Indonesia

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

General Travel Advice

Travellers to Indonesia must hold a passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond date of arrival. There are no exceptions to this regulation.

Travellers should ensure that their passport is not damaged in any way, otherwise they may be refused entry to Indonesia.

It is strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Indonesia. Travellers to Indonesia can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at a cost of IDR 500,000, either online or in-person upon arrival.

Travellers should ensure that they have an exit ticket from Indonesia booked prior to entry. Travellers presenting a one-way ticket only for a short stay visa will be denied entry.

Indonesia has introduced a single digital entry form called All Indonesia. It combines an arrival card, customs, and health declarations into one online process, replacing separate forms. Upon completion of the process, you are required to present the generated QR code to both the Immigration and Customs checkpoints at the airport. You can complete the All Indonesia form up to 3 days before your departure or upon arrival at the airport.

Citizens can follow the Embassy on X @IrlEmbIndonesia for relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if a problem arises, talk to local contacts, tour operator representatives or hotel management.

Visitors can contact the emergency services in Indonesia by dialling:

• Police: 110 / 112
• Fire brigade:113
• Ambulance: 118/119

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
• Register your details with the Embassy of Ireland so that we can contact you quickly in the event of a crisis such as natural disaster.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and @IrlEmbIndonesia. On Instagram: @dfatravelwise and @irlandiadiindonesia for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that can be provided to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to Register your details with the Embassy.

Civil Unrest

Public demonstrations can occasionally occur in Indonesian cities, and have the potential to turn violent. Travellers are advised to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and to keep informed of any updates with local media.

Visitors to Indonesia are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay informed on what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Terrorism

There is a significant threat of terrorism in Indonesia. Terrorist groups have the capacity and intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places where large groups of people gather or which are known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers: beach resorts, bars and restaurants, hotels and shopping malls hosting major international brand outlets, tourist attractions, places of worship, ferry terminals and airports. Attacks may also target Indonesian Government and law enforcement bodies.

Crime

Visitors should always take sensible precautions while in Indonesia:

• Do not carry credit cards, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Do not carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Make sure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review, your security arrangements.

Sexual assault

Reported cases of rape and sexual assault are increasing in Bali and Lombok. Be alert when out at night and avoid areas that are poorly lit. Walking alone after dark should be avoided.

If you call a taxi car or motorbike, use only registered companies, such as Bluebird, Silverbird or Express.

If you book with a mobile app, try to utilise app features such as checking the driver is the same as the person on the app, and sharing your journey with a friend.

Be wary of drivers claiming to be registered with app companies and trying to pick up passengers on the street or at airports.

Drink spiking

There have been reports of drink spiking linked to sexual assault, assault and robbery in Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands.

Watch your drinks being prepared, and do not leave them unattended. Drinks accepted from strangers at clubs or parties may not be safe.

Reporting Crime

If a victim of a crime while in Indonesia, report it to the local police immediately. If in need of consular assistance, please contact the Embassy of Ireland in Jakarta.

Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, report this to the Police immediately and obtain a Police Report. A lost passport can delay travel plans considerably, and incur costs.

Please be aware that you will need to visit the Embassy of Ireland in Jakarta in-person if you require an Emergency Travel Certificate.

Emergency Travel Certificate

Irish citizens who have lost their passport while visiting Indonesia may be able to obtain a one-way Emergency Travel Certificate to return to Ireland or their country of residence. Emergency Travel Certificates are valid for 72 hours and can be used for a single journey only.

If resident in Indonesia and have lost your passport you should apply for a new passport.

Irish citizens who need an Emergency Travel Certificate should contact the Embassy of Ireland at +62 21 2809 4300 or via this form.

Emergency travel certificates can only be issued at the Embassy of Ireland in Jakarta. Irish citizens must present in-person at the Embassy.

The following documentation is required before an Emergency Travel Certificate can be issued:

• Emergency travel document fee of IDR 500,000. An additional fee of IDR 1,300,000 will be applied if the emergency travel certificate is processed outside of normal office hours (09.00 – 16.00). Fees can be paid in cash at the Embassy or via bank transfer.
• Photographic ID
• Proof of address in country of residence
• Copy of Long Birth Certificate
• Copy of proof of Irish citizenship, if born outside Ireland or in Ireland after 2005
• Completed passport application form (this can be completed at the Embassy)
• Two colour passport photos (size 3.5X4.5 cm, white background)
• Police report of lost/stolen passport
• Visa and flight information

Important: Some countries do not accept Emergency Travel Certificates, including for transit purposes. Applicants should check that an Emergency Travel Certificate will be accepted in their countries of transit or residence before they apply for the certificate and before finalising travel arrangements.

