesia Entry Requirements - Required Travel Documents for Travel to Indonesia

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

American citizens may apply for a visa-on-arrival if staying for tourism, family visitation and other purposes for 30 days or less. The Visa-on-Arrival costs $35USD and may be extended for a maximum of 30 days by applying at the immigration office in Indonesia.

Indonesia requires two blank passport pages. Travelers without two blank visa pages in their passport may be denied entry and advised to obtain a new U.S. passport. All visas on arrival may be extended only once. Travelers who overstay visas on arrival are subject to a fine of approximately USD $70 per day.

U.S. citizens may also apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC, or at an Indonesian Consulate in the U.S. In some cases, U.S. citizens may also apply at Indonesian embassies and consulates in other countries. U.S. citizens traveling overseas who wish to apply for an Indonesian visa should inquire with the local embassy in the country where they are currently traveling. A visitor's visa for business purposes and social/cultural stays of longer duration require a letter of intent/sponsorship from the Indonesian employer and/or sponsor. For up-to-date information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia : 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, phone: (202) 775-5200. Indonesian Consulates are located in Los Angeles (213) 383-5126, San Francisco (415) 474-9571, Chicago (312) 920-1880, New York (212) 879-0600, and Houston (713) 785-1691.

Indonesia travel information

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Indonesia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Indonesia’s embassy in the UK .

Death from COVID-19 in Indonesia

If COVID-19 is given as cause of death and you would like to arrange a local cremation and repatriation of ashes, you will need to make contact with a local undertaker within 4 hours of the death registration to give your instructions. If you do not do this, it is likely that a local burial will take place.

You will also require a letter of no objection from the Embassy. This will be issued on the next working day.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Indonesia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider or the nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements.

Dual nationality

Indonesian law does not allow dual nationality for those aged 18 and older. If you are a British national who has retained Indonesian nationality, you could have difficulties with immigration in Indonesia. You might have to renounce your nationality or hand in your Indonesian passport.

Visa requirements

You can apply for an e-visa before arrival on the Indonesian immigration website .

Visas on arrival

British nationals who visit Indonesia for the following reasons can also apply for a visa on arrival at a cost of 500,000 Indonesian rupiah:

• official visit or government duties
• business or official meeting
• procurement of goods

The visa is valid for 30 days. It can be extended once (for a maximum of 30 days) by making an application to an immigration office within Indonesia. Make sure you extend your visa within the initial 30 days to avoid an overstay fine of 1 million rupiah a day.

KITAS extension (stay or work permit)

KITAS holders with expiring stay permit but currently outside Indonesia can apply for an extension through a sponsor. The sponsor must submit the application to the immigration office attaching a copy of the passport and proof of leaving Indonesia. The application is submitted without biometric sampling. The sponsor must report the foreigner’s arrival within 30 days.

Beware of visa scams by fake visa agents who, having taken your money, may fail to provide a visa or supply the wrong visa. This could result in your overstaying and a fine of 1 million Indonesia rupiah per day, detention, deportation and possible re-entry ban. Use the Indonesian Immigration self-service portal.

Visa scams are increasing in Indonesia. Some travellers have lost significant amounts of money. Others have been deported despite paying large fees to an agent to get the correct visa or extension.

If you choose to use to use an agent check they are reputable.

Overstaying your visa

Visitors who overstay without the proper permissions can be held in detention or refused permission to leave the country until a fine of 1 million Indonesian rupiah per day is paid.

If you have overstayed your visa for less than 60 days, you must pay your fine at the airport. After 60 days, you will be detained until the fine is paid.

If your visa will expire during a period of hospitalization or detention, contact Indonesian Immigration before your visa expires to avoid any overstay fines. The British Embassy Jakarta can assist with this.

Proof of onward travel

Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask you for proof of onward travel (such as a return or onward air ticket). Make all reservations before leaving for Indonesia. Some airlines have refused to board passengers without evidence of onward travel.

Airport tax

Airport tax is included in the cost of all domestic flights within Indonesia. For some international flights departing Indonesia, airport tax might not be included in the price of the ticket. Check with your airline or travel agent before you travel.

Tourist levy

On 14 February 2024, the Bali Provincial Government will introduce a tourist levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah per person (approximately £8) to all foreign tourists arriving in Bali. Payment can be made online or on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali’s airport and seaport. Further information can be found on the Bali Provincial Government’s official website .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro .

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

• yellow fever

Accommodation

Registering.

If you stay in private accommodation in Indonesia (not a hotel) you must register your presence with the local police at the nearest police station. You could be fined 5 million Indonesia rupiah if you do not register. If you stay in a hotel you will be registered automatically.

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Visa and Immigration

Find out everything you need to know about visa & immigration in Wonderful Indonesia. Another important thing to know before you travel to Indonesia is the different types of visas that have specific requirements. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you with Visa & immigration policies in Indonesia.

Visa Exemption

Find out everything you need to know about visa & immigration in Wonderful Indonesia. Another important thing to know before you travel to Indonesia is the different types of visas that have specific requirements. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you with Visa & immigration policies in Indonesia.

Foreigners can apply for Visit Visa in the Indonesian Embassy or Consulates, or the guarantor could apply to the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta, Indonesia. Visit Visa is issued in the Indonesian Embassy or Consulates with mandatory requirements of Application/Guarantee Letter, passport with minimum 6 months validity, copy of bank accounts, return /through tickets and re-entry permit (or stateless /non-nationality person). A holder of Visit Visa is given up to 60 days stay and can be extended at the Immigration Office for 5 (five) times, each extension will be given for another 30 days stay.

Multiple Visit Visa

Foreigners that travel frequently to Indonesia for Family, Business, and Governmental visit purposes may choose this type of visa. Multiple Visit Visa is issued in the Indonesian Embassy or Consulates, with mandatory requirements of Application/Guarantee Letter, passport with minimum 18 months validity, copy of bank accounts, return/through tickets and re-entry permit ( or stateless /non-nationality person). Multiple Visit Visa is valid for one year, a holder of multiple visit visa is given up-to 60 days stay each visit and can’t be extended.

For more details, you can also log on to  imigrasi.go.id

Frequently Asked Question

Where can i see the visa free country list, find out everything you need to know about visa & immigration in wonderful indonesia.

