For international artists and bands, Indonesia has always been a bucket-list destination, with Bali’s vibrant club scene and Jakarta’s massive festivals drawing global talent. However, the legal pathway for performing was historically fraught with complexity, often requiring a full work permit (KITAS) that was too expensive and slow for a single weekend gig. This bureaucratic friction led many performers to risk playing on tourist visas, a dangerous gamble that frequently resulted in deportation and bans from Bali.
In 2026, the landscape has shifted significantly with the introduction and rigorous enforcement of the C7A and C7B index visas. These dedicated categories are designed specifically to streamline the entry process for foreign talent, acknowledging the unique nature of short-term tours restricted to 30 days. Promoters no longer have excuses for non-compliance, as the government has provided a clear, legal, and relatively fast channel to authorize concerts and festival appearances.
Navigating these new regulations is essential for any tour manager or artist representative planning a leg in Southeast Asia. This guide breaks down the distinction between the stage talent permit (C7A) and the technical production visa (C7B), the precise document requirements, and the Molina portal application flow. By securing the correct Music performer visa and settling the mandatory PNBP fees, you ensure the show goes on without the threat of immigration shutdowns. For official submissions, always use the Directorate General of Immigration portal.
Table of Contents
- What are C7A and C7B Music Visas?
- Core Eligibility for Artists (C7A)
- Core Eligibility for Crew (C7B)
- Stay Period, PNBP Costs, and Validity
- Real Story: The Indie Band in Canggu
- Essential Document Checklist
- Step-by-Step Molina Portal Application
- Key Risks and Common Mistakes
- FAQ's about Music performer visa
What are C7A and C7B Music Visas?
The Music performer visa is split into two distinct categories to cover the entire entourage of a touring act. Legally grounded in Permenkumham No. 22 of 2023 and updated regulations in 2024, these visas are classified as “Visit Visas” (Visa Kunjungan) rather than full Limited Stay Permits. This classification is crucial because it simplifies the requirements compared to a full employment visa, making it viable for short-term engagements in Bali and beyond.
The C7A index is strictly for the talent—the people on stage holding the microphones and instruments. The C7B index is for the supporting cast—the sound engineers, lighting technicians, and roadies who make the show happen. Both are single-entry permits designed for specific events, meaning they are tied to a particular sponsor and itinerary, preventing the holder from freelancing elsewhere in Bali.
Core Eligibility for Artists (C7A)
To qualify for this stage talent permit, the applicant must be a foreign individual invited to perform music in Indonesia. This covers a wide range of roles, including singers, band members, DJs, and orchestra conductors. The key defining feature of the C7A is that the individual is the “attraction” performing live at a concert, festival, or private showcase in Bali.
Holders of the C7A visa are permitted to perform music publicly and receive remuneration for that specific performance as outlined in their contract. They are also allowed to engage in tourism activities during their downtime. However, they are strictly prohibited from entering into a standard employment relationship with an Indonesian company outside the scope of the performance or selling goods and services directly to the public in Bali, and the sponsor must ensure all PNBP liabilities are met.
Core Eligibility for Crew (C7B)
Behind every great performance is a technical team, and the C7B permit acknowledges this. This technical production visa category is for foreign crew members who are essential to the artist’s performance. Eligible roles include sound engineers, lighting directors, stage managers, and instrument technicians who travel with the band to Bali.
It is vital to note that C7B holders are only authorized to support the C7A artist. They cannot be hired by the local venue to fix the club’s sound system or work on other local productions. Their legal presence is tethered to the main artist’s event. If a crew member is found working on an unrelated project, they violate the terms of their stay, putting the entire tour’s legal standing at risk. The sponsor is responsible for paying the specific PNBP fee for each crew member attached to the C7B application.
Stay Period, PNBP Costs, and Validity
Both the C7A and C7B visas are single-entry permits granting an initial stay of up to 30 days. This duration is generally sufficient for a tour leg that includes soundchecks, press days, and the performances themselves. While extension possibilities exist, they are subject to strict immigration discretion, so relying on the initial 30 days is the safest planning strategy for 2026.
