On Wednesday (28/10), the Indonesian Law and Human Rights Ministry announced it will launch an online visa application service for nationals of certain countries, in a bid to simplify the process of travelling to the country from abroad. The introduction of an electronic system is also intended to reduce face-to-face contact, thereby protecting both the traveller and border officials from potential exposure to Covid-19.
The new e-Visa is central to the Indonesian government’s plans for slowly reopening the country to tourism. Eligible travelers will be able to obtain their electronic visa by filling in an online application with their details and passport data. Once approved, the applicant will receive their e-Visa via email.
Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi says she hopes the electronic service will make the visa application process easier without neglecting data protection or border security. According to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Wishnutama, “the e-visa makes it easy for prospective foreign tourists to apply for a visa wherever they are.”
Indonesia is currently still closed to the majority of international arrivals, but the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration is allowing limited access to the country by making travel corridor and reciprocal green lane arrangements with specific nations (Indonesia recently opened a travel corridor with Singapore to facilitate business travel). Electronic visa applications are an essential part of the ‘new normal’ travel infrastructure; they will support the government in ensuring safe and secure travel post-Covid-19 and during the current transitional phase.
Nationals of countries with an existing travel corridor agreement with Indonesia will be eligible to apply for the Indonesia online visa. At this time, citizens of China, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea are eligible to obtain the Indonesia e-Visa. Singapore is expected to be included in this list soon.
Once the Indonesia e-Visa system is launched, it will initially only be available to business travellers from travel corridor countries who have a guarantor in Indonesia. Skilled workers, civil servants, and investors from the countries mentioned above will all be eligible to apply for the e-Visa for Indonesia. All applicants need to get an electronic permit is a valid passport, a debit or credit card, and an email address.
Each eligible traveller must provide their personal information, including full name (as it appears on the passport), address, date of birth, and contact details. Passport data must be submitted as well, including expiration and issuing date. The applicant will be asked to upload supporting documents. To complete the process, it will be necessary to cover the e-Visa fee with a debit or credit card. Once approved, the Indonesian online visa will be sent to the email address used on the application.
Full details of e-Visa eligibility and application requirements can be found at the Indonesia Visas website. For more information, click here.
