Asia
Indonesia
Islands of temples, volcanoes, and tropical reefs
Capital
Jakarta
Language
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), many local languages
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Best Time
Indonesia's vast archipelago spans the equator, creating distinct regional weather patterns that vary significantly across islands. The dry season from May to September offers the most favorable conditions
Safety
Increased caution
per live govt advisories
Photo by Ake Widyastomo on Unsplash
What 3 governments say
- United States
- Level 2 of 4
- United Kingdom
- No advisory against travel
- Canada
- Level 2 of 4
- Australia
- No data
Low divergence — the 3 government sources covering this destination broadly agree.
Sources retrieved September 18, 2026
Compare advisories for all countries
United Kingdom: Contains public sector information from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk) licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Canada: Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada, published by Global Affairs Canada.
Australia: Contains material from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website – www.smartraveller.gov.au, provided under the Creative Commons Attribution licence.
CDC Travel Health Notice — Level 2
Practice enhanced precautions
- • Zika in Indonesia · Learn more ↗
Source: CDC Travel Health Notices
Reviewed by Moise Ouoba, Founder
Last reviewed: August 25, 2026
Sources: government travel advisories and health authorities · How we verify
Quick answers about Indonesia
Direct answers to what travelers actually ask, reviewed before publication.
✦ opens the travel assistant, where you can ask a follow-up.
Entry and visas
Your passport
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Visa on arrival or e-VOA available on a US passport
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Visa on arrival or e-VOA available on a US passport
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major entry points, or apply for an e-VOA online before you fly — the e-VOA is the smarter move to skip the queue. Confirm the current fee and conditions on the official Indonesian immigration site before you book.
- 30 days, extendable once in-country
- Passport valid 6+ months, blank pages required
- Proof of onward travel may be checked
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official Indonesian immigration sources · reconfirm before booking
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Visa on arrival or e-VOA available on a French passport
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Visa on arrival or e-VOA available on a French passport
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major entry points, or apply for the e-VOA online before departure — do the e-VOA and walk past the queue. Check the current fee and validity on the official Indonesian immigration site before booking flights.
- 30 days, extendable once in-country
- Passport valid 6+ months, blank pages required
- Return or onward ticket may be requested
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official Indonesian immigration sources · reconfirm before booking
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Visa likely required on a Nigerian passport — verify and apply early
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Visa likely required on a Nigerian passport — verify and apply early
Nigerian passport holders are typically not covered by Indonesia's visa-on-arrival scheme and should expect to apply in advance. Check eligibility on the official Indonesian immigration portal immediately — apply the day your dates are confirmed. Use only the official channel.
- Apply well ahead — don't wait until departure week
- Passport valid 6+ months, blank pages required
- Carry printed approval and proof of onward travel
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official Indonesian immigration sources · reconfirm before booking
How do I apply?
Online before you fly — skip the arrival queue
How do I apply?
Online before you fly — skip the arrival queue
The e-VOA is the right move for eligible travelers: apply on the official Indonesian immigration portal, upload your passport scan and photo, and arrive with the approval on your phone. Only book non-refundable flights after approval is confirmed.
- Official immigration portal — no third-party sites
- Passport scan + photo required
- Carry digital or printed approval at boarding
Reviewed August 2026 · official sources
How long does it take?
e-VOA: a few days; on arrival: minutes if eligible
How long does it take?
e-VOA: a few days; on arrival: minutes if eligible
The e-VOA typically processes within a few business days — apply at least two weeks before departure to be safe. Visa on arrival is instant at the airport if you qualify, but queues at peak times can be long.
- e-VOA: a few business days typical
- On arrival: immediate but queues vary
- Apply early — peak seasons slow everything
Reviewed August 2026 · official sources
How much does it cost?
Fixed fee in USD — check the official site for the current rate
How much does it cost?
Fixed fee in USD — check the official site for the current rate
Indonesia's visa on arrival and e-VOA carry a fixed government fee — check the official immigration portal for the exact amount before you apply, as it can change. Pay only through official channels; third-party sites charge unnecessary markups for the same stamp.
- Fixed government fee — verify on official portal
- Pay official channels only
- Extension fee applies if you stay beyond first period
Reviewed August 2026 · official Indonesian immigration sources
Safety
Is Indonesia safe right now?
Safe — go, but respect the islands' natural hazards
Is Indonesia safe right now?
Safe — go, but respect the islands' natural hazards
Millions visit Bali, Java, and Lombok every year without incident. The real risks are petty theft, motorbike accidents, and natural hazards — earthquakes, volcanic activity, and strong ocean currents. Stay alert in the water and check volcano status before heading into the highlands.
- Petty theft in tourist-heavy areas — watch bags
- Motorbike accidents are the top visitor injury
- Check active volcano and tsunami alerts before trekking
US · UK · CA · AU advisories · live feed above
What scams should I watch for?
