Traveling abroad with a criminal record is not always straightforward. Individuals who have previous convictions may face certain obstacles when visiting other countries, including Indonesia.
Find below all the information necessary about traveling to Indonesia with a criminal record, including Indonesia visa requirements.
Can You Travel to Indonesia With a Criminal Record?
Yes, it is possible for individuals with a criminal record to go to Indonesia.
In most cases, visitors who have committed minor offenses in the past will be permitted to enter the country without question, particularly if they have not served any time in prison.
It is worth noting that this is not set in stone. Indonesian immigration officials have the right to refuse entry to any traveler, including those with an approved visa. This is highly unlikely to happen unless a passenger gives them a reason to believe they are a threat to security.
Individuals with a history of violent crime may be flagged as a security risk and denied entry for this reason.
In addition, travelers who have previously been involved in criminal behavior in Indonesia itself may be blacklisted from returning to the country.
In most other cases, a criminal record is unlikely to prevent foreign visitors from applying for an Indonesia visa or from entering the country.
Can you go to Bali with a criminal record?
Yes, the rules for visiting Bali are the same as for the rest of Indonesia. Travelers with a criminal record and Bali visa will be able to enter in the majority of cases.
There is no guarantee, however, as border security officers can refuse entry at their own discretion. Depending on the nature of past criminal offenses, this may be a factor in the decision to deny entry to a traveler.
Can You Apply For an Indonesia Visa Online With a Criminal Record?
Foreign nationals can apply for a visa for Indonesia if they have a history of criminal activity.
During the application, they will be asked a few questions about their previous convictions. It is important to answer truthfully and provide all the relevant information.
In some cases, a visa application may be denied if the traveler’s past crimes are of a serious nature and/or they are assessed to be a potential security risk. However, this does not necessarily mean that the individual cannot visit Indonesia.
If a visa application is denied, it is advisable to go to the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate and make an inquiry. The staff will be able to advise the applicant about whether it is possible to visit and how to go about getting a visa. It may be necessary to submit an application at the embassy.
In some cases, travelers might need to get police clearance for Indonesia to have a visa application approved.
What can I do if my Indonesia visa application is rejected due to past crimes?
If a visa application is denied, it is advisable to go to the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate and make an inquiry. The staff will be able to advise the applicant about whether it is possible to visit and how to go about getting a visa. It may be necessary to submit an application at the embassy.
In some cases, travelers might need to get police clearance for Indonesia to have a visa application approved.
Applying for a visa for Bali with a criminal record
The process of obtaining a Bali visa with a criminal record is the same as applying for a visa to visit any other part of Indonesia.
Travelers who meet the Indonesia visa requirements can complete an online form and provide the required supporting documents.
Do I Need Police Clearance for Indonesia?
Police clearance is not generally needed for international visitors.
If a foreign national wants to go to Java or travel to Bali with a criminal record, they may need police clearance, although this is rare.
In most cases, foreigners are asked to get police clearance to do the following in Indonesia:
- Move to the country
- Start a business
- Accept employment
How can I get police clearance in Indonesia?
Indonesia police clearance takes the form of a certificate called the SKCK. This is issued by the Indonesian national police department.
The SKCK serves as evidence that the foreign national has not committed any crimes that pose a risk of harming any of the following:
- The workplace
- The community
- Indonesian society
If applying from outside of Indonesia, travelers should take the following steps:
- Contact their local police authority
- Request a certificate of recommendation
- Ask to have their fingerprints taken
The recommendation and original fingerprint document must be sent to authorities in Indonesia as part of the application for the SKCK police clearance.
Foreign nationals who are already in Indonesia, but plan to stay long-term, work, or start a business and require police clearance for these activities can apply for the SKCK at the local police station.