Another important thing to know before you travel to Indonesia is the different types of visas that have specific requirements. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you with Visa & immigration policies in Indonesia.

What is the Visa Exemption?

Foreign nationals from countries that are included in the 169 Visa-Free Country List are entitled to visa exemption and may enter Indonesia from 124 immigration checkpoints and are granted a 30-day stay that cannot be extended. Mandatory requirements include: passport with minimum 6 months validity and return / through tickets.

What is a Visit Visa?

What is a multiple visit visa, what is an e-visa.

The Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights has developed an electronic visa (e-Visa) application system to provide ease of access for foreign travelers who are planning to visit Indonesia. The E-Visa allows foreigners to apply for a visa online without having to visit the Republic of Indonesia Representative out of the country or the Immigration Office. You can visit this article to find out more information about e-Visa.

For more details, you can also log on to  imigrasi.go.id

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Indonesia Visa on Arrival (VOA): Eligibility and Requirements

Published: May 13, 2024

Indonesia Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for most countries in the world. Eligible nationalities can obtain VOA at many of Indonesia’s airports, seaports, and land borders.

The procedure to obtain VOA is very easy. The requirements for VOA are also quite relaxed. Moreover, it has recently become possible to extend VOA online just like Indonesia’s other tourist visas.

Quick summary:

• Eligibility: 97 countries
• Duration of stay: 30 days
• VOA Fee: 500.000 IDR (~30 USD)
• Extension: Once for 30 days more

If you haven’t already, read the Indonesia Visa Guide for information on various visa types for tourists, their eligibility and requirements.

Table of Contents

Understanding indonesia visa on arrival.

VOA validity

Indonesia VOA is valid for 30 days. 

You pay and receive your VOA. But once you pass immigration, a “Stay Permit” is issued in your passport which allows you to remain in Indonesia for 30 days.

Any extensions of your visa are technically extensions of your “Stay Permit”. We will look into stay permit extensions later in this article. 

Duration of stay

The maximum duration of stay for Indonesia VOA is 30 days.

The day you land is considered Day 1. The last day you are allowed to stay in Indonesia will be written on your “Stay Permit” passport stamp next to “Valid Until”.

For example, if you land on 01 April 2024, you must leave Indonesia on or before 30 April 2024. 

Allowed number of entries

Indonesia VOA is single-entry only. Once you leave Indonesia, your VOA is void. If you want to reenter later, you will need to obtain a new VOA.

Allowed ports of entry

You can obtain an Indonesia Visa on Arrival at almost any international airport, seaport, and overland border, including Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, etc.

Here is the full list.

Land borders

Voa extension.

Indonesia VOA is extendable one time for an additional 30 days.

You will receive a “Stay Permit” of 30 days when you obtain VOA. This stay permit can be extended for an additional 30 days for a total of 60 days stay in Indonesia. 

The extended duration is added to the original duration. Even if you extend early, you will get 60 days in total.

For example, if you enter Indonesia using VOA on 01 April 2024 and extend your stay permit on 15 April 2024, you will receive your extension until 30 May 2024. That means you must leave Indonesia on or before 30 May 2024.

Indonesia Visa on Arrival Requirements

Who is eligible for Indonesia VOA

In total, 97 countries are eligible for the Indonesia Visa on Arrival This includes the 9 ASEAN countries plus Timor-Leste that are visa-exempt.

Visa-Exemption is non-extendable where as VOA is. Therefore, if you come from a Visa-Exempt country, you can still obtain a VOA if you plan to stay longer than 30 days. 

This is the full list of eligible countries:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

These 97 countries are also eligible for Indonesia eVOA , whose requirements are identical to VOA and the only difference is that it’s obtainable online.

Documents required for VOA

The following documents are required for Indonesia VOA.

Boarding pass

Return or onward ticket.

VOA is issued either when paying for the VOA or when clearing immigration. You will be asked to present these documents wherever the VOA is issued. 

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when entering Indonesia. Your passport must also contain at least one blank page. The VOA and Stay Permit stickers take at least half a page. 

You may or may not be asked to present your boarding pass for the flight you have arrived from. This depends on the airport and immigration officer. 

Personal experience

While paying for my VOA at Bali airport, I somehow lost my boarding pass for the flight I arrived on. Luckily the immigration officer did not ask for my boarding pass. I cannot guarantee whether or not a boarding pass is required for VOA. But if it is, make sure to hold on to it till you clear immigration.

You may be asked to present proof of onward travel . You can present your ticket out of Indonesia within 30 days.

If you have plans to extend your visa and have a ticket out in 60 days, you may have to do some explaining especially at the flight check-in. Immigration is aware so they may understand. To be on the safe side, you can get an onward ticket within 30 days to avoid questions. 

Visa on Arrival fee

The Visa on Arrival fee is 500,000 IDR (around 30 USD). You can pay in IDR or another common foreign currency like the USD, EUR, or AUD.

At some airports, for example, Jakarta and Bali, you may pay by credit or debit card.

There are ATMs just beside the Visa on Arrival payment desks.

Visa on Arrival Process at Bali Airport

Obtaining VOA at Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport – DPS) is a 2-step process.

Step 1: VOA Payment

Step 2: voa issuance.

When you arrive at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, follow the signs and walk towards immigration. 

Near the immigration, you will see the signs for “VOA Payment”. Approach a VOA payment desk and present your passport. 

You will be asked for your preferred currency for payment. Tell them your preferred currency and they will tell you the exact amount you must pay in that currency.

For Indonesian Rupiah, it’s 500,000 IDR. But for other currencies, it varies depending on the exchange rate. 

In March 2024, it was 33 USD. 

After processing your VOA payment, they will return your passport with 2 copies of the VOA payment receipt. 

At Ngurah Rai International Airport, VOA is issued at the immigration. So after paying the VOA fee, head to the immigration and join the lines. 

When it’s your turn, present your passport, boarding pass and the 2 copies of your VOA fee to the immigration officer.

The immigration officer will stick VOA and Stay Permit stickers in your passport. They will retain one copy of the VOA fee. The immigration officer will give your passport and one copy of your VOA fee back to you.

The immigration officer may or may not ask for your onward ticket. They also may or may not ask any questions. 

