Visas and Health in Indonesia

Indonesia is the^{16th largest} economy in the world (given in 2017 by the IMF). With nearly 50% of its population under the age of 30 in 2015, it is a vibrant country that offers many market opportunities.

The number of French expatriates in Indonesia increased by almost 2% between 2016 and 2017.

Whatever the reason you chose to travel to Indonesia, consider taking out travel or expat health insurance for you and your family. You will leave with peace of mind and can prevent financial, health, and legal risks that would arise unexpectedly. Guarantees for repatriation, hospitalization, civil liability and other emergency medical expenses are essential, regardless of your destination.

Political regime: Parliamentary Republic
Capital: Jakarta
Area: 1,919,440 sq km
Population: 264 million
Languages spoken: Indonesian, Javanese, Sundanese, Madurais
Currency: Rupiah

Visas Indonesia

The presidential decree signed on 31 March 2003, extending the visa requirement to travel to Indonesia, has been in force since 1 February 2004. If you are a French national, you need a visa. You must be able to justify a Return or Continuation ticket (with visas or residence permit for the country of return or continuation if necessary). Arrival must be within three months of the date the visa is issued. The length of stay (60 days maximum) is taken into account from the date of arrival.

Can I leave without a visa?

It is possible to be visa-exempt for stays of less than 30 days. This includes tourism, leisure, culture, visits to a loved one, participation in conferences. Similarly, you will not need a visa as part of a stopover between the visit of two countries.

To do so, you will need a passport valid for 6 months after your return date to France. You will also be asked to provide your return tickets to France, proof of your length of stay.

The list of 169 nationalities benefiting from this exemption can be made on the website of the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.

Other short stays requiring a visa

Tourism

In case your tourist stay exceeds 30 days, there is a 60-day tourist visa. This one costs 55 euros.

Visa registrations are available on the website of the Indonesian Embassy in France.

The visa can be used 90 days after its issuance date. Its validity is 60 days from the date of entry into Indonesian territory stamped at the airport.

For family, friendly, humanitarian or religious visits, there is also a socio-cultural visa at the same price.

Please note that the formalities of obtaining vary depending on the reason for your visit.

Students

Students can also apply for a socio-cultural visa as part of a university exchange or unpaid internship. These visas require repatriation insurance,as well as proof of the institutions taking part in the exchange. The embassy website provides all the information necessary to obtain this visa.

Going to work in Indonesia

Business travel

There are two types of visas for business travellers.

• The 60-day non-renewable business visa: 55€
• The multiple business visa: 105€

For these visas, it is requested to provide a mission letter from your company in France. You will also need a French K-bis and an invitation from the Indonesian company.

The B211 Social Visa

Additional requirements must be met for expatriates applying for a B211 visa:

• A letter of declaration stating that they are willing to follow the health protocols in Indonesia
• Health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000
• The latest proof of their residence permit or Exit Permit Only (EPO) documents for the limited residence permit holder.

Long-stay work visa (312)

The price of this stay varies depending on the duration:

• €55 for less than 6 months
• €105 from 6 months to 1 year.

This visa requires a copy of your Indonesian employment contract, as well as authorization from the Indonesian Ministry of Labour (IMTA).

For stays of less than 6 months, a copy of your round-trip tickets is also required.

Teachers and researchers

The long-stay research visa (315) requires an agreement from Menristek, the Indonesian Ministry of Research.

The long-stay visa for education (316) requires an agreement from Mendiknas, the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education.

For both cases, you will need to provide acceptance from your host organization. Repatriation insurance is also required.

The price of these visas depends on the length of your stay. The rates are the same as those for work visas.

In all these cases, other supporting documents are also to be provided, the full list is listed on the embassy website.

Other long stays

Would you like to go to Indonesia for reasons not mentioned above? These visas may be for you:

Family reunification visa (317)

A member of your family lives in Indonesia and would like to join them? You will need to provide a copy of the marriage certificate as well as the KITAS of the person residing in Indonesia.

The retirement visa (319)

Do you want to live your retirement in the sun? Indonesia welcomes people over the age of 55 with a retirement visa. This requires, among other things, the following documents:

• a certificate from the French pension fund
• an Indonesian home document
• a criminal record
• repatriation insurance

The full list of documents to be provided is available on the Indonesian Embassy website.

French Embassy in Jakarta
Jalan M. H. Thamrin No.20 – Jakarta Pusat 10350
Tel: 62 235 57 600
Fax: 62 235 57 602
Email: ambassade@ambafrance-id.org

Indonesian Embassy in Paris
47/49 Cortembert Street – 75116 Paris
Tel: 01.45.03.07.60
Fax: 01.45.04.50.32
Email: komparis@online.fr

Vaccines and Safety in Indonesia

vaccination

ThePasteur Institute recommends that people travelling or settling in Indonesia update the following vaccines:

• Hepatitis A: an injection a fortnight before departure, followed by a recall one to three years later
• Hepatitis B (long stays): two injections spaced one month apart, followed by a booster 6 months later.

Other vaccinations are possible depending on where you live in Indonesia: Japanese encephalitis, rabies, typhoid… It is therefore recommended to take advice from your doctor or the Pasteur Institute before your stay.

Cases of polio have been reported in Java and Sumatra, contact your doctor if you would like to visit these areas.

Health risks

Malaria, dengue fever and the Zika virus are present in Indonesia. So be sure to protect yourself from mosquito bites with simple gestures: use repellents, wear long clothes in the evening or at night, don’t keep standing water near your home, and think about turning on your ventilator night.

During the dry season, from May to November, forest fires can increase the risk of air pollution. It is advisable to wear a mask during these periods and to contact your doctor in case of respiratory problems.

Other health risks exist, but they are easily preventable. Limit your intake of raw foods (usually avoid raw meat or fish). If you want to stay hydrated, choose sealed water bottles.

Security

Indonesia is at high risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It is recommended to be regularly informed on the website of France Diplomacy and at your consulate.

During the rainy season, it is not recommended to walk by car or in rural areas. Indeed, floods and landslides are common during this period.

The level of security is also generally satisfactory. However, petty crime is developing in tourist areas (snatching, pickpockets).

It is also advisable to avoid drinks offered by strangers, which may contain drugs. Cases of people who have been stolen as a result of a loss of consciousness have been identified.

Bank card scams are also on the rise.

Health insurance in Indonesia

Why take international health insurance when travelling or residing in Indonesia? Simply because health spending quickly reaches very high amounts abroad. On the other hand, health insurance is compulsory in Indonesia in order to be covered in a public or private institution. In addition, the repatriation guarantee is an essential criterion. In the event of a serious accident it is sometimes necessary to carry out a medicalized repatriation to the nearest medical centre or to the country of residence. Depending on where you are at the time of the accident, and depending on the medical prognosis, it may be necessary to Charter a helicopter or a medicalized aircraft.

Mondassur supports you in your choice of international health insurance by helping you compare the different offers on the market. Depending on your profile, we will be able to offer you different travel,international student and expatriate insurance packages.