Do you need a visa to visit Indonesia?

Aside from travelers from a handful of Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines, most foreigners need a visa to visit Indonesia. French citizens are among those for whom this formality is mandatory. The most commonly used visa for a tourist stay in Bali, Java, Lombok, Sumatra, or any other island of the Indonesian archipelago is the B1 visa. It lets you stay for thirty days and can be extended once for an additional thirty days. Here's everything you need to know about how it works and how to get this precious document.

Two ways to apply for a tourist visa to visit Indonesia

If you plan to stay in Indonesia for two months at most, there are two ways to go about getting your tourist visa to visit Indonesia. The first option is to apply directly at the airport — this is known as the VOA (Visa on Arrival). The second is to apply online before you leave — this is called the EVOA (Electronic Visa On Arrival). Here are the pros and cons of each approach.

Why choose an online B1 visa for Indonesia?

The online B1 visa for Indonesia is ideal for travelers who like to be efficient and plan ahead. No need to queue at immigration and fill out a form after an endless flight. With your pass already in your pocket, you'll clear the checkpoints faster, without any hassle. Even though getting a VOA at the airport usually only takes a few dozen minutes, it's always nice to simplify your life on a trip this long. Collecting your bags, withdrawing cash, buying a local SIM card, and booking a taxi to your hotel are already time-consuming enough without adding another hassle on top. Trust us, you'll be glad to have one less formality to deal with when you land in Jakarta, jet-lagged.

The advantages of getting the B1 visa for Indonesia at the airport

First, know that the cost of the B1 visa for Indonesia at the airport is the same as the online visa. You'll be asked to pay 500,000 IDR (roughly 30 euros), though the final amount can vary slightly depending on the exchange rate you get. As mentioned above, the queue is far from unmanageable and the information required is basic. On the other hand, the Indonesian immigration website sometimes glitches, making it impossible to get your visa ahead of time. If you're not the impatient type and not especially fond of doing things online, rest assured — the process on site is extremely simple.

How to get your EVOA online

Weighed the pros and cons and decided you'd rather not complicate things at the airport, preferring to get ahead of it instead? Great idea. Head to the official website of Indonesian immigration. Once on the homepage, click the "apply" link. Then follow these steps:

• Select your country.
• Go into the (General, Family, or Social) section.
• Click on (Tourism, Family Visit, and Transit).
• Finally, select (B1 - Tourist (Visa On Arrival)).

You're in the right place. All that's left is to enter a few identity details, upload a photo of yourself on a plain background, and pay the required 30 euros. Your visa to visit Indonesia will be sent to you within the day — sometimes you'll even get it in as little as 5 minutes. Just be careful not to apply too early: the B1 EVOA is only valid for 90 days from its issue date, so it's best to apply no more than two months before your trip begins.