Indonesia Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders

Indonesia operates a straightforward Visa on Arrival scheme for UK citizens, available at all major international gateway airports. The VoA grants an initial 30-day single-entry permit and covers tourism, family visits and short social stays.

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands spanning nearly 5,000 kilometres from west to east. The most popular destinations are:

• Bali: temples, surf beaches, rice terraces and a rich Hindu culture
• Java: Jakarta (the capital until 2045), Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Bromo volcano
• Lombok: quieter beaches and the Gili Islands, with Rinjani volcano as a centrepiece
• Komodo: home to the famous Komodo dragon and superb diving
• Raja Ampat: one of the world's top diving and snorkelling destinations in West Papua

The VoA can be extended once for a further 30 days (total 60 days) by visiting any regional immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) inside Indonesia before the original permit expires. The extension fee is approximately $35 USD. For stays beyond 60 days or for working/volunteering purposes, a B211A social/tourist visa obtained in advance from the Indonesian Embassy in London is required (60 days, extendable multiple times in-country).

There are no direct flights from the UK to Indonesia. All routes require at least one connection.\n\nLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Bali (DPS, Ngurah Rai International):\n- Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN): around 16 to 17 hours total, highly rated\n- Emirates via Dubai (DXB): around 17 to 18 hours total\n- Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH): around 17 to 18 hours total\n- Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur (KUL): around 16 to 17 hours total\n- Garuda Indonesia via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur: Indonesia's national carrier, good option\n\nLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Jakarta (CGK, Soekarno-Hatta International):\n- British Airways codeshares and partner airlines via Singapore or Doha\n- Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN): around 15 to 16 hours total\n- Emirates via Dubai (DXB): around 16 to 17 hours total\n\nTips:\n- Flying into Bali (DPS) is the most convenient entry point if your itinerary begins in Bali or Lombok.\n- Flying into Jakarta (CGK) makes more sense for Java-first itineraries (Yogyakarta, Borobudur, Bromo).\n- Book early for school holiday departures; summer and Christmas/New Year see high demand from UK travellers.\n- Check baggage allowances carefully on Asian carriers; economy allowances vary.

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Notes come in high denominations; 100,000 IDR is approximately GBP 5 to 6; so carrying large wads of notes is normal.

ATMs:

• UK debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at ATMs across Bali and major cities. Look for BCA, BNI, BRI and Mandiri bank ATMs.
• ATMs in Bali's tourist areas (Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu) are plentiful. In remote areas, Lombok's rural villages, Komodo and Raja Ampat, ATMs are scarce; withdraw enough cash before heading off the beaten track.
• Always withdraw in IDR, never in GBP. ATMs often offer Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC); always select IDR to avoid poor exchange rates charged by the local bank.
• Notify your UK bank before travel to avoid card blocks. Many UK challenger banks (Monzo, Starling, Wise) offer good exchange rates with low or no ATM fees.

Cash:

• Cash is essential for local warungs (small eateries), markets, temples, rural transport, and tipping.
• Many small businesses, street vendors and traditional markets are cash-only.
• Larger hotels, restaurants in tourist areas and some shops accept card payment.

Currency exchange:

• Authorised money changers offer competitive rates in Bali. Avoid unofficial changers and never exchange money through touts who approach you on the street.

Culture and religion:

• Bali is predominantly Hindu in a Muslim-majority country. Respect for local customs is essential.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples; cover shoulders and knees. Most temples provide a sarong and sash for a small donation if you do not have one.
• Cremation ceremonies, temple festivals (odalan) and processions are part of daily life; observe respectfully and ask permission before photographing.
• Do not step on or over offerings (canang sari) left on the ground; they are sacred.

Health and safety:

• "Bali belly" (traveller's diarrhoea) is common. Drink only bottled or filtered water, avoid ice in non-tourist venues, and be cautious with raw food from street stalls.
• Mosquito repellent (DEET-based) is essential; dengue fever is present year-round, especially during the wet season (November to March).
• Rabies is present in Bali; avoid contact with stray dogs and monkeys (especially at Monkey Forest, Ubud). Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
• The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel page for Indonesia is the authoritative source for current safety advice.

Transport:

• Use Blue Bird taxis (blue cars with the Blue Bird logo) or the Grab app for safe, metered or fixed-fare rides in Bali and Jakarta. Avoid unofficial taxis.
• Scooter hire is popular but road conditions and driving standards differ significantly from the UK; check your travel insurance covers motorcycle accidents.
• Inter-island travel by ferry or fast boat is common between Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. Check operator safety records.

Drones:

• Drone use requires a permit in Indonesia. Flying drones without a permit, or near temples, ceremonies or restricted areas, can result in confiscation and fines.