3 scams that will find you in Bali and Jakarta
What scams should I watch for?
3 scams that will find you in Bali and Jakarta
The motorbike damage scam is the big one: rental shops claim fresh scratches and demand cash. Film the entire bike before you ride — every panel, every angle. For taxis, use a ride-hailing app; and at money changers, count every note twice before you walk away.
- Motorbike rental damage claims — video the bike first
- Unmetered taxis — use ride-hailing apps
- Money-changer short-change — count notes in front of them
Traveler reports + curated intel
Are there any active travel warnings?
Natural hazard alerts — volcanoes and quakes are real here
Are there any active travel warnings?
Natural hazard alerts — volcanoes and quakes are real here
No countrywide travel ban, but Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire. Check the status of active volcanoes like Agung and Merapi before trekking, and monitor advisories if you're visiting coastal areas prone to tsunami risk. If anything changes, check updated advisories.
- Active volcanoes — check exclusion zones before trekking
- Earthquake and tsunami risk in coastal regions
- Ferry safety and weather vary — check before island-hopping
Live advisory feed · updated today
Health
What vaccinations do I need?
2 shots essential — more if you go remote
What vaccinations do I need?
2 shots essential — more if you go remote
Nothing is mandatory for entry, but hepatitis A and typhoid are genuinely recommended for all visitors. Add Japanese encephalitis if you're heading rural, and rabies if you'll be around animals. Book a travel clinic at least four weeks before departure.
- Hep A + typhoid for all travelers
- Japanese encephalitis for rural areas
- Rabies if trekking or near animals
CDC health notices · not medical advice — confirm with a travel clinic
Can I drink the water?
Bottled only — tap water is unsafe for visitors
Can I drink the water?
Bottled only — tap water is unsafe for visitors
Don't drink the tap water anywhere in Indonesia, including Bali. Sealed bottles are cheap and everywhere. Watch out for ice at local warungs if you're sensitive, and use bottled water to brush your teeth the first days.
- Sealed bottles only — widely available and cheap
- Ice at tourist venues usually fine; caution at local stalls
- Dengue and Bali belly both linked to local water and food
Reviewed August 2026
Culture and etiquette
What should I know before I go?
Right hand, covered shoulders, watch your feet
What should I know before I go?
Right hand, covered shoulders, watch your feet
Indonesia rewards respect. Cover up the moment you step away from the beach — shoulders and knees in villages and temples. In Bali, never step on the small flower offerings on the ground. The right hand rules every exchange, and never point with your feet.
- Sarong and sash required at Balinese temples
- Right hand for giving, receiving, eating
- Don't touch offerings on the ground
Curated cultural intel · reviewed August 2026
How does tipping work?
Not mandatory — but small tips go a long way
How does tipping work?
Not mandatory — but small tips go a long way
Service charges are often added at mid-range and upscale venues, so check your bill first. For guides, drivers, and hotel staff, a small tip is genuinely appreciated and matters to incomes. Rounding up is the norm at local warungs.
- Check bill for service charge before tipping
- Guides and drivers: tip at your discretion
- Rounding up bills is the casual local standard
Reviewed August 2026
Planning your trip
When is the best time to visit?
May–September for Bali and Java
When is the best time to visit?
May–September for Bali and Java
The dry season from May to September is the clear winner for Bali, Java, and Lombok — reliable sunshine, manageable humidity. October to March brings heavy rain and rougher seas that can disrupt island-hopping. Patterns vary across the archipelago, so check for your specific islands.
- Best: May–September (dry season)
- Rainy season: October–March — seas can be rough
- Patterns differ by island — verify for your destination
Reviewed August 2026
What should I see in a week?
Bali → Yogyakarta → one more island
What should I see in a week?
Bali → Yogyakarta → one more island
For a first trip: Bali (3 nights minimum — Ubud plus the south), then fly to Yogyakarta for Borobudur and Prambanan, then one more island — Lombok or the Gili Islands if you want beaches and reef. Jakarta is fine for a night but skip it if you're short on time.
- Bali: Ubud + south coast, 3+ nights
- Yogyakarta: Borobudur sunrise, 2 nights
- Add Lombok or Gili for reef and quiet beaches
Reviewed August 2026
What will Indonesia cost per day?
$25–70 per day depending on how you travel
What will Indonesia cost per day?
$25–70 per day depending on how you travel
Indonesia is exceptional value. Budget travelers do well on $25 a day with warungs and guesthouses. Mid-range comfort — a decent villa, sit-down meals, day trips — runs around $70. The one splurge worth making is a guided volcano trek; don't cut corners on safety there.