If provided with an Emergency Travel Certificate, an application for a new passport should be submitted as soon as possible. Your previous passport will be registered as lost and will be cancelled.

Driving and other forms of transport

Caution should be exercised when driving in Indonesia, as driving standards vary. Bring a full Irish and international driving license. You should have adequate and appropriate insurance.

Motorcycle accidents are common on the Islands of Bali and Lombok. Only experienced drivers should use motorbikes and mopeds and all necessary safety precautions should be taken, including wearing a helmet.

Hiring a Vehicle

If hiring a vehicle, we advise do not hand over your passport as a form of security. If allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in sight at all times.

You should have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

If hiring or renting a vehicle ensure it is only from a trusted company that requires a driving license, International travel license and medical insurance.

Local Alcohol

A number of local and tourist deaths in Indonesia have been caused by the consumption of locally-brewed alcohol and rice wine, or 'arak', which has been contaminated with methanol. We advise all travellers, especially in Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands, not to consume this drink. Avoid purchasing alcohol outside of licenced establishments.

Air Safety

Aviation infrastructure in Indonesia is sometimes overstretched, and the difficult terrain and climatic conditions also contribute to a heightened risk. There have been a number of serious incidents in recent years. Travellers should be aware of these risks, and are advised to take care in choosing airlines, flights and routes.

Maritime Safety

Take extra care, when travelling by boat between islands. Boats can capsize in stormy weather. It is advisable to where a lifejacket at all times when travelling by boat.

Many beaches in particular on the south coast of Java and Bali, are unsuitable for swimming.

Diving in Indonesia is a high-risk sport, with dangerous sea currents and unpredictable water conditions. Only experienced divers should partake in this sport and should adhere to the local laws and safety regulations. It is potentially dangerous to fly too soon after diving, so plan your travel around diving carefully, following guidance of reputable international diving organisations.

Diving is considered an adventure sport by many insurance companies and may not be covered by standard travel or medical insurance policies. Ensure that your travel and medical insurance policies cover you for diving activities. Diving beyond the depth limit specified in your insurance policy, or diving unaccompanied, can invalidate your insurance cover.

It is strongly advised to participate in diving tours only if you hold a valid open water diving licence that is accredited by a reputable international diving organisation following your participation in an intensive training course (usually spanning five days). Use only diving schools and diving masters that are properly certified by international diving organisations. Before diving, you should consult with a doctor to ensure that you are fit to dive.

Water

Do not drink local tap water. Drink or use boiled or bottled water only while visiting Indonesia.

You should have adequate medical insurance before travelling to Indonesia to cover any costs you may incur. High quality treatment and medical evacuation are very expensive.

Vaccinations

Check with a doctor well in advance of travelling to confirm what, if any, medical vaccinations may be required. There are a number of tropical diseases in Indonesia such as dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis which are transmitted by mosquito bites. Take all possible precautions against mosquito bites by keeping covered and applying repellents. Other diseases that are found in Indonesia include rabies, tuberculous, hepatitis, typhoid, measles and cholera. We recommend that you book an appointment with your GP at least eight weeks before your intended travel to discuss your vaccine requirements.

Medication

Please note that local law requires that citizens who are bringing medication into the country must also provide a doctor’s letter confirming the prescription and outlining the necessity of the medication, as well as the original prescription itself. All medication being brought in must be in its original packaging and cover the duration of the stay only.

Medical Treatment

Should medical attention be required, please be aware that health and medical care standards in Indonesia can be poor and some medical tests cannot be done reliably. Good medical treatment can be very expensive. In remote areas, high quality services for serious injury or illness are unlikely to be available.

You must carry a copy of your passport or other photographic identification with you at all times.

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them.

Visitors should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of their actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan or if intending to visit religious areas. Sharia law is enforced in Aceh (Northern Sumatra) and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas.

It is important to avoid offending Muslim sensitivities. Westerners have occasionally been harassed by fundamentalists in bars and nightclubs, particularly around major Islamic holidays such as Ramadan.

Indonesia has introduced legislation which bans extra-marital sexual relations and cohabitation by unmarried couples. The new law applies equally to Indonesian and foreign residents as well as tourists, however enforcement is complaint-based, requiring reports submitted by close family members.

Citizens travelling to Bali should familiarise with the Bali Provincial Government’s official 'Do's and Don'ts' advice.

