For years, travelers from Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania faced a significant administrative barrier when planning a trip to the Indonesian archipelago. Unlike their neighbors who could breeze through checkpoints, citizens from these three nations often had to navigate the costly and time-consuming process of applying for a B211 Visit Visa through an agency or a consulate. This extra hurdle frequently deterred spontaneous holidays to Bali or quick business scouting trips to Jakarta, leaving many to choose more accessible destinations instead.
The landscape of travel changed dramatically with the policy updates starting in late 2023, which have now fully solidified in the 2026 immigration framework. The Indonesian government officially expanded the eligibility list, granting citizens of Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania access to the standard B1 visit facility. This shift signifies a major opening of doors, allowing for streamlined, independent travel without the need for a sponsor letter or a pre-approved consular sticker for short stays.
However, access comes with strict responsibilities. While you no longer need a pre-arranged visa, you must adhere to specific entry requirements to avoid being turned away at the border. Understanding the nuances of the Indonesian Entry Permit—from passport validity rules to the mandatory return ticket—is essential for a smooth journey. This guide details every step of the process, ensuring that your arrival in paradise remains free of bureaucratic stress.
Table of Contents
- Confirming Eligibility: The 2026 Policy Update
- Essential Documents for Entry
- Airport Arrival Procedure at Ngurah Rai
- The Digital Advantage: Applying for e-VoA
- Real Story: Davit’s Hassle-Free Arrival in Pererenan
- Extension Rules: Staying Up to 60 Days
- Permitted Activities and Strict Prohibitions
- Risks of Overstay and Compliance
- FAQ's about Visa on Arrival Indonesia
Confirming Eligibility: The 2026 Policy Update
The most common question from travelers in Yerevan, Maputo, and Dar es Salaam is whether this policy change is actually in effect. As of 2026, it is officially confirmed that citizens of Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania are fully eligible for the Visa on Arrival Indonesia. This inclusion puts you in the same category as travelers from the USA, Australia, and the UK, allowing you to purchase your entry permit upon landing or online via the e-VoA system before you fly.
This facility is regulated under Permenkumham 22/2023 and subsequent amendments, classifying it as a Visitor Visa (Index B1). It is crucial to note that this is intended for short-term stays. It is not a work permit, nor is it a path to permanent residency. The expansion of the list was a strategic move by immigration authorities to foster tourism and trade relations with these specific regions, acknowledging the growing economic ties and the low security risk posed by tourists from these nations.
Essential Documents for Entry
To utilize the B1 Visit Facility safely, your travel documents must be impeccable. The first and most critical requirement is your passport validity. Whether you are from Armenia, Mozambique, or Tanzania, your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you enter Indonesia. Officers are unforgiving of this rule; even being one day short can result in a denial of entry and immediate deportation.
Secondly, you must present a confirmed return or onward ticket indicating that you will leave Indonesia within the initial 30-day period. While some travelers hope to book their return leg later, airlines often refuse boarding without this proof. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient funds to support your stay. While rarely checked for every passenger, officers have the right to ask for proof of finance, especially if you are traveling on a one-way ticket with a separate onward booking using a fresh passport.
Airport Arrival Procedure at Ngurah Rai
For those who prefer not to use the online e-VoA system, or who decide to travel at the last minute to Bali, obtaining the permit upon landing at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is straightforward. Upon disembarking your flight, ignore the queues for the automated gates initially and follow the signs marked “Payment Services.” You will need to approach the bank counters before you reach the immigration checkpoints.
At these counters, you will pay the standardized fee of IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 35). Payment can be made in cash (major currencies like USD, EUR, or AUD are accepted, though change is given in IDR) or via major credit cards. Once you receive your payment receipt, you proceed to the line. The officer will inspect your passport and payment slip before pasting the Arrival Visa sticker into your passport and stamping your entry date. This manual process can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the volume of flights landing simultaneously.
The Digital Advantage: Applying for e-VoA
To avoid the fatigue of queuing after a long-haul flight from East Africa or the Caucasus, the e-VoA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) is the recommended option for 2026. This digital system allows citizens of Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania to apply for their entry permit up to 90 days before travel. By registering on the official website, you can upload your passport bio-page and a compliant photo from the comfort of your home.
The fee remains the same at IDR 500,000, payable online via credit card. The primary benefit of the e-VoA is speed. Upon arrival in Bali, holders of the electronic permit can bypass the payment counters entirely. In many cases, you can use the dedicated e-VoA lanes or autogates, significantly reducing your time in the hall. Ensure you download the approved e-VoA PDF to your phone and print a backup copy, as connectivity in the arrival hall can sometimes be spotty.
