The short version: most nationalities can enter Indonesia through Juanda International Airport (Surabaya’s main gateway) on a Visa on Arrival, good for 30 days and extendable once for a total of 60 — but since late 2025, everyone flying into Surabaya also needs to complete a separate digital arrival card before landing. Miss that step and you’ll be filling out paperwork at the immigration counter instead of walking straight through. Here’s exactly what to prepare.
Do You Need a Visa?
Indonesia’s entry rules split travelers into three groups:
Visa-free entry: A small number of nationalities can enter without any visa at all for short stays — check the current list on Indonesia’s official immigration site before you travel, since eligible countries do change.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): The default route for most tourists and short-term business visitors. Citizens of 61+ nationalities — including most of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and the EU — qualify. The VOA costs around IDR 500,000 (roughly $32), gives you 30 days, and can be extended once for another 30 days, for a maximum stay of 60 days total. You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, plus proof of an onward or return ticket.
Visa required in advance: If your nationality isn’t on either list above, you’ll need to apply for a visa at an Indonesian embassy or consulate before departure — this can’t be arranged on arrival.
The e-VOA Option (Recommended)
Rather than queuing at the airport counter, most eligible travelers can now apply for an e-VOA online in advance at evisa.imigrasi.go.id, paying the same fee and receiving approval before you fly. This is genuinely worth doing — it converts what can be a 10–30 minute counter wait into a quick scan-and-go process at immigration.
The All Indonesia Arrival Card — Don’t Skip This
Since late 2025, Indonesia has rolled out the All Indonesia Arrival Card, a free digital form that consolidates immigration, customs, and health declarations into a single system — and Juanda International Airport (Surabaya) was one of the first three airports where it became mandatory, alongside Bali and Jakarta. You’ll need to submit it online, ideally at least 48 hours before departure, entering your passport details, travel itinerary, and customs/health declarations, after which you receive a QR code to show at immigration on arrival. Treat this as part of your pre-flight checklist rather than something to handle at the airport — a slow airport WiFi connection while a line builds behind you is not where you want to be filling this out.
What to Bring to the Immigration Counter
- Passport valid for at least six months from your entry date
- Proof of onward or return travel (a confirmed ticket, not just a booking hold)
- Your VOA/e-VOA approval or payment confirmation, if applying at the counter
- Your All Indonesia Arrival Card QR code
- Some counters spot-check for proof of sufficient funds — having a recent bank statement or hotel booking on hand is a reasonable precaution
Overstay Penalties
Overstaying your permitted stay is a real risk to avoid — Indonesia charges a daily fine for overstays (around IDR 1,000,000 per day in recent years), and prolonged or repeated overstays can result in deportation or future entry bans. If you think you might need more than 60 days, apply for an extension before your current permit expires rather than risking an overstay.
Business Visitors: A Quick Note
If you’re traveling to Surabaya specifically for business meetings, conferences, or short-term work-related visits, the standard VOA typically covers this — Indonesia’s visitor visa category explicitly includes business, social, and cultural visits alongside tourism. If your trip involves actual paid work for an Indonesian entity or a longer-term assignment, that’s a different visa category entirely (a working KITAS), and worth sorting out well in advance through your employer or a visa agent rather than assuming a VOA will cover it.
FAQ
Can I get a Visa on Arrival at Juanda Airport in Surabaya?
Yes — Juanda is one of the designated international gateways offering VOA, and applying online in advance as an e-VOA is the faster route through immigration.
What is the All Indonesia Arrival Card and is it mandatory?
It’s a free digital form combining immigration, customs, and health declarations, mandatory at Juanda (Surabaya), Jakarta, and Bali airports since late 2025 — complete it online 48 hours before your flight to avoid delays on arrival.
How long can I stay in Indonesia on a Visa on Arrival?
30 days initially, extendable once for another 30 days, for a maximum single-entry stay of 60 days total.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Indonesia?
You’ll be charged a daily fine, and significant or repeated overstays can lead to deportation or future entry bans — apply for an extension before your permit expires if you need more time.