Personal Experience I was asked how many days I plan to stay in Bali and a copy of my onward ticket.

After receiving your passport, check your stay permit to make sure all information is accurate including your “date of entry” and “valid until”. 

After immigration, fill out the electronic customs declaration and scan the QR code to clear the customs and enter Indonesia

How to Extend Indonesia VOA

Extend online.

Indonesian Immigration is moving toward a complete digitalization of its visas, including making the Visa on Arrival extendable online.

It should be possible to extend VOA online in a manner similar to the extension process for the eVOA.

Prerequisites

When you land, you will be asked to register an account with one of the visa websites: Evisa or Molina . Make sure to use a valid email address.

Shortly after passing immigration, you will receive an email from “DIREKTORAT JENDERAL IMIGRASI REPUBLIK INDONESIA”  saying that “Your ITAS has been activated”. What this effectively means is that you now have a valid stay permit.

The email may also contain a PDF attachment of the stay permit.

How to Extend Online

To extend the VOA, you should go to the Home Page of either visa website and click on “Extend My Visa”. This will bring you to the Retrieve Page .

After you enter your personal details, a list of your past and current visas will show up. Click the “Details” button next to your most recent one, then click the “Extend” button. Then just follow the procedure.

You will have to submit a PDF of your passport, an onward flight ticket and complete the application form, then pay. The extension is issued automatically and sent to your email as a PDF attachment.

Extend In Person (Offline)

If you encounter any problems with the online extension, you can extend by visiting the Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi) in person.

You can do so independently by going to the nearest office. You will have to visit 3 times in total:

• On the first visit, you will hand over your passport and pay.
• A few days later you will have to go back and complete biometrics – fingerprints and a photo.
• When the extension is ready you will be notified via email. Go back one last time to collect your passport with the visa extension stamp.

Alternatively, you can use one of the many visa extension agents. They will charge you a premium (usually around 800.000 IDR instead of the standard 500.000 IDR for extending) but you will only have to go to Immigration once for the biometrics. The agent will take care of the whole process for you. Some will even pick you up and drive you to the Immigration Office when it’s time.

Do not leave doing the extension until the last moment. The whole process takes about a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is indonesia visa on arrival free.

It used to be before 2020. Today, the VOA costs 500.000 IDR for all.

Can I enter Bali without a Visa?

If you’re from one of the ASEAN countries + Timor Leste, then you’re eligible for a visa exemption. For everybody else, you must have a visa or get a visa on arrival.

Can I pay for a visa on arrival in Bali by card?

Yes, Bali Denpasar Airport accepts card payments for the VOA.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Indonesia travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: May 6, 2024 14:57 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, indonesia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia due to political and social tensions and the threat of terrorism throughout the country.

Indonesian Papua - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to all the provinces of Indonesia Papua due to the regular occurrence of violent incidents, threats made against foreigners by militant groups and risk of kidnapping.

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• Indonesian Papua

Political tension and regular violent incidents continue to occur in Indonesian Papua.

In February 2023, militant groups threatened to attack and take hostages, specifically referencing foreigners. You may also face increased threats of violence or kidnapping if you travel to Indonesian Papua.

Labour disputes at the Freeport-McMoRan mine near Timika have led to demonstrations, public transportation disruptions and violence.

Fatal attacks have occurred on roads near the mine. Foreigners have been targeted by local militants.

There is a heightened police and military presence in this area.

There is a threat of terrorism in Indonesia.

While effective counterterrorism measures by Indonesian authorities are in place, terrorist cells are active and have the capacity to carry out attacks throughout the country.

Attacks have targeted:

• military and government facilities
• tourist attractions and popular public places
• nightclubs and entertainment venues
• public transportation

Further attacks are likely, and terrorists may also target:

• crowded places
• places with high pedestrian traffic and where foreigners may gather
• commercial establishments
• local government offices
• public transit stations
• busy streets
• long lineups at tourist attractions
• places of worship

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, including metal detectors, guards and security cameras. Keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

• Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places and identify ways to leave the area in case of emergency
• Monitor local media
• Follow the instructions of the local authorities

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as armed robberies, occurs regularly. Be particularly cautious on the road from Banda Aceh to Medan, where armed robberies have occurred.

Foreigners travelling alone and those travelling at night are at particular risk.

Standards of police services differ considerably from those in Canada.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• If you’re travelling by car, keep valuable belongings out of sight, windows closed and doors locked

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs throughout Indonesia, specifically in tourist areas, such as Bali and Lombok. Criminals sometimes force people to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Merchants don’t always honour pricing agreements. Use good judgment in engaging services of tourist guides, especially in places that tourists rarely visit.

There is a threat of kidnapping, particularly in the provinces of Indonesian Papua and Aceh province. Foreign travellers have been kidnapped and killed. Terrorist groups have also kidnapped tourists in East and West Kalimantan.

• Be extra vigilant if travelling in these areas
• Avoid travelling alone and after dusk
• Use varied routes and schedules when moving from one place to another

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may face some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Political and social tension

There are long-standing sectarian and social tensions throughout Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of:

• Central Sulawesi, in Palu, Poso and Tentena
• Maluku, especially in Ambon

Sectarian violence targeting civilians has occurred. The potential for violence remains, despite ongoing security operations efforts from local authorities. Be aware of your surroundings.

There is a very high rate of credit and debit card fraud in Indonesia, including online fraud.

 When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Romance scams

If you’re travelling to Indonesia to meet someone you’ve only met online, keep it mind that you may be the victim of a scam. Be wary of unsolicited emails or requests for a wire transfer.

Don’t send money to someone you have never met in person.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Even if the wrapping or container appears intact, snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

People have died after drinking methanol-adulterated alcohol. Counterfeits of well-known alcohol brands often contain dangerous amounts of methanol. Poisoning incidents have happened at hotels, bars, and shops in tourist areas like Bali, Lombok, the Gili Islands and Sumatra.

• Be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol
• Be wary of lesser-known or illegal brands
• Avoid buying alcohol from individuals
• Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season.

Road travel in Indonesia can be very challenging due to:

• reckless driving
• perilous road conditions
• inadequate lighting
• poor signage
• high traffic congestion

If you plan to rent a car, consider hiring a driver.