The cost structure of this short-term gig authorization revolves around the PNBP (Penerimaan Negara Bukan Pajak) or Non-Tax State Revenue. The total PNBP fee typically hovers around IDR 1,500,000 per applicant, which covers the visa PNBP and the verification PNBP. This is significantly cheaper than a work KITAS. If your tour involves a longer stay for rehearsals and you need accommodation for the whole crew in Bali, booking through a trusted villa management company can ensure you have a private, secure base for the team.
Real Story: The Indie Band in Canggu
Meet “The Neon Drifters,” an indie-pop band from the UK led by vocalist Rex. They booked a three-city tour in Indonesia for March 2026, starting with a headline show at a major beach club in Canggu, Bali. In previous years, Rex had performed on a Tourist Visa, narrowly avoiding scrutiny. This time, their local promoter insisted on compliance and applied for the C7A for the band and C7B for their sound tech, ensuring all PNBP payments were made.
On the night of the Canggu gig, immigration officers conducted a surprise spot check at the venue in Bali. Several other foreign DJs performing that week were detained for working on B211A tourism visas. However, when the officers checked Rex’s passport and saw the C7A index valid for 30 days, the inspection was brief and professional. The show went ahead as planned, and the band completed their tour in Jakarta without issue.
Essential Document Checklist
Success in obtaining a Music performer visa lies in the preparation of documents. The sponsor—usually the Indonesian event organizer or impresario in Bali—must compile a robust dossier. The baseline requirements for both C7A artist and C7B crew include a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a return flight ticket within the 30 days limit, and proof of funds.
Crucially, the C7A application requires a signed artist contract detailing the event name, dates, venue, and fee. For the C7B crew, an employment letter or contract linking them to the artist is mandatory. Immigration authorities in 2026 are vigilant about fake contracts; ensure all dates align perfectly with the flight itinerary and venue bookings to avoid rejection during the verification phase. Once documents are approved, the billing code for PNBP payment is generated.
Step-by-Step Molina Portal Application
The application process has been digitized via the Molina portal application to facilitate faster approvals. The Indonesian sponsor initiates the request via the official e-Visa system. They select the appropriate index—C7A for the artist or C7B for the crew—and upload the required PDFs. This is where document clarity is critical; blurry scans can lead to instant delays.
Once the documents pass the “Verification I” stage, the system issues a billing code for the PNBP fees. The sponsor must pay this PNBP amount within the stipulated timeframe via a local bank. Upon PNBP payment confirmation, the e-Visa is issued and sent via email. The artist and crew must print this Music performer visa and present it upon arrival in Bali. There is usually no need to visit an Indonesian embassy abroad.
Key Risks and Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is attempting to perform on a Business or Tourist visa. The C7A and C7B categories were created specifically to eliminate this grey area. Performing on a tourist visa is a direct violation of Immigration Law, punishable by fines, deportation, and a potential lifelong ban from re-entering Bali.
Another risk is neglecting the C7B visa for the crew. Often, promoters secure the artist’s visa but tell the sound engineer to “just come as a tourist.” This exposes the crew member to detention. Additionally, ensure strict adherence to the 30 days limit; overstaying even by a day attracts a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day per person. Always keep your PNBP payment receipts handy as proof of legal processing.
FAQ's about Music performer visa
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Can I perform in multiple cities with one C7A permit?
Yes, as long as the events are within the 30 days stay period and are organized or sponsored by the entity that guaranteed your visa and paid the PNBP.
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Is the C7A visa extendable?
Regulations allow for extensions, but the process can be complex and depends on current directives. It is safer to plan your tour within the initial 30 days window to avoid PNBP complications.
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What is the PNBP fee for C7A and C7B?
The PNBP (Non-Tax State Revenue) is the official government fee. For 2026, the total PNBP usually encompasses the visa fee and verification fee, totaling around IDR 1.5 million.
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How long does the Molina portal application take?
While digital processing is faster, it is recommended to apply at least 7-10 working days before travel to account for verification and PNBP payment clearance.
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Do I need a separate work permit (IMTA) with the C7A visa?
No, the C7A and C7B visas are visit visas that include the right to perform short-term activities without a full IMTA work permit in Bali.
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Can I sell merchandise at the venue?
Direct sales by the artist can be a grey area. It is legally safer for the Indonesian organizer to handle merchandise sales to avoid accusations of unauthorized trading.