Real Story: Davit’s Hassle-Free Arrival in Pererenan
David, a software consultant from Yerevan, had spent years gazing at Bali surf photos, always held back by the ‘visa wall’ that once blocked Armenian citizens. He remembered the old days of expensive agents and weeks of waiting for a consular sticker. In 2026, landing in Denpasar was surreal; he wasn’t carrying a thick folder of sponsorship letters—just a QR code on his phone.
While the humidity of the tropical night pressed against him, David didn’t join the sea of travelers sweating in the payment line. He walked straight to the Autogate. The machine scanned his face, matched it to his digital Visa on Arrival Indonesia, and clicked open in seconds. By the time his competitors for the best morning waves at Pererenan were still fumbling for Rupiah at the bank counter, David was already in a car, watching the neon lights of Bali fly by. For him, the e-VoA wasn’t just a document; it was the key that finally unlocked the Indian Ocean.
Extension Rules: Staying Up to 60 Days
The standard Arrival Visa grants an initial stay of 30 days. If you wish to explore more of the islands, citizens of Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania are eligible for exactly one extension. This extension grants an additional 30 days, bringing the maximum total stay to 60 days. It is vital to remember that this permit cannot be extended a second time; you must leave the country on or before the 60th day.
In 2026, the extension process involves a mandatory in-person visit to the immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) for biometrics. Even if you hold an e-VoA and initiate the extension online, you must physically attend the office to have your photo and fingerprints verified. This policy applies to all foreigners to prevent identity fraud. You should start this process at least 7 to 10 days before your initial 30-day permit expires to ensure you get an appointment slot in time.
Permitted Activities and Strict Prohibitions
It is crucial to adhere to the strict limitations of the Visa on Arrival Indonesia. This permit is designed for tourism, social visits, transit, and specific non-commercial business activities like attending meetings or purchasing goods for export. It allows you to holiday in Bali, visit friends in Jakarta, or attend a conference in Nusa Dua.
However, this visa strictly prohibits any form of gainful employment. You cannot work for an Indonesian company, receive a salary in Indonesia, or perform services that should be done by a local employee. Digital nomads often operate in a grey area; while checking emails is generally tolerated, working on local projects is not. Enforcement is active in 2026, and being caught working on a Tourist Pass can lead to deportation and a permanent ban from re-entering the country.
Risks of Overstay and Compliance
The Indonesian government takes compliance seriously. The penalty for overstaying your Visitor Visa (Index B1) is IDR 1,000,000 (approx USD 70) per day. This fine accumulates daily and must be paid in full at the airport before you are allowed to depart. There is no grace period for “just a few hours” past the expiry date.
If your overstay exceeds 60 days, the consequences escalate from a fine to detention and deportation. This also results in a blacklisting, preventing you from returning to Indonesia for a significant period. For citizens of Armenia, Mozambique, and Tanzania, maintaining a clean record is vital to ensure continued access to the e-VoA facility. Always calculate your stay carefully—the day of arrival counts as day one, not day zero.
FAQ's about Visa on Arrival Indonesia
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Is the Visa on Arrival Indonesia available for diplomatic passport holders from these countries?
Diplomatic passport holders may have different visa waiver agreements depending on bilateral treaties. It is best to check with the Indonesian embassy in your region for specific diplomatic protocols.
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Can I convert my Arrival Visa into a KITAS (residency permit)?
No. The Visa on Arrival Indonesia is strictly a visit permit and cannot be converted into a KITAS onshore. You must exit the country and apply for the correct visa offshore if you intend to reside long-term.
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What currency should I use to pay the VoA fee at the airport?
The counters accept IDR, USD, AUD, and EUR. However, paying in IDR or via card is recommended to avoid unfavorable exchange rates applied at the counter.
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Does the e-VoA guarantee entry?
Like all visas, the e-VoA is a pre-authorization. The final decision to grant entry rests with the officer at the border, who may ask for proof of accommodation or return tickets.
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Can I enter Indonesia via a seaport with this visa?
Yes, the Visa on Arrival Indonesia is available at major international seaports, including Batam and Bintan, in addition to international airports.
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What happens if I lose my passport while in Indonesia?
You must report to the local police and your country's nearest embassy or consulate immediately to obtain an emergency travel document and coordinate with immigration for an exit permit.
