Specialized visa options for specific activities in Indonesia
While tourist, business, and social-cultural visas cover many travel needs, Indonesia offers several specialized visa options for travelers with specific purposes. These special purpose visas cater to activities such as studying, researching, working, or engaging in religious, journalistic, or artistic endeavors.
Important: Special purpose visas often have more specific requirements and may involve a more complex application process than standard visas. Many require sponsorship from an Indonesian organization or institution.
Indonesia offers various special purpose visas for specific activities:
For those planning to study at Indonesian educational institutions.
For those employed by an Indonesian company or organization.
For conducting research activities in Indonesia.
For religious activities, including missionary work.
For media professionals conducting journalistic activities.
For filmmaking and documentary production in Indonesia.
The Student Visa (VITAS Index 316) is designed for foreign nationals planning to study at Indonesian educational institutions:
Note: Student visas cannot be obtained through the e-Visa system and require application through an Indonesian embassy or consulate.
The Work Visa (VITAS Index 312) is for foreign nationals employed by Indonesian companies or organizations:
The Research Visa is for foreign nationals conducting research activities in Indonesia:
Research in certain fields or locations may require additional permits:
Special purpose visas often involve more complex applications. Here are some tips to improve your chances of approval:
Special purpose visas can take 1-3 months to process. Start your application at least 3 months before your planned travel.
A reputable Indonesian sponsor (institution, company, or organization) significantly improves your application's chances.
Include comprehensive documentation that clearly explains your purpose, qualifications, and plans in Indonesia.
Stay in regular contact with your Indonesian sponsor and the relevant embassy/consulate during the application process.
In most cases, you cannot convert a tourist or business visa to a special purpose visa while in Indonesia. Special purpose visas typically require:
Important: Engaging in activities covered by special purpose visas (such as work, study, research, or journalism) while on a tourist or business visa is a violation of Indonesian immigration law and can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
After arriving in Indonesia with a special purpose visa, you will typically need to:
Your Indonesian sponsor typically assists with these procedures, but it's important to understand your obligations to maintain legal status in Indonesia.
Common questions about special purpose visas for Indonesia
No, a business visa does not permit employment or paid work in Indonesia. It only allows for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations. For any form of employment or paid work, you must obtain a proper work visa (VITAS 312) with a work permit (IMTA) sponsored by an Indonesian employer.
No, a tourist visa does not permit formal study at Indonesian educational institutions. Short courses or workshops of less than 30 days might be acceptable, but for any formal education program or longer courses, you must obtain a proper student visa sponsored by the educational institution.
The processing time for special purpose visas is typically longer than for standard visas, ranging from 1 to 3 months. This includes the time needed for preliminary approvals from relevant Indonesian ministries or institutions. Work visas often take the longest due to the multiple approvals required from different government departments.
Yes, dependents (spouse and children under 18) of special purpose visa holders can apply for dependent visas. The main visa holder must first obtain their visa and ITAS, then can sponsor dependent visas. Dependents are generally not permitted to work or study formally in Indonesia without obtaining their own appropriate visas.
Overstaying any visa in Indonesia, including special purpose visas, results in a fine of IDR 1,000,000 (approximately $70 USD) per day. Prolonged overstays can lead to detention, deportation, and future entry bans. Special purpose visa holders should be particularly careful about maintaining legal status, as violations can affect their sponsoring organization and future visa applications.