International travelers passing through Indonesia on the way to another destination may require a visa. This depends on their nationality, the airport they land at, and other factors.
Tourist visas, such as the Indonesia e-Visa On Arrival (e-VOA), also allow foreign nationals to transit through the country.
In many cases, it is more convenient to apply for a visa online, rather than a visa specifically for transit.
Find more information below on the Indonesian transit visa, who needs one, and how to apply online.
Who Needs an Indonesian Transit Visa?
Many travelers passing through Indonesia need a visa.
Passengers of various nationalities must have a valid visa to cross the Indonesian border for any reason. It may be necessary to clear immigration during transit for the following purposes:
- Recheck luggage for the onward journey
- Change terminals
- Stay in a hotel overnight between flights
- Visit Indonesia for a short period before traveling onward
In any of these situations, travelers do not need a separate Indonesia transit visa. The online visa serves as both a transit and tourism visaIt is often easier to apply for a tourist Indonesia e-Visa online in advance.
Do I Need an Indonesia Transit Visa for a Connecting Flight?
Travelers will need an Indonesian visa to transit to a connecting flight if they pass through border control during the stopover.
In addition, it may be necessary to have an Indonesian visa to transit in the following situations, even if staying at the airport between flights:
- Transit for more than 24 hours or 8 hours (depending on the airport)
- Transit through Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Changing terminal for the connecting flight at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Travelers who meet the Indonesia e-Visa requirements can to apply online before traveling.
Do I need a transit visa for Bali?
The immigration rules for Bali are the same as for the rest of Indonesia. Passengers who require a visa to cross the border must have one, even if they are just passing through.
At Ngurah Rai International Airport (the main airport on Bali), even travelers who do not leave the airport terminal must have a Bali transit visa or the Indonesia e-VOA.
You’ll also need to pay the Bali Tourist Tax if you’re visiting or passing through the region of Bali.
Only Indonesian citizens and some types of visa holders are exempt. All tourists entering Bali, including those with a tourist visa, must pay the tax.
You can make the Bali Tourist Tax payment online before you travel.
Can I Transit Through Indonesia Without a Visa?
Passengers may be able to transit through Indonesia without a visa if they meet certain criteria.
Some nationalities enjoy visa exemption for Indonesia for up to 30 days. For other travelers, it depends on the length of time they will be in transit and whether they intend to clear customs. There are also different rules for different airports.
Visa-free transit is possible at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) — the main airport serving the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.
Travelers may transit here without a visa with the following conditions:
- The layover is less than 24 hours
- The traveler does not clear immigration
- The traveler does not move between terminals
- The traveler stays in the designated transit area
Transit is possible at some other airports visa-free under similar restrictions for up to 8 hours.
If a passenger needs to re-check their bags in for the next flight, needs to change terminal, or wishes to leave the airport for any other reason, they must have a valid Indonesia visa.
What Is an Indonesia Transit Visa?
An Indonesia transit visa is a type of Indonesia visa that allows the holder to stop over in the country for a short time (7 days). It is specifically designed for passengers in transit.
However, the transit visa cannot be obtained in advance, which means that travelers must be very careful to bring everything they need to complete the application.
Most passengers prefer to obtain a visa online before the trip, which allows transit in addition to longer stays as a tourist.
How Do I Get a Transit Visa for Indonesia?
Indonesian visas specifically for transit are obtained on arrival. Travelers must apply at border control, which often involves standing in line for long periods of time.
As with most visas on arrival, the Indonesian transit visa comes with certain risks. If the visa application is rejected for any reason, the passenger will be denied entry and may face undesirable consequences.
Is It Possible to Get a Transit Visa on Arrival in Indonesian Airports?
Yes, passengers can obtain an Indonesia transit visa on arrival at airports in the country.
These allow you to stay up to 7 days between flights. If you wish to spend more time in transit, it is necessary to get a 30-day tourist visa.
It is generally considered quicker, easier, and safer to get an electronic visa for Indonesia beforehand, which can also be used for transit.
