For many Indonesian citizens, the visa application process often becomes one of the main obstacles when planning an overseas vacation. Complicated documents, interviews, and long waiting times frequently make traveling feel troublesome even before it begins.
However, not all countries impose strict visa procedures. Some actually offer tourist visas with easy, fast processes, or even visa-free entry for Indonesian passport holders.
About Visas and Their Types
A visa is an official permit granted by a country to foreign nationals to enter, stay, or engage in certain activities within a specific period in the country’s territory. Visas are divided into several main categories based on the purpose and duration of the visit. Here are some types of visas you should know:
- Tourist Visa; Used for holidays, personal visits, or recreation. Not for work.
- Business Visa; For short visits related to business, such as meetings or conferences.
- Transit Visa; For temporary stays while switching flights or on the way to a final destination.
- Family/Friend Visit Visa; To visit relatives or friends, usually requiring an invitation letter.
- Student Visa; Intended for those pursuing studies abroad during their period of education.
- Work Visa; Granted to foreign workers with official contracts or sponsorship.
- e-Visa; Apply for and obtain a visa online, and Visa on Arrival; Purchased upon arrival in the destination country.
For tourism purposes, the most common and widely used type of visa is the tourist visa. This visa allows holders to travel abroad for a specific period for non-commercial purposes, such as holidays, family visits, or cultural exploration.
List of Countries with the Easiest Tourist Visas for Indonesian Citizens
So, which countries provide easy tourist visa processes for Indonesian passport holders? Here’s a list of countries offering the simplest and most practical visa procedures, perfect for those wanting a hassle-free vacation.
Japan
Japan is one of the favorite destinations for Indonesian tourists. For Indonesian citizens holding an e-passport (electronic passport), Japan grants visa-free entry for 15 days after registering through the Japan Visa Exemption System (JAVES). This registration process is relatively quick and valid for three years or until the passport’s expiry date.
This system is called the Visa Waiver.
Meanwhile, for regular passport holders, a tourist visa application is still required, including documents such as a passport, application form, photograph, financial proof, and travel itinerary, with a processing time of around four working days.
Australia
Australia offers the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), allowing Indonesian citizens to visit for tourism purposes. The application process can be done online via ImmiAccount. Required documents include a passport, application form, photograph, financial proof, and travel itinerary.
This process makes it easier for travelers since there’s no need for direct visits to the embassy. The application fee for an Australian visa starts from AUD 190 (approximately IDR 1.8 million).
South Korea
Indonesian citizens can apply for a Tourist Visa (C-3) for South Korea by visiting the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Jakarta. The application process is quite straightforward, involving the submission of documents such as a passport, application form, photo, and financial proof. Additionally, South Korea offers a visa-free program for 30 days for certain short-term visits.
The tourist visa application fee ranges from IDR 1.1 million to IDR 1.6 million, depending on the type of visa and service selected.
Schengen
The Schengen Visa allows Indonesian citizens to travel to 26 European countries with a single visa. Applications are made through visa application centers (such as VFS Global) by submitting documents like a passport, application form, photograph, financial proof, and travel insurance.
Although the requirements are quite detailed and cannot simply be described as “easy,” the procedure is standardized and can be completed in about 15 working days. The application fee starts from €90 for adults (approximately IDR 1,575,000 as of June 2024), and €45 for children aged 6–12 years (approximately IDR 788,000).
Schengen countries known to have low visa rejection rates include Iceland (2.2%), Switzerland (10.7%), Latvia (11.7%), Italy (12%), and Luxembourg (12.7%). Therefore, if you want to increase your chances of getting your Schengen visa approved, it’s advisable to apply through the embassies or consulates of these countries.
China
For tourism visits, Indonesian citizens can apply for a Tourist Visa (L) to China by preparing documents such as a valid passport, application form, photo, flight tickets, and accommodation proof. The application is submitted through official visa application centers and usually requires a processing time of around four working days.
The visa application fee varies, approximately IDR 540,000–IDR 1,200,000, depending on the type of service chosen (regular, express, etc.).
