Travel Formalities

Immigration

All travelers to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months after arrival and with proof (tickets) of onward passage. Visas are not necessary for nationals of 29 countries for a visit not exceeding two months.

Those countries are : Australia, Ireland, Singapore, Austria, Italy, South Korea, Belgium, Japan,  Spain, Brunei, Lichtenstein, Sweden, Canada, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Denmark, Malaysia, Thailand, Finland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, U.S.A., Greece, Norway,  Germany, Iceland, Philippines.

Entry and exit must be through the air and seaports of Jakarta, Bali, Medan Manado, Biak, Ambon and Batam, the seaport of Surabaya and Pekanbaru airport. For other ports of arrival and departure in Indonesia visas are required. Delegates attending a conference which has received official approval are also free of visa requirements. For citizens of countries other than the above 29 listed, a tourist visa for 30 days can be obtained on application, and extension is at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Two photographs are required and a small fee is charged.

Business visas for up to five weeks can be obtained upon application and extension is at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Those who stay in Indonesia for a period of more than six months will be expected to pay a Fiscal Tax upon departure.

Domestic Travel Permits

For travel to certain out-of-the-way places and nature reserves travel permits known as "Surat Jalan" should be obtained from the local Police Headquarters or Park Authorities concerned. If in doubt check with your local travel agent.

Health Requirements

International certificates for valid smallpox, cholera and yellow fever vaccinations are required only from travelers coming from infected areas.

A supply of malaria suppressant tablets is highly recommended if you intend staying for any length of time outside of the big cities, especially in river areas.

Charcoal tablets are invaluable as buffers to stomach reactions which often come from the change of food and environment. Should you develop acute diarrhea or vomiting be sure to drink a lot to prevent dehydration, see a doctor and have a laboratory test in order to obtain the correct medicine. Medical prescriptions are easy to obtain at the local "apotek" or chemist except in the most remote areas, for which one should travel with an emergency kit.

Don't drink the local water unless it has been well boiled. It is better to drink hot drinks and bottled drinks than the local iced refreshments, as you will not have time to develop a resistance to local bacteria while travelling. All fruit should be peeled or washed before eaten, and raw vegetables and salads are high risk unless in the international standard hotels and restaurants.

Avoid over-exposure to the tropical sun. Tanning oils and sun-protection oils are necessary for those who insist on obtaining a fast tan, and a hat should be worn when hiking or indulging in water-sports to avoid sunstroke.

Customs

Customs allow on entry per adult a maximum of two liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco, and a reasonable amount of perfume. Cars, photographic, video and filming equipment, typewriters, and radios are admitted provided they are recorded in your passport upon entry and taken out on departure. They must be declared in customs. Items strongly prohibited are narcotics, arms and ammunition, TV sets, radio and radio cassette recorders, printed matter in Chinese characters and Chinese medicines. Advance approval has to be acquired for carrying transceivers, and all movie films and video cassettes must be censored by the Film Censor Board. Fresh fruit, plants and animals must be passed by the Quarantine office.

There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies and travelers cheques, however the import or export of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp 50,000 is prohibited.

Exit Permits

An exit permit is required only for residents or persons, staying over a period of six months. An airport tax is levied by the airport authorities for international travel. Domestic travel. airport tax varies depending upon the airport of departure. There is an additional for insurance per person per flight. Some domestic air tickets, include this tax and insurance, but it is wise to check this at the time of ticket purchase