Illegal Drugs

Possession, trafficking and manufacture of narcotics are serious offences in Indonesia. Those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty, usually after a protracted and expensive legal process.

Police often raid locations (particularly in Bali) known to be frequented by foreigners, and may require an individual to take a urine or blood test where they have reasonable suspicion that drugs have been taken. Drug use or the possession of even small amounts of narcotic drugs such as marijuana or ecstasy can lead to prison sentences upwards of four years. Convicted traffickers or users of hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin face the death penalty in Indonesia.

LGBT

While homosexual activity is not criminalised, there is very little tolerance for it. Provincial governments in some parts of the country, such as Aceh (Northern Sumatra), have enacted prohibitions, and punishment, in this regard. Caution and discretion are advised at all times for LGBT visitors.

Personal Identification

Evidence of identity may be requested by, for example, the police. Always carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport to avoid losing the original, which should be kept in a safe place.

Visitors may also be asked for their passport when entering public areas such as shopping malls.

Gambling

Gambling is illegal in Indonesia.

Geographical Position

Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly, often with a potential threat of tsunamis. The capacity of the Indonesian emergency and rescue services, and local authorities, to deal with large natural disasters is limited.

Earthquake

If travelling to or living in Indonesia, make sure to know what to do in the event of an earthquake. Tsunamis as a result of earthquakes are also a regular occurrence throughout Indonesia, which can affect low lying areas such as beaches or river valleys.

Volcanoes

There are many volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt without warning. Visitors should exercise caution, check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to volcanic areas.

Volcanic activity throughout Indonesia frequently affects flight schedules and the operation of regional airports, including Lombok and Bali International Airports. Please heed the advice and guidance of local authorities, adhere to exclusion zones around volcanoes, and maintain contact with airlines and tour operators before travelling.

Flooding

Flash floods and more widespread flooding occur regularly. Cities, especially Jakarta, are frequently subject to severe localised flooding which can result in major disruption, and occasional fatalities.

Air Pollution

Air quality in Jakarta and other major cities is very poor. More generally within Indonesia, air quality can be compromised seasonally on account of smoke haze. This improves with the onset of the monsoon season. Visitors should monitor information on air quality regularly and follow local advice.

Visa

Irish citizen require a visa to enter Indonesia. The electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) is available to Irish citizens travelling to Indonesia. The e-VoA is a single-entry visa which is valid for 30 days in Indonesia for the purpose of tourism, business meetings, goods purchasing or transit. You can apply for a visa for Indonesia Here.

Alternatively, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) in-person upon your arrival in Indonesia. You can only make the in-person applications at designated Immigration Border Control points.

A VoA can only be applied for using an eligible passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity. Other types of travel document are not eligible.

The Visa on Arrival fee is IDR 500,000 and can be paid online or upon arrival at a designed Immigration Border Control point.

The VoA can be extended once for a maximum of 30 additional days by applying to a local Indonesian immigration office, at the cost of IDR 500,000. Travellers should extend their visa within the initial 30 days to avoid a visa overstay fine.

A Visa on Arrival cannot be changed into another type of stay permit. The holder is also not eligible to apply for an onshore visa.

For more details on the VoA scheme please visit the website of the Embassy of Indonesia in London.

A full list of the types of visas travellers can obtain for Indonesia and the requirements for these is on the official Indonesian immigration website.

Other entry requirements

You must complete the All Indonesia arrival form for presentation at immigration and customs checkpoints.

Irish citizens must show a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of their arrival to Indonesia, a return ticket or connecting ticket to continue traveling to another country and evidence of travel insurance.

An International Tourist Levy applies to all international travellers to Bali only. This will require a one-time payment on arrival in Bali of IDR 150,000 in addition to any visa payment required. This levy must also be paid by international travellers arriving in Bali from another location within Indonesia. Information on requirements and how to pay the Tourist Levy can be found here.

If unsure of the entry/exit requirements for Indonesia, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia.

Passport

Irish passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival to Indonesia, otherwise entry will be refused. This rule may also be applicable if you are planning onward travel in South East Asia. Check the requirements for other countries carefully.

It is advisable to carry a number of photocopies of your passport with you while travelling. Damaged passports – even if the damage is minor - may result in a refusal of entry by immigration officials in Indonesia.

If in need of emergency assistance in Indonesia outside office hours, please contact the Embassy at +62 21 280 94300 and leave a message on the answering machine.

Office hours are Monday to Friday: 9.00 - 12.30 and 14.00 - 16.00