Investissement Villa Bali
Sep 23, 2025
5 common visa mistakes foreigners make in indonesia and how to avoid them
Indonesia is a beautiful destination, rich culture, amazing nature, warm hospitality. But its visa system has many rules, and mistakes are common. For foreigners, a small oversight can mean delays, rejection, fines, or worse. Below are five pitfalls people often fall into, and practical tips to avoid them.
1. Applying for the Wrong Visa Type
What often goes wrong:
Using a tourist or visit visa (e.g. B211A, VOA / e-VOA) when the purpose is business, work, volunteering, or long-term stay.
Assuming visa on arrival or a visit visa allows you to do paid work or freelance from within Indonesia.
Consequences:
How to avoid:
Before applying, clearly define your purpose (tourism, business, residency, work) and match it to the correct visa type.
If in doubt, consult official sources (Directorate General of Immigration) or a qualified visa/immigration consultant.
For work or long stay, apply for proper permits (ITAS, KITAS, etc.) rather than overstepping visa conditions.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
What often goes wrong:
Missing or outdated documents (passport validity, sponsor letters, proof of funds, travel itinerary).
Typos, mismatched information: passport numbers, name spelling, dates.
Consequences:
How to avoid:
Prepare a checklist of required docs for the visa type. Double-check everything before submission.
Ensure your passport is in good condition and has sufficient validity.
Use official templates or examples where available, and proofread all entries (names, numbers, dates, etc.).
3. Overstaying or Misuse of Visa
What often goes wrong:
Staying longer than permitted visa duration (e.g. not renewing when needed, exceeding day limits).
Doing work, business, or paid activities on visa types that do not allow them.
Consequences:
Fines per day (in 2025, IDR 1,000,000/day for overstays).
Deportation, re-entry bans, legal issues.
How to avoid:
Always know your visa expiry date; set reminders well ahead.
If you need to stay longer, apply for extension or change visa type legally before expiry.
Never engage in paid work unless your visa/permit allows it.
4. Not Keeping Up with Changing Immigration Rules
What often goes wrong:
Regulations, fees, visa categories, and required documents change frequently. Foreigners may follow outdated advice or rely on old posts or forums.
Visa agents or websites may not update accordingly, leading to wrong applications.
Consequences:
How to avoid:
Always check official sources: Indonesian Immigration site, recent announcements, local immigration offices.
Use trusted visa agents or consultants with up-to-date knowledge.
When booking, allow extra time since processing rules or required documents may shift.
5. Using Unreliable Agents, Scams & Misleading Information
What often goes wrong:
Engaging visa agents who promise more than allowed, apply wrong visa types, or charge hidden fees.
Falling for online scams pretending to be official portals.
Consequences:
How to avoid:
Confirm agent’s legitimacy: reviews, track record, accreditation.
Always cross-verify URLs and official portals. Don’t click suspicious links or pay via unofficial payment methods.
Whenever possible, handle the visa process yourself or at least verify everything the agent does.
Final Thoughts
Making a visa-application mistake in Indonesia can result in stress, financial penalties, or even deportation. But with good planning, knowing your visa type, keeping documents in order, and staying updated, you can avoid most pitfalls.
If you plan to stay long term (work, residency, etc.), investing time into understanding the immigration path (KITAS, ITAP, investor visas) pays off. And don’t hesitate to seek advice from immigration lawyers or experienced expats in Indonesia—they’ve often learned lessons the hard way.