Avoid driving after dark outside of major cities or major roads as some drivers do not use lights.

You may face mob anger if you are involved in an accident that causes serious injury. In such cases, remain in your vehicle and wait for a police officer to arrive.

Motorcycles and scooters

Motorcycle and scooter accidents are the main cause of death and serious injury among foreigners visiting many parts of Indonesia, including Bali.

Rental motorcycles are also often targeted and stolen. In such cases, you may have to pay the replacement cost for a new motorcycle.

Public transport

Public transport can be crowded and safety standards are poor. Many remote parts of Indonesia have poor transportation networks.

Crashes involving overcrowded buses are common. Large buses are generally available only on Java. Minibuses are available elsewhere.

If you choose to travel by bus,

• keep in mind that minibus drivers may try to overcharge foreigners
• keep your belongings secure due to pickpocketing

The condition of taxis varies. Foreign travellers using taxis have been victims of armed robbery, either by the driver or other passengers.

• Pre-arrange transportation with a safe and reliable taxi company
• Only use a taxi company whose vehicles are equipped with a meter
• Never enter a cab if it already has one or more passengers
• Don’t hail taxis off the street and avoid using unmarked taxi services

Reliable taxis are available from Bluebird, Thunderbird and Express. Be careful of “lookalike” taxis from competitors.

Ferry accidents are common and are often caused by poor safety practices or extreme weather conditions.

If you choose to travel by ferry:

• make sure the vessel you are boarding is carrying appropriate safety equipment and that life jackets are provided for all passengers and accessible at all times
• don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• verify the safety standards of ferries with your tour operator

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Indonesian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Indonesia and must contain at least one blank page for the placement of the Indonesian visa or entry stamp.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Social-cultural visit visa: required

Indonesia strictly enforces its immigration and visa requirements. Foreign travellers have been detained in immigration detention centres for visa violations or overstays. Those in violation may be subject to substantial fines and deportation.

A round-trip or onward airline ticket is required to obtain all types of visas.

Tourist visa

If you are travelling for tourism with a regular Canadian passport, you may obtain a visa in advance or on arrival at select points of entry.

Business and social-cultural visas

If you are travelling to Indonesia for business or social-cultural purposes (e.g. volunteer work), you must obtain a visa prior to your arrival. You must provide a letter from both the sponsoring organization in Indonesia and the sending organization in Canada to obtain your visa.

A business or social-cultural single-entry visa is extendable from within Indonesia.

Aid workers

Aid workers must have a sponsor in Indonesia to obtain a visa. Those going to Aceh also require prior authorization from the Directorate General of Immigration in Aceh or Jakarta.

Journalists

Journalists visiting Indonesia for reporting and filming purposes must obtain authorization from the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta before applying for a visa.

Directorate General of Immigration  – Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia

Restricted areas

You must obtain a permit to travel to Indonesian Papua.

Entry regulations and permission to remain in Indonesian  Papua may change at any time.

Other entry requirements

Starting February 14, 2024, tourists entering Bali will be subject to a new tax, the Love Bali Tourist Levy. This fee will be in addition to the visa fees paid to enter Indonesia.

If your are travelling to Bali, you must pay directly though the Provincial Government of Bali website.

Levy for Foreign Tourists – Provincial Government of Bali

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre

* It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Heath care is inadequate.

Most medical staff don’t speak English or French. You may have to pay in advance, in cash, to obtain medical services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Overview of the criminal law system in Indonesia  

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences. They can also be detained for long periods, without the possibility of release on bail, while police conduct investigations prior to prosecution.

Police have arrested tourists after random drug testing throughout the country.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in Canada, such as those containing morphine and codeine, are classified as controlled substances in Indonesia. It’s illegal to bring them into the country, even in small quantities, without prior permission from the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the required documentation.

If you attempt to bring banned pharmaceuticals into Indonesia without prior authorization and proper documentation, Indonesian authorities may confiscate them. You may also be subject to fines and imprisonment.

In some areas, Islamic practices and beliefs closely adhere to local customs, laws and regulations.

Religious police enforce sharia law in Aceh. Specific applications of sharia may differ by region and apply to non-Muslims as well.

Be aware of the relevant provisions specifically related to the region, regardless of your religion.

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Indonesian national law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex. However, they are prohibited and punishable under local laws in some provinces.

In Aceh, Sharia law is enforced and sexual acts between Muslim individuals of the same sex is punished by caning. They could also face arrest under charges related to immoral behaviour, prostitution or social ills.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ individuals should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Indonesia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship 

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Indonesia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Indonesia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Indonesia allows minors to carry dual citizenship until the age of 18. After this time, they must choose between their Indonesian citizenship and foreign citizenship.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Indonesia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Indonesia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Indonesia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Imports and exports

Local customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as audiovisual material.

Gambling is illegal in Indonesia.

Identification

You must carry adequate identification, such as your passport and your stay permit, at all times.

You may be detained and fined if you don’t have the original on you.

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an International Driving Permit along with your Canadian driver’s licence.

If you got your International Driving Permit outside of Indonesia, local authorities may ask to approve it.

If you’re involved in an accident, you must stop and exchange information with and provide assistance to other drivers.

• International Driving Permit registration  – Traffic Police, Government of Indonesia (in Indonesian)
• More about the International Driving Permit

The currency is the rupiah (IDR).

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of large urban centres and tourist areas.

Carry cash when visiting remote areas.

Climate change is affecting Indonesia. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent. Indonesia is located in a very active seismic zone and is prone to natural disasters such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions

Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Each year, Indonesia experiences thousands of earthquakes. Some trigger tsunamis and cause significant damage. Deaths and injuries occasionally occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you're staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

• Earthquakes  - What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Indonesia has 129 active volcanoes and periodically experiences major volcanic events that can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Ash clouds can disrupt air travel, including on the island of Bali, and cause or worsen respiratory problems.

Active volcanoes are monitored to provide residents with an early warning should unusual activity occur. Local authorities can raise alert levels and order evacuations on short notice.