- Budget: ~$25/day — warungs, guesthouses
- Mid-range: ~$70/day — villas, day trips
- Scooter rental in Bali: very cheap per day
Reviewed August 2026
Money
Ask AI about money in Indonesia
UK FCDO — Indonesia travel adviceGovernment of Canada — Indonesia: Travel advice and advisoriesSection last verified 2026-08-20
How people pay here
Cash
Primary
Cards
Limited
Currency basics
- The currency is the rupiah (IDR).
- Credit cards are not widely accepted outside large urban centres and tourist areas.
- Carry cash when visiting remote areas.
Scams and safety
Ask AI about scams in Indonesia
UK FCDO — Indonesia travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Common patterns on the ground
- Credit card fraud is common; keep your card in sight during all transactions.
- Criminals sometimes place fake telephone numbers on ATMs to fraudulently obtain card details.
- Unlicensed money changers may short-change visitors; use only licensed currency exchanges displaying a Bank of Indonesia logo and QR code.
- Some travelers report a rise in scams at tattoo parlours, nail salons and spas in Bali; agree fees before any service.
- Visa scams involving fake agents are increasing; use only official government immigration channels.
- Drink spiking linked to sexual assault has been reported in Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands.
- Methanol poisoning has caused deaths; counterfeit alcohol has been found even in licensed venues in tourist areas.
- Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common risks, particularly in busy tourist areas including Bali.
Area awareness
- Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia; places visited by foreign nationals are potential targets.
- There is heightened terrorist risk around major public holidays, religious occasions and national elections.
- Reported cases of sexual assault are high in Bali and Lombok, particularly at night.
- Armed separatist conflict is ongoing in Highland Papua and Central Papua provinces; the security situation can change quickly.
- Sharia law is enforced in Aceh province and applies to non-Muslims as well as Muslims.
- Piracy and armed robbery against ships occurs in and around the Sulu and Celebes seas and in the Malacca Straits.
- Police regularly raid venues popular with foreign visitors, especially in Bali, and may require drug testing on suspicion of use.
- Protests and political rallies can turn violent without warning; avoiding them is advised.
Culture and etiquette
Ask AI about culture in Indonesia
Government of Canada — Indonesia: Travel advice and advisoriesUK FCDO — Indonesia travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Daily conduct
- Dress conservatively and behave discreetly to respect local religious and social traditions.
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful.
- During Ramadan, playing loud music, dancing or swearing in public is inappropriate.
- During Balinese New Year (Nyepi), all people in Bali are expected to stay indoors, keep lights off and make no noise.
- Gambling is illegal throughout Indonesia.
- Carrying original identification, such as a passport and stay permit, is required at all times.
- Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Indonesia; minors may hold dual citizenship only until adulthood.
- Same-sex relationships are not criminalized under national law but are prohibited under local laws in some provinces.
- Cohabitation and sex outside marriage can carry penalties under the national criminal code if a family member files a complaint.
- Buying, selling, killing or capturing protected wild animals or trading their parts without a licence is illegal.
Visiting religious sites
- Places of worship are among the potential targets identified for extremist attacks; remain alert when visiting them.
- Sharia religious police enforce local laws in Aceh, including rules that apply to non-Muslims visiting the region.
- Dress codes at religious sites may be stricter during Ramadan than at other times.
Rules and border
Ask AI about local laws in Indonesia
Government of Canada — Indonesia: Travel advice and advisoriesUK FCDO — Indonesia travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
In-country law
- Possession, use, manufacture or trafficking of illegal drugs carries severe penalties, including the death penalty.
- All cannabis products, including medicinal forms, oils, hemp-based items and edibles, are illegal regardless of how they are carried.
- Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines legal elsewhere, including those containing morphine or codeine, are controlled substances in Indonesia and require prior authorization from the Indonesian Ministry of Health to import.
- Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations on the temporary import or export of audiovisual material.
- Buying or smuggling illegal wildlife products is a criminal offence carrying prison sentences and fines.
- Alcohol consumption, production and distribution are illegal in Aceh province under Sharia law, applying to all visitors regardless of religion.
- Using the wrong visa type, or remaining after a visa expires, can lead to prosecution, detention and deportation at personal cost.
- Staying in private accommodation requires registration with the local police; failure to register carries a fine.
- Foreign tourists arriving in Bali are subject to a provincial tourist levy, payable online or on arrival.
Emergency contacts
Ask AI about emergencies in Indonesia
UK FCDO — Indonesia travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Dial from any phone
Ambulance
118
Fire
112
Police
110
Keep your own government's consular number saved separately; it is listed on their travel page for this country.
Do I Need a Visa?
Ask AI about visas for IndonesiaVisa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Verify with your country's embassy or the destination's official immigration authority before traveling.
Content on Ouoba is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, visa, insurance, tax, medical, financial, safety, or other professional advice. Users should consult official authorities, qualified professionals, or service providers before making important travel, financial, legal, or health-related decisions.