United States entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indonesian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option, and you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Start the process well ahead of your planned trip, as interview appointments can be booked weeks or months out.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or appropriate category)You cannot enter the US without a valid visa; apply well in advance. Apply at a US embassy or consulate | Indonesian citizens must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2 for tourism or business) before traveling. You must schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya. The eVisa program is not available for Indonesian passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityUS immigration requires your passport to remain valid for 6 months after your exit date. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Indonesian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from the US. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for a visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesWithout a blank page, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the US visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. Ensure you have a clean, unused page. | Required |
| Completed DS-160 formThis is the official application form for a US nonimmigrant visa. Online nonimmigrant visa application | Complete the DS-160 form online and print the confirmation page with the barcode. You will need this for your visa interview. | Required |
| Visa interview appointmentMost visa applicants must appear in person for an interview. At US Embassy Jakarta or Consulate Surabaya | Schedule and attend a visa interview at the US Embassy in Jakarta or the US Consulate in Surabaya. Bring your DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, and supporting documents. | Required |
| Visa application fee paymentYou must pay this fee before scheduling your interview. Non-refundable fee | Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (MRV fee) as instructed by the embassy. The fee amount varies by visa type; check the current fee schedule. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketUS Customs and Border Protection may ask to see your departure plans. Proof of departure from the US | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket to show you intend to leave the US before your visa expires. This is often checked at the port of entry. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always required, it helps prove you won't overstay or become a public charge. Evidence of sufficient financial means | Be prepared to show bank statements, pay slips, or other financial documents to demonstrate you can cover your expenses during your stay in the US. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out a separate arrival form before landing. Not required for US entry | No separate arrival declaration is required for Indonesia passport holders entering the US. You will complete customs declaration on the flight or via the CBP app. | Not required |
No eVisa or ESTA for Indonesians
Indonesian passport holders are not eligible for the U.S. ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or any eVisa. You must apply for a full B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Don't fall for third-party sites claiming to offer 'online visas' — they're scams.
Book early — appointment slots fill fast
U.S. visa interview slots in Jakarta and Surabaya are limited and can be booked out for weeks. Check the appointment calendar as soon as you decide to travel, and consider applying 3–6 months in advance.
Overstaying is serious
If you stay beyond your I-94 departure date, you risk being barred from re-entering the U.S. for 3 or 10 years. Always leave on time, and keep your return ticket handy.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the U.S. visa application website, fill out Form DS-160, upload your photo, and submit. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the next steps.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee through the approved payment channels (bank transfer or at designated BCA/BNI branches, or via the U.S. visa payment portal). Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. visa appointment system to book a slot at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya. Wait times can be long — book as early as possible.
4
Attend the visa interview
Arrive at the embassy/consulate on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment letter, photo, and supporting documents. You'll be fingerprinted and asked questions about your trip and ties to Indonesia.
5
Wait for visa processing and passport return
After approval, your passport will be stamped with the visa and returned via courier (usually within a few days to a couple of weeks). You'll receive tracking information.
6
Travel to the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry, present your passport with the visa to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. They will determine your allowed length of stay (usually up to 6 months for B-1/B-2).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical for Indonesian passport holders)
Cost$185 USD (approx. IDR 2,775,000)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits. Must apply at US embassy/consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$185 USD (approx. IDR 2,775,000)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (approx. IDR 2,775,000) + SEVIS fee
For full-time students enrolled in US academic institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years (renewable)
Validity3 years initially, extendable
Cost$460 USD (approx. IDR 6,900,000) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD (approx. IDR 2,775,000) + SEVIS fee
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply work visa
H-1B Work Visa
Up to 6 years (renewable)
$460 USD (approx. IDR 6,900,000) + other fees
For specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer-sponsored with annual lottery cap.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (approx. IDR 15.75 billion)
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to several years)
$185 USD (approx. IDR 2,775,000) + program fees
For approved exchange programs including work-and-travel, internships, research, and teaching. Requires a sponsoring organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (approx. IDR 2,775,000) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Indonesian citizens. | $185 USD (approx. IDR 2,775,000) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period. | $370 USD (approx. IDR 5,550,000) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can lead to bars on re-entry; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically $0 but may affect future visas |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Indonesian passport holders generally need a visa to transit through the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa or are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with an approved ESTA may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderYellow FeverConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; risk increases in rural or southern regions during summer.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe; tap water is drinkable in most areas, but avoid untreated water in remote locations.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude destinations like Denver, Rocky Mountains, and ski resorts; acclimatize gradually.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
850 NW, Washington, D.C. 20530
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
Los Angeles
USCIS Los Angeles Field Office
300 N. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required for in-person inquiries; extensions handled by mail.
Practical information for ID travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The DS-160 and fee payment can be done in a day, but interview appointment wait times at the Jakarta embassy can be several weeks to a few months, depending on the season. After the interview, visa processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but it can be longer if additional administrative processing is needed. Plan at least 2–3 months ahead.
The non-refundable application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. There may be additional courier or delivery fees for passport return. The fee is paid in Indonesian Rupiah at the current exchange rate.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa does not allow extensions. You must leave the U.S. before the date stamped on your I-94 arrival record (usually up to 6 months). Overstaying can lead to visa revocation and future entry bans.
Yes. Even if you're only changing planes at a U.S. airport, you must have a valid U.S. visa (or be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, which Indonesians are not). There is no transit visa exemption for Indonesian passport holders.
You can reapply, but you must pay the fee again and go through the entire process. There's no appeal. The denial letter will state the reason (e.g., insufficient ties to Indonesia). It's wise to address the issue before reapplying.
Yes, you can apply at any U.S. embassy or consulate that accepts third-country nationals, but it may be more difficult to get an appointment, and you'll need to show why you're applying there. Most Indonesians apply at the Jakarta embassy or Surabaya consulate.
No. All first-time applicants must appear in person for a biometrics appointment and interview. There's no interview waiver for Indonesian citizens. Even if you've had a U.S. visa before, you may still need an interview unless you qualify for the Interview Waiver Program (which is not currently available for Indonesian applicants).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.