If you are near active volcanoes:

• take official warnings seriously and respect exclusion zones
• monitor local media to stay up-to-date on latest developments
• follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
• National Disaster Management Authority
• Map of active volcanoes in Indonesia – MAGMA Indonesia

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to March, but heavy rains are common throughout the year. Flooding and landslides can occur with little warning, especially in remote areas where extensive deforestation is common, but also in major cities, including Jakarta. Such incidents have led to fatalities and destruction of property.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Be aware of health risks associated with flood waters
• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts as well as road closures or detours
• Avoid disaster areas
• Follow the advice of local authorities

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Air pollution

Unrestricted burning in Sumatra and Kalimantan sometimes causes air pollution to rise to unhealthy levels, especially from June to October.

Monitor air pollution levels closely, as they change quickly.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police.

Research and carry contact information for local medical facilities.

Consular assistance

Timor-Leste

There is no Canadian government office in Bali. You can obtain consular assistance from the Australian Consulate General of Australia, in Bali, under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.

Sign up to receive email updates from the Australian government on situations and events that could affect your safety while in Bali.

Smartraveller  - Australian travel advice

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Indonesia, in Jakarta, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Travel to Indonesia

CONSULAR NOTICE - TRAVEL TO INDONESIA (UPDATED)   Singapore passport holders can enjoy “Visa Exemption for Leisure Purpose” (valid for 30 days without option to extend) and “Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose” (valid for 30 days with option to extend for an additional maximum period of 30 days) at the permitted immigration checkpoints. Travellers must possess the following: a. Passport with a minimum validity of six months; b. A return ticket or ticket to another country; and c. Proof of payment for the Visa on Arrival (if applicable).   Travellers are advised to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore or the Directorate General of Immigration in Indonesia for the latest information on entry requirements to Indonesia. Singaporeans who are currently in Indonesia or intending to travel to Indonesia are encouraged to e-Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg.

For urgent consular assistance, please contact:

Singapore Embassy in Jakarta at

+62 811 863 348 (24 hours);

Consulate-General in Medan at

+62 811 617 0339 (24 hours);

Consulate-General in Batam at

+62 811 7049 084 (24 hours); or

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/8855 (24 hours)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

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Law and Human Rights Ministry Extends Passport Validity Period to 10 Years

The Law and Human Rights Ministry has extended the validity period of Indonesian passports to 10 years from the original five-year period. 

• A valid identity card;
• Family card;
• Birth certificate, marriage certificate or marriage book, diploma, or baptism certificate;
• Indonesian citizenship letter for foreigners who acquired Indonesian citizenship through citizenship or submission of a statement to choose citizenship in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations;
• Letter of stipulation for change of name from the authorised official for those who have changed their name; and
• Old ordinary passport for those who already have a regular passport.
• The electronic identity card of the father or mother who is an Indonesian citizen;
• Marriage certificate or parent’s marriage book;
• Birth certificate;
• Immigration residence permit of foreign father or mother;
• Photocopy of father or mother’s regular passport;
• Affidavit evidence for those who already have a national passport or proof of registration of a child with dual citizenship; and
• A statement from both parents stating that they are responsible for the use of the Indonesian travel documents.

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Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

• G-1 through G-4
• NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

• T-2 (spouse)
• T-3 (child)
• T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

Please check back for update.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth certificates.

Available. A birth certificate (Akte Kelahiran) may be obtained from the Civil Registry office (Dinas Kependudukan and Catatan Sipil) at the place within whose jurisdiction the birth took place. This certificate is available upon request throughout Indonesia.

Death Certificates

Available. A death certificate (Akte Kematian) may be obtained from the Civil Registry office (Dinas Kependudukan and Catatan Sipil) at the place within whose jurisdiction the death took place. This certificate is issued for Indonesian citizens as well as foreign nationals.

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage certificates.

Available. A marriage certificate (Akte Perkawinan or Surat Nikah) is issued by the following offices for the following population groups: 1) Moslem - the Kantor Urusan Agama (KUA - Office of Religious Affairs); 2) all other religions - a solemnization certificate must first be recorded with the Civil Registry office (Dinas Kependudukan and Catatan Sipil). Please note that the marriage is considered legally valid from the date of recording, not the date of solemnization.

Divorce Certificates

Available. Moslems of all nationalities may obtain a divorce decree (Surat Talak) from the Kantor Urusan Agama (KUA - Office of Religious Affairs) within whose jurisdiction the divorce (talak) took place. Members of other religious groups may obtain a divorce certificate from the Civil Registry office (Dinas Kependudukan and Catatan Sipil) at the place within whose jurisdiction the divorce took place.

Adoption Certificates

Identity card, police, court, prison records, police records.

Unavailable for applicants inside and outside Indonesia. Indonesian police certificates require initial processing at a local or village level, which is nonstandard in nature, can be subject to capricious decisions by officials and may require nonofficial payments to proceed further."

Prison Records

Available. Prison records for persons residing in Indonesia sentenced to prison terms of more than one year may be obtained from the Fingerprint Division, Pemasyarakatan, Department of Justice and Human Rights, Jalan Veteran No. 11, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia. For applicants sentenced to prison terms of less than one year, records may be obtained from the warden of the prison where the imprisonment occurred.

Military Records

Available. Armed Forces records (including Police Force) for Indonesian citizens no longer in the military service are available. For those serving since 1950 with the rank of lieutenant and higher, records are issued by the General Personnel Office (Dan Jen Induk Personil) for either the Indonesian Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, or the Police, in Jakarta. Records are not available for either enlisted personnel or officers who served before 1950. If required, however, the person concerned can execute an affidavit before the Bupati or Camat (under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs). The affidavit must be verified and approved by the proper authorities of the Minister of Defense in Jakarta or the concerned Central Personnel Office. The military records of Dutch nationals and citizens formerly or presently residing in Indonesia ("the Uittreksel uit het Stamboek and de straflijst") can be obtained gratis only from The Hague, the Netherlands. The records of persons who had served in the "KL" (army and air force) are obtained from the Ministry of Admiralty, and those who had served in the "KNIL" from the Military Affairs Section of the Ministry of Union and Overseas Affairs.

