Indonesia is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its natural beauty, fascinating culture, delicious cuisine and welcoming people. With over 17,000 islands, white-sand beaches, majestic volcanoes, lush rainforests, ancient temples and bustling cities, Indonesia offers a unique travel experience for every visitor.
According to statistics from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Indonesia welcomed nearly 16 million foreign tourists in 2019, making it the 20th most-visited tourist destination in the world. However, in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism in Indonesia was severely affected, with international arrivals down 75% on the previous year.
Its capital is Jakarta, and the official language is Indonesian. The population is over 267 million, making it the 4th most populous country in the world.
As for the main tourist spots sought by Europeans in Indonesia, we can mention :
- Bali - famous for its white sandy beaches, temples, rice terraces and unique Balinese culture.
- The Gili Islands - located off Lombok, famous for their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
- Jakarta - Indonesia's bustling capital, with its lively markets, modern shopping malls and rich cultural heritage.
- The Komodo Islands - famous for their Komodo dragons, giant lizards found only in this part of the world.
- Java 's volcanoes - spectacular sites such as Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen and Mount Merapi are very popular with hikers and lovers of breathtaking scenery.
- Borobudur and Prambanan temples - two of the world's largest Buddhist and Hindu temple complexes, located on the island of Java.
In addition to these popular destinations, there are many other places to discover in Indonesia, such as the Mentawai Islands, Lake Toba, the beaches of Wakatobi, the rainforests of Borneo and the remote regions of Papua.
Formalities for traveling to Indonesia
If you're a European planning to travel to Indonesia, it's important to know the travel formalities required to enter the country. Indonesia is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, exotic cuisine and historic sites.
> Check if I need a visa to travel to Indonesia
The difference between a Tourist e-Visa and a Visitor e-Visa (ex-e-VOA)
Indonesia offers two types of electronic visas for travellers wishing to visit the country: Tourism e-Visa and Visitor's e-Visa (formerly known as e-VOA). Although both types of visa are intended for visitors, they differ significantly in terms of eligibility requirements, validity and length of stay.
The Tourist e-Visa is intended for travelers visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes. Travelers eligible for the Tourist e-Visa are those from countries that benefit from visa-free processing, and who intend to stay in Indonesia for a maximum period of 60 days. The Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and allows a single entry into the country.
TheVisitor e-Visa (formerly known as thee-VOA) is intended for travelers visiting Indonesia for reasons other than tourism, such as business, a family visit or participation in an event. Travelers eligible for the e-Visa Visitor can stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days (30 + 30-day extension possible), and the visa is valid for a single entry. The visitor visa is also valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This is currently the most widely-issued document.
It's important to note that, although both types of visa are issued electronically, they have different eligibility requirements.
Travelers eligible for the Tourist e-Visa can come from certain countries only, while the Visitor e-Visa is available for a larger number of countries. It is also important to note that travelers intending to work in Indonesia must obtain a work visa from the Indonesian embassy or consulate.
How long does it take to obtain an e-visa for Indonesia/Bali, and how long is it valid?
The time required to obtain an e-visa for Indonesia/Bali is generally short. Allow 2 to 3 working days to obtain your e-visa. However, to be on the safe side, it's best to anticipate your e-visa request by allowing a week for processing. The time it takes to obtain your e-visa depends on the number of applications processed by the Indonesian authorities and any delays that may occur in checking your file. The processing time starts when you submit your application, once payment has been made by bank transfer. By anticipating this processing time, you can be sure of receiving your e-visa on time.
The validity of the e-visitor visa for Indonesia/Bali is 90 days from the date of issue. This is a single-entry visa that will allow you to stay in Indonesia for 30 days. If you leave Indonesia before the expiry date of your e-visa, you will need to reapply for an e-visa if you wish to return shortly after your departure.
How much does an e-visa for Indonesia/Bali cost?
The price of an e-visa for Indonesia/Bali is set by the consular agency of the Indonesian embassy. The price of the e-visa includes the consular fees inherent in entering Indonesia. The price of an e-visa for Indonesia/Bali varies according to the reason for your stay in Indonesia and the type of visa you require to travel there.
The consular fee for a 30-day single-entry visitor e-visa valid for 3 months is 29 €. Visit 87 € for a tourism e-Visa. These prices are given as an indication. They are subject to change at any time by unilateral decision of the Indonesian authorities.
