Indonesia, with its thousands providing everything from the cultural center of Java to the spiritual and surf paradise of Bali, invites visitors looking for more than a quick vacation. Those who need to get deeply involved in the archipelago for months are shortchanged by the standard Indonesia Visa on Arrival (VOA).
The B211A Tourist e-Visa is the key to longer travel. This visa converts an average 30-day journey into a possible 120-day adventure, assuming you navigate its single-entry status and are aware of its required extension procedure.
This entire analysis is meant to be your authoritative guide. It will explain the terms of the visa, walk you through the initial application, and outline the typically complicated procedures for legally extending your stay without incurring penalties or deportation.
1. What is the B211A Tourist e-Visa?
The B211A is a single-entry Indonesia electronic visa issued by the Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesia. It is designed for specific purposes, with “Tourism” being the most popular application category.
Key Characteristics of the B211A
| Characteristic | Detail | Importance for the Traveler |
| Initial Stay Period | 60 Days from the date of entry into Indonesia. | Gives you twice the stay duration compared to the standard 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA). |
| Validity | Generally valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You must enter Indonesia within this 90-day window. | Do not apply too early. Your 60-day stay begins upon arrival, but your eligibility to enter expires after 90 days from issuance. |
| Entry Type | Single-Entry Only. | If you leave Indonesia for any reason (even a short trip to Singapore or Malaysia), the visa is automatically cancelled, and you must apply for a new one to return. |
| Extensions | Two possible extensions, each granting an additional 30 days. | Allows for a maximum cumulative stay of 120 days (60 initial + 30 extension + 30 extension). |
| Purpose | Tourism, family visit, or socio-cultural activities (e.g., attending non-commercial training/courses). | Crucially, it does not allow the holder to work or be employed by an Indonesian entity. |
2. The Initial Application Process: Getting the Green Light
Applying for the B211A is done entirely online through the official Indonesian immigration portal, but unlike the VOA, it requires a mandatory sponsor.
The Sponsor Requirement
For a B211A Tourist e-Visa, you must have a local sponsor. This is almost always an officially recognized visa agency in Indonesia.
- Why an Agent? The agent acts as your guarantor to the Indonesian government, ensuring you comply with immigration laws. They handle the submission of your application and ensure all documents meet stringent requirements.
- The Cost: This mandatory service means the B211A is significantly more expensive than the VOA. The agency fee covers the government charge, the sponsorship fee, and the administrative handling.
Mandatory Documents for Application
When submitting your documents to your chosen visa agent, ensure they are high-quality, clear scans:
- Passport Scan: The bio-data page must be scanned and must have a validity of at least 12 months from the date of planned entry. Note: If your passport has less than 12 months validity, you will likely be rejected.
- Color Passport Photo: A recent photograph with a white or light background, usually 4cm x 6cm.
- Proof of Funds: A copy of a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds (usually the equivalent of $1,500 to $2,000 USD) to cover your intended stay.
- Onward or Return Ticket: A copy of your flight itinerary showing your confirmed ticket out of Indonesia within the initial 60-day period.
- Accommodation Plan: Proof of accommodation for your first few nights (e.g., a hotel booking).
Processing Time: Once the agent submits the application, processing typically takes between 5 and 10 business days, though expedited services are often available for an extra fee. The approved Indonesia Online e-Visa is sent to you digitally as a PDF document.
3. The 120-Day Strategy: Mandatory Extension Rules
The true value of the B211A is its potential for a four-month total stay. However, the extension process is not automatic; it is time-consuming, requires two mandatory physical trips to an immigration office, and must be handled by your original visa sponsor/agent.
The 60-Day Initial Stay
Your clock starts the day you arrive in Indonesia. You are legally allowed to stay for 60 days. To avoid an overstay penalty, you must initiate the first extension process at least two weeks before the 60th day.
Extension 1: The First 30 Days (Total Stay: 90 Days)
| Step | Action Required | Location | Timing |
| 1. Application Submission | Provide your passport and extension fee to your visa agent. The agent submits the request to immigration. | Agent’s Office | 14 days before 60-day expiry |
| 2. Photo and Biometrics | You must appear in person at the designated Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi) for a photo, fingerprint, and digital signature scan. | Immigration Office | 7–10 days after submission |
| 3. Passport Collection | The agent collects your passport once the new 30-day extension is processed and stamped. | Agent’s Office | Usually 3–5 days after biometrics |
Extension 2: The Final 30 Days (Total Stay: 120 Days)
Once you reach the 90-day mark, you repeat the exact same process for the final extension.
| Step | Action Required | Location | Timing |
| 1. Application Submission | Provide your passport and extension fee to your visa agent. | Agent’s Office | 14 days before 90-day expiry |
| 2. Photo and Biometrics | You must appear in person again at the Immigration Office for the final stamp verification (often just the submission of the passport is enough, but be prepared for a second appearance). | Immigration Office | As scheduled by the agent |
| 3. Final Collection | The agent returns your passport stamped with the final departure date. | Agent’s Office | After processing |
Crucial Extension Note: The B211A is only extendable a maximum of two times. Once you hit the total 120 days, you have reached the absolute legal limit for this visa type, and you must exit Indonesia.
4. The Exit Requirement and Overstay Penalties
Exiting Indonesia after your 120 days is mandatory. Planning your departure flight before the final expiration date is the most critical rule of the B211A journey.
Exit Strategy
- Final Date Adherence: Your final stamped date (Day 120) is your legal maximum. Plan your flight to depart on or before this day.
- The Single-Entry Rule: Remember, leaving Indonesia at any point during your 120-day stay invalidates the remaining time. If you exit on Day 50 and want to return, you must apply for a brand-new visa (VOA or B211A) from scratch.
Penalties for Overstaying (The Daily Fine)
Indonesian immigration is strict, and there is zero tolerance for overstays. The penalty is applied instantly and rigorously at the airport when you attempt to leave.
The standard penalty for an overstay is IDR 1,000,000 per day (approximately $65 USD) for every day beyond your authorized stay date.
Example Scenario: If your visa expires on the 12th and you fly out on the 15th, you have overstayed by three days. 3 days×IDR 1,000,000/day=IDR 3,000,000 fine.
You will be detained at the airport until this fine is paid in full, which can cause you to miss your flight and incur additional rebooking costs. For significantly long overstays (over 60 days), the penalties escalate to potential deportation and blacklisting from Indonesia.
5. Summary Checklist for B211A Success
The B211A is a powerful tool for serious long-term travelers, but it demands organization and adherence to strict protocols.
- Find a Reputable Agent: Your chosen sponsor is your lifeline. Select a licensed, well-reviewed Indonesian visa agent to handle the submission and extensions.
- Confirm 12-Month Passport Validity: Before even starting the application, confirm your passport is valid for at least one full year.
- Respect the Single Entry: View the B211A as a 120-day commitment to staying inside Indonesia. Save your regional island hopping for when you are on a different visa or have completed your stay.
- Budget for Extensions: Factoring in the two extension fees (government fees plus agent costs) is essential for your long-term budget.
- Mark the Dates: Set reminders on your phone for Day 45 and Day 75 to contact your agent and start the extension process early, guaranteeing you meet the official deadlines for your biometrics appointment.
By understanding that the B211A is a privilege requiring active maintenance—including the mandatory use of an agent and physical appearances at the Immigration Office—you can unlock four months of uninterrupted, unforgettable exploration across the Indonesian islands.