Passports & Other Travel Documents

An Indonesian passport is currently valid for 5 years and cannot be extended. In September 1994, the Government of Indonesia changed the format of its "travel document in lieu of a passport" or "surat perjalanan laksana passpor". This document is now a passport type booklet consisting of sixteen pages with the bearer's photo and biographic data appearing on page one. It is light green in color with gold embossed writing. This document may be valid for a period of up to two years and can be considered a passport for visa issuing purposes. This document is usually issued to Indonesians who are going abroad to work, often as domestic employees or laborers. It may also be issued to persons who lose their passports overseas or in lieu of passports by immigration officers in remote areas of Indonesia, which are temporarily out of regular passport booklets. All previous versions of the "surat perjalanan laksana paspor" are considered no longer valid. There is also a travel document entitled "Paspor Untuk Orang Asing" (passport for alien) issued to a stateless permanent resident of Indonesia. This document is usually valid for one year, (although it may be issued valid for two years in certain cases, e.g. students) and may not be extended outside Indonesia. It is often endorsed good for travel to certain countries only.

Other Records

Not applicable.

• Visa Issuing Posts

Jakarta (Java), Indonesia (Embassy) -- All Visa Categories

Unit 8129 FPO AP 96520-8129

Tel: (62)(21) 3435-9000

Surabaya (Java), Indonesia (Consulate General) -- Nonimmigrant Visas only

Amconsul Surabaya Box 1 APO AP 96520-4200

Tel: (62)(21) 567-2287/8

Visa Services

Jakarta processes immigrant visas for all of Indonesia. The following applies to NIV applications:

Additional Information for Reciprocity

• Reciprocity: What's New
• Temporary Reciprocity Schedule
• Country Acronyms
• Terrorist Designation Lists
• State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Treaty Countries

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Congo the Democratic Republic of the

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moldova, Republic of

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea

North Macedonia

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Russian Federation

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, British

Wallis and Futuna

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Indonesian passport validity extended from 5 to 10 years

Double the validity, half the renewal hassle.

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights has passed a new regulation extending the validity of Indonesian passports from five years to 10 years. 

The regulation, signed by Minister Yasonna Laoly on Sept. 19, came into effect on Sept. 29.

Those eligible for the new 10-year passport are Indonesian citizens aged 17 and above. Passports of children holding dual citizenships will only be valid until they are old enough to declare whether or not they want to remain Indonesian citizens.

It’s also worth noting that valid 5-year passports will not have their validity automatically extended to 10 years. People with valid 5-year passports will receive their 10-year passports in their next renewal.

We just hope that there won’t be any more surprises about our passports not meeting international standards.

Related — Missing signature page in your passport through no fault of your own? You can now overcome bureaucratic hurdles to get it

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Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?

Editor's Note

It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.

Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.

Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.

I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.

If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.

We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.

Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen countries in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.

While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.

The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.

The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• New Caledonia
• North Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkmenistan
• Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
• United Arab Emirates
• West Bank/Gaza Strip

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date

Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

• Central African Republic
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
• South Sudan

Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• Trinidad and Tobago

Central and South America

• El Salvador

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival

• Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)

South Pacific

• American Samoa
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• New Zealand

Bottom line

When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.

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Passport with less than 6 months validity - Indonesia Forum

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Passport with less than 6 months validity

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I was carrying enough cash to cover the "fees" that the other posters had mentioned. I was not crazy about being squeezed for what I had on me. I will tell you now, I worried about the wrong thing.

In spite of the fact that my passport was full of old Indonesian visas, and regardless of the fact that I have been married to an Indonesian for 16 years, or that I had not seen her for better than 3 years, there was no amount of pleading that would keep the authorities from deporting me on the very same plane I had just come in on!!

There was not a gray hair on any of the officials that handled me. My point is, I used to wonder how Indonesia would ever get a handle on the very embedded corruption. If I were to guess, I would say that it looks like they simply retired the old guys and replaced them with new guys who had been trained in the evils of corruption. They were very professional.

It was certainly a horrible experience to be deported. They routed me back the way I came, through Shanghi. This is where things got even worse. Even though I was actually just in transit for the second time in less than 24 hours through China, I was now considered to be in China with no visa and again with less than 6 months on my passport. So I was detained, processed and deported from that country as well.

Things have changed in for the better in Indonesia. Despite my horrible experience, I am happy to know that corruption is no longer what it was there. Unfortunately first world government rules will put you on the wrong side of the law if you are too casual. There is no reasoning with rules that must apply to all. Lawyers make their living out of crossing T's and dotting I's that the rest of us see as insignificant and unreasonable.

Hope to spare someone from repeating my experience.

I am actually surpised that the airline alowed you to board at all.. Normally they do a thorough check of the passport, because I do believe that the airline is responsible for the transport to deport you back if they transport you illegally.

Can your wife get a visa and visit you in your country perhaps?

Lots of such reports are in the TA forums...

It's very refreshing for someone to come onto this forum having had a bad experience and written about it in a positive manner, accepting full responsibility.

Actually a search (too late in the trip) here resulted in several old post of forum members who had gotten in via the old corrupt system. I wrote to help others steer clear of thinking they might be able to feed the corruption.

And as far as checking here first for the law, be aware that I knew the law. It was my not paying attention to my passport that bit me. I judge myself hard enough. Others can judge for whatever's reasons they want.

For those that have made appreciative remarks, thank you.

Hi Don - just to add my two rupiah, I appreciate you posted this as a warning to others which is within the spirit of the TripAdvisor forums of sharing information and experiences.

Thanks for writing something positive about a negative experience.

If nothing else, it will show to others that one of the very first things they should do is check their passport validity before planning a trip.

Don't missunderstand.

I am not new to international travel. Quite the opposite. I am on my 4th passport. I have had to get pages added to make room for all the visas more than once. I simply became too casual, and I had a lot on my plate, having just finished a project in NY that went 8 months longer than expected, and thinking about trying to squeeze in a visit with my wife before the next project in Korea started. All of this sounds like excuses, but the truth is, I should have been less casual.

Thanks to those who express compassion. The immigration officers in Bali were apologetic. But governments discourage/prohibit decision making and demand compliance in order to keep abuses under control. That is why I said that I respect their professionalism while at the same time appreciate their expressions of compassion.

Time to move on.

I only hope that there are rules in place to allow me another chance to enter Indonesia again.

