Travelling to Indonesia from Australia: visa, flights, and entry requirements

Indonesia is one of Australia’s closest and most popular international destinations, with short flight times, affordable fares, and an enormous variety of experiences across thousands of islands. If you’re looking for cheap places to travel from Australia, Indonesia consistently ranks near the top.

Whether you’re heading to Bali, Lombok, Java, Komodo, or Raja Ampat, this guide covers everything you need before you go: visa and entry requirements, arrival documents, health preparation, flights, and the best time to visit.

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Flights to Indonesia from Australia

Australia has excellent direct flight connections to Indonesia, with Bali being by far the most popular entry point. Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is also a key gateway for travellers heading to Java, while Lombok International Airport suits those skipping Bali entirely. 

Overall, Indonesia is one of the best short international trips from Australia, particularly if you’re departing from Perth. 

The main Australian departure cities and approximate flight times are:

Perth has the shortest flight time to Bali of any Australian city, making it a particularly convenient base for a quick trip. For Komodo, Raja Ampat, or other eastern islands, you’ll typically connect through Bali or Jakarta on a domestic Indonesian carrier.

Flights book up quickly around Australian school holidays, particularly the July winter break and the December–January summer period. If your dates are fixed, booking two to three months in advance will give you the best fares and seat availability.

Travel requirements for Australians going to Indonesia

Before you fly, it pays to have your documents in order. If you want a broader overview of where Australians can travel and what’s required, the guide on passport and visa destinations for Australians is a useful starting point. Here’s a practical overview of what you’ll need specifically for Indonesia, covering passports, visa options, arrival forms, and customs rules.

Passport validity

Your Australian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Indonesia. Airlines will check this at check-in, so a passport expiring within six months of your travel date could get you turned away before you even board.

You’ll also need at least two blank pages for stamps. If your passport is looking worn or short on space, renew it well before you travel, processing times can vary.

Visa options: e-VOA, VOA, and tourist e-visa

Australian passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia, but three straightforward options are available:

• Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA): The e-VOA can be applied for online before you depart via the Indonesia Immigration portal. It covers a 30-day stay and can be extended once for a further 30 days (60 days total). Applying in advance may allow access to e-gates at selected airports, which can speed up arrival processing considerably. The fee is IDR 500,000 (approximately AUD 50).
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): If you haven’t applied online, you can purchase a Visa on Arrival at the airport on arrival. It covers the same 30-day stay with the same one-time extension option, and costs the same IDR 500,000 (approximately AUD 50). The difference is that you’ll queue at the airport counter rather than heading straight to immigration.
• Tourist e-Visa (B211A): For longer stays of up to 60 days, the Tourist e-Visa (B211A) is applied for in advance through an Indonesian embassy or authorised visa agent. It typically costs more than the VOA options and requires additional documentation, but it’s useful if you need the full 60 days from the outset, or if you want the flexibility of a longer initial stay.

Note: Visa fees and conditions do change. Always verify current requirements through Smartraveller or the official Indonesian immigration website before you travel.

All Indonesia Declaration Form

All travellers arriving in Indonesia are required to complete the All Indonesia Declaration Form before departure. This is a mandatory digital arrival card that consolidates what were previously separate processes, including the SATUSEHAT health declaration and the electronic customs declaration, into one online system.

You can complete it at the government’s official website or through the Visit Indonesia app. It should generally be submitted within 72 hours before your departure, and covers personal details, health information, and a declaration of goods being brought into the country. Keep a screenshot or email confirmation handy, as you may be asked to show it on arrival.

Bali tourist levy

If your trip to Indonesia includes Bali, note that a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately AUD 15) applies specifically to Bali, not to the rest of Indonesia. It can be paid online in advance via the Love Bali platform or at the airport on arrival. For full details on the levy and what it covers, see our dedicated guide on travel to Bali from Australia.

Customs and local laws in Indonesia

Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal substances can result in lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty. There are no exceptions for foreign nationals.

A few other points to be aware of:

• Prescription medications: Carry a doctor’s letter and original packaging for any prescription drugs. Some medications that are legal in Australia, including certain codeine-based products, may be controlled or prohibited in Indonesia. Check with the Indonesian embassy if you’re unsure.
• Vaping and e-cigarettes: These are technically regulated in Indonesia. While enforcement varies by region, be discreet and avoid using e-cigarettes in public spaces.
• Alcohol: You can bring a small amount of alcohol into the country duty-free (typically up to one litre), but alcohol is not freely available in all areas,  particularly in more conservative regions outside Bali.
• Local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, or traditional communities. Cover shoulders and knees in religious spaces. Showing physical affection in public is generally frowned upon outside tourist areas.
• Photography: Always ask permission before photographing local people or religious ceremonies.

Health and safety tips before you go

See a travel doctor at least four to six weeks before your departure, this gives time for any course vaccinations to take effect. Recommended vaccinations for Indonesia typically include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. If you’re planning extended travel in rural areas or spending time around animals, your doctor may also discuss rabies or Japanese encephalitis.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical costs for foreigners in Indonesia can be significant, and many private clinics require upfront payment before treating you. Make sure your policy covers the activities you’re planning, particularly if you’re surfing, diving, or hiking volcanoes.

Having reliable mobile internet is a practical safety measure in itself, apps like Grab help you avoid overcharging by unmetered taxis, and Google Maps keeps you oriented across unfamiliar islands and cities. If you’re weighing up your connectivity options, the guides on mobile internet in Indonesia, roaming in Indonesia, and local SIM cards in Indonesia are worth a read before you go.

A few practical health tips for on the ground:

• Drink bottled or purified water only, tap water is not safe to drink in Indonesia.
• Use a DEET-based insect repellent, especially around dawn and dusk, to reduce the risk of dengue fever and malaria in some regions.
• Apply sunscreen regularly, the equatorial sun is significantly stronger than in Australia.
• Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitiser, particularly when eating street food.

Best time to visit Indonesia from Australia

Indonesia has two main seasons: the dry season (approximately May to September) and the wet season (approximately October to April). For most travellers, the dry season is the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity, less rain, and clearer skies for diving, hiking, and island-hopping.

That said, Indonesia spans a vast geographic area, and weather patterns do vary significantly by region:

For Australians travelling during their school holidays, July aligns well with Indonesia’s dry season, making it a practical and popular choice. December and January fall in the wet season for Bali and much of western Indonesia, though showers are often brief and the humidity can be manageable with the right expectations.

If Bali is your main destination, a dedicated guide on the best time to visit Bali from Australia covers the island’s seasons in more detail.

Stay connected in Indonesia with Holafly

Staying connected in Indonesia is straightforward with a Holafly eSIM for Indonesia, no physical SIM swap needed, and your data activates as soon as you land. With coverage across the archipelago, it’s a reliable option whether you’re navigating Yogyakarta’s streets, booking ferries between the Gili Islands, or staying in touch from Ubud.

The Holafly Indonesia eSIM offers unlimited data, so you won’t need to track usage or worry about running out mid-trip. You can browse your options at the Holafly eSIM shop, find the plan that fits your trip, and set it up before you leave Australia.

If your plan runs out mid-trip or you forget to pick up a new one before crossing into the next country, Holafly’s Always On keeps you connected with backup data automatically, so a lapsed plan never means losing access when you need it most.

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