For those that don't know, anyone in my situation who have been deported for any reason from the US are not allowed a second chance for 10 years. Seems a little harsh when the passport was not actually expired.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Don’t Let Your Passport Expiry Date Ruin Your Travel Plans

T here is something crucial you need to check before setting off on a trip to another country. It’s your passport . However, simply possessing a passport isn’t enough. You need to check the validity period on your passport.

Most countries require at least six months of passport validity, so you may not be able to travel if your passport is near its expiration date.

So, what should you look for when checking your passport? Let’s take a closer look.

Every passport has a validity period, which is crucial. You can’t travel abroad with an expired passport. Moreover, many countries require at least six months of passport validity, which is a point you must check. However, not all countries have this requirement.

Japan, a popular destination for Korean tourists, has less stringent requirements. As long as your passport is valid for longer than your intended stay, you can travel without issue. This means that if your passport has one month of validity left and your trip ends within seven days, you can enter the country. However, it’s better to have at least three months of validity remaining for safe travel.

Read more: North Korea's Sneaky Nuclear Submarine Project Revealed: A Cause for Concern?

For Hong Kong, you can travel if your passport has at least one month of validity remaining. The Philippines abolished its rule requiring at least six months of passport validity in July 2015. This means you can travel there anytime as long as your passport is valid. However, you might be denied entry when your passport’s validity is too short, so it’s recommended to renew it in advance.

Countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and New Zealand require at least three months of passport validity.

Countries in Southeast Asia are the representative examples that require at least six months of passport validity. As they are popular among Korean travelers, it needs to be checked more carefully. Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and Malaysia require a passport that is valid for more than six months. Taiwan also denies entry if there are less than six months of validity remaining.

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The United States is known for its strict entry requirements. When traveling to the U.S., it’s best to have at least six months of passport validity remaining. The same applies to Australia, the UK, Switzerland, Greece, and South American countries.

If your passport is about to expire or you lose it right before your trip, you can obtain an emergency passport. An emergency passport is a non-electronic passport issued for urgent needs. You can apply for urgent needs when there is not enough time to get an electronic passport. You can also get an emergency passport at Incheon Airport or check with your local airports to see if they have this service.

However, before applying for an emergency passport, you need to check whether it is recognized by the country you are visiting. If it doesn’t, you will not be able to enter. In Vietnam, emergency passports are only recognized for those returning home or transiting. In the Philippines, you can leave the country with an emergency passport, but you are not allowed to enter. Countries like Thailand, Laos, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Macao, China, Indonesia, and Singapore recognize emergency passports.

Malaysia only allows emergency passports for departures and transits. In the Philippines, you must have a departure flight ticket. In Taiwan, you need to obtain a landing visa at the consular office of the Foreign Ministry at the airport before proceeding with immigration procedures.

There is another thing you need to check carefully with your passport. If your passport is damaged, there may be restrictions with entering and leaving the country or issuing tickets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs particularly emphasizes the importance of the personal information section. Stains or damages can cause problems. Also, unrelated stamps or drawings could make the entry denied.

Southeast Asian countries are particularly sensitive to passport damage. Malaysia will deny entry if there are insufficient visa pages or damages in the passport such as drawings or damage in the inner pages. Vietnam will deny entry if the passport is damaged. In Thailand, even minor damage can lead to entry denial.

These incidents occur more often than you might think but are not known publicly. You may not be able to travel abroad because of a stain that you have not noticed. So, before you set off on an international trip, take your time to thoroughly check your passport.

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How long is a US passport good for? Here's what to know — and how to renew it.

But before you jet off to a faraway location, you need to make sure your passport is not expired. Nothing can ruin a trip quite like showing up at the airport only to find out your passport is invalid.

Some countries even require passports to  "be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip," according to the U.S. Department of State. 

So, if you're planning on traveling and need to check your travel documents, here is a guide to how long your passport is good for, depending on when it was issued. 

How long is a passport good for?

Your passport's expiration date depends on when it was issued or renewed. 

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According to the U.S. Department of State, a passport is valid for 10 years if it was issued when you were 16 years old or older. If your passport was issued when you were under the age of 16, your passport is valid for five years. 

You can identify your passport's issue date on the data page or on the front of your passport card.

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Can you renew your passport before it expires?

According to the State Department, your passport does not need to be expired for it to be renewed.  If you want a new book or a new card, all you must do is submit the valid documents in exchange for new ones.

If your passport has expired, you can still renew it if it has been issued within the last 15 years. 

How long are passports taking right now? 

As of Nov. 2023, the processing time for a passport is between seven to 10 weeks for routine processing. For expedited processing, your passport's processing time is between three to five weeks, according to the State Department. 

Processing time does not include mailing time, and it could take up to two weeks from your application day for your passport to be "In Process." 

How long does it take to get a passport? What is the fastest way to get one?

What do I need to bring to renew my passport?

According to the USAGov, these are the documents you will need if you're applying for a passport:

• Application form
• Your most recent passport 
• Passport photo

If you name has changed since your last passport,  you will have to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate or a court order of your name change .

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Passport validity and foreign visas

Can i use my current passport until it expires.

If you're in Australia and your current passport is valid when you renew, it will be cancelled. This means you will be unable to use it for travel. You should avoid travelling outside Australia using the expiring passport. If it’s cancelled while you’re overseas, you may be stuck without a valid passport.

When you apply to renew your passport, we recommend marking your old passport as a reminder that’s it’s no longer valid, for example, placing a sticker on its cover.

When you receive your new passport, you should:

• update travel bookings with your new passport number
• keep it separate from your old passport to avoid taking the wrong passport to the airport.

Other countries and airlines have passport validity rules that influence how you use your passport. For example, you can’t enter some countries if you have less than 6 months validity on your passport from the date you intend to leave that country. This may apply when you’re transiting or stopping over in the country.

Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it will be valid long enough, consider renewing.

Visit Smartraveller.gov.au for trusted travel advice on safety and security issues, local laws and customs and entry requirements.

Can I use foreign visas from an old passport?

Many countries don’t accept visas in expired passports.  You may have to get new visas.  Keep in mind that some visas are electronic, and there may be no physical evidence of them in your passport. 

If you're planning to travel to the United States of America under the visa waiver program, you need to have a passport with an electronic chip. All current Australian passports, except  emergency passports , have an electronic chip.

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From August 1, 2024, Onward: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

At a glance.

Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required).

Requirements for all dogs

Requirements for dogs with a current and valid rabies vaccination administered in the united states.

• Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry

All dogs must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
• The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
• Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
• Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.

This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.

• This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
• There is no charge to importers for submitting this form.
• Additional requirements for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do NOT have appropriate documentation of current US-issued rabies vaccine
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry

Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.

Specific requirements depend on whether the dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies  in the past 6 months.

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies must:  

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section above
• The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form is required for the importation (re-entry) of U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in high-risk countries for dog rabies  within the 6 months before re-entry into the United States.
• Please note, during the transition period, the importer may instead present a copy of the USDA endorsed export health certificate that was used to ship the dog from the United States, if that export health certificate documents the dog’s age (at least 6 months), the microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States. The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form.)

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months must:

• A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States; or
• Document a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Important information about the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form

The Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed before the dog departs the U.S. Before asking your veterinarian to complete this form, verify the following requirements will be met:

• Ensure your dog will be at least 6 months of age on date of return to the U.S.
• Have your dog microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations)
• Ensure the veterinarian scans the dog for the ISO-compatible microchip and records the microchip number at the time of vaccine appointment. Rabies vaccines administered prior to microchip implantation will not be considered valid.
• Ensure the rabies vaccination will be valid for the entire duration of your travels. If your dog’s U.S.-issued rabies vaccination lapses while overseas and your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, your dog will need to be revaccinated overseas and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs to return to the U.S., including having a rabies serology titer, arriving at a specific port of entry, and possible quarantine requirements.
• Your dog’s first rabies vaccination must be administered at least 28 days before travel.
• Ensure the veterinarian submits this form to the USDA for official endorsement through the VEHCS portal
• Your dog must travel with a printed copy of the official endorsed form upon your dog’s return to the United States if your dog has been in a high-risk country within the 6 months before returning to the U.S.

During the transition period, U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, may have either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or the USDA endorsed export health certificate for re-entry into the United States. Without one of these forms your dog will need to meet the requirements specific to the risk category of the countries where they have been in the 6 months before returning to the United States.

The export health certificate must document the dog’s age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and the rabies vaccination date. The rabies vaccine must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.

Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do not have appropriate documentation of current U.S.-issued rabies vaccine must:

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section
• Ensure the dog is microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip before receiving the rabies vaccination and the number is recorded on the veterinary documents or the vaccine will not be considered valid
• Verify the dog is at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age when vaccinated against rabies
• The dog must have a valid (i.e., non-expired) rabies vaccination. If it’s the dog’s first vaccination or if the dog’s vaccination coverage has lapsed, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before arrival to the United States.
• The Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form must be completed by your veterinarian AND endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country.
• The blood sample for the rabies serology titer must have been drawn at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before entry to the U.S.
• Dogs with a history of multiple valid rabies vaccinations administered after the microchip was placed may have the sample for the rabies serology titer drawn at any time after a rabies booster vaccination as long as the dog’s first vaccine was given at least 30 days before the blood sample was drawn and there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage. If a lapse occurs, the sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the valid booster vaccination was administered.
• The sample must be sent to a CDC-approved rabies serology laboratory . If there is no CDC-approved laboratory in your country, your veterinarian may draw the sample and send it internationally to a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Passing results must be obtained in order for a serology to be valid.
• Rabies serology titer results will be considered valid for the life of the dog as long as the dog’s rabies vaccination coverage does not lapse. If a lapse occurs, a new rabies serology titer will be required and that sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the new vaccination was administered.
• If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, it will be required to be quarantined at a CDC-registered animal care facility for 28 days after the dog is revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months must have a reservation for examination, verification of age, documents, and microchip number, and administration of a rabies booster vaccination at a CDC-registered animal care facility immediately upon arrival in the United States.
• Dogs that do not have a valid rabies serology titer must also have a reservation for quarantine. Dogs will be quarantined at the facility for 28 days at the importer’s expense after being revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All CDC-registered animal care facility expenses, including exam, revaccination, and quarantine (if required), are the responsibility of the importer.
• The facility will need copies of all required documents prior to confirming your reservation.
• Ensure the dog meets any facility-specific requirements (contact facility for additional information).
• If after arrival the CDC-registered animal care facility determines that your documents are not valid or the dog’s microchip number, age, or description does not match the paperwork provided, the dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.
• Dogs that have evidence of illness or are not healthy will be required to have testing to confirm they do not have contagious diseases before they will be eligible for release, which may extend the required quarantine period beyond 28 days. Any required testing or extended stay in quarantine will be at the importer’s expense, so please ensure dogs are healthy upon arrival (including no evidence of fleas, ticks, or skin diseases).
• Dogs must arrive to the U.S. at the airport where the CDC-registered animal care facility is located. This must be the location where the dog has a reservation.
• This must also be the airport listed on the CDC Dog Import Form
• Domestic flights or other forms of travel to other locations in the U.S. are not permitted until after the dog receives required follow-up services at the CDC-registered animal care facility and is cleared for entry.
• SERVICE DOGS ARRIVING BY SEA : Service dogs, as defined in 14 CFR 382.3, may arrive by sea if they meet the requirements in the “All Dogs” section, have a complete Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form and a valid rabies serology titer, and are traveling with their handler. Emotional support animals are not service animals under this definition.

Countries that are not on the list of countries at high risk for dog rabies  are considered to be free of or low risk for dog-mediated rabies virus variant (DMRVV) (called dog rabies-free or low-risk countries on these webpages).

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before entry into the United States must:

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States.
• Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
• Is for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
• Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the 6 months before traveling to the U.S. The form must be completed within the 30 days before arriving to the United States.
• Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select it when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Any documentation that is not from the United States must be completed in the country where the dog’s travel originates. For example, if the dog’s documents were issued in France, the dog may not enter the U.S. via a land-border crossing from Mexico to the U.S.

*Examples of veterinary records that must accompany completed forms are European Union pet passports or proof of payment for veterinary services received in the exporting low-risk country for the previous 6 months. Records must include the dog’s microchip number.

For more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions on CDC Dog Importations  

If you have questions or need more information, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

• Travelers' Health
• Healthy Pets Healthy People
• Southern Border Health and Migration
• Port Health
• Division of Global Migration Health

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