Indonesia has a dynamic visa policy, which includes certain restrictions for citizens of specific countries. As of 2024, the countries currently banned from direct visa issuance to Indonesia include Afghanistan, Guinea, Israel, North Korea, Cameroon, Liberia, Nigeria and Somalia. However, this does not entirely preclude citizens from these countries from visiting Indonesia. Instead, they must undergo a clearance house procedure to obtain a visitor visa.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
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Application Submission: Citizens from the banned countries must submit their visa applications through an Indonesian embassy or consulate. The application should include a completed visa form, a valid passport with at least six months validity, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of travel arrangements, and a letter of invitation (if applicable). Visa Applications also can be submitted by the sponsor from Indonesia directly via an online portal.
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Supporting Documents: Additional documents might be required, such as proof of financial stability, a detailed travel itinerary, and a certificate of good conduct from local police authorities. These documents ensure the applicant’s intention of a short-term visit and their return to their home country.
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Clearance House Review: The Indonesian embassy forwards the application to the Indonesian Immigration Clearance House in Jakarta. This body is responsible for conducting a thorough background check. This process involves coordination with various Indonesian government agencies to assess any security risks or other concerns.
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Approval or Rejection: The clearance process can take several weeks. If the clearance house approves the application, a visa authorization is sent back to the embassy or consulate. The applicant will be notified to collect their visa. If the application is rejected, the embassy will inform the applicant, usually providing the reasons for the denial.
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Visa Issuance: Once approved, the visitor visa is issued, allowing entry into Indonesia for tourism or business purposes, typically for a stay of up to 60 days. The visa holder must comply with all Indonesian laws and regulations during their stay.
Navigating the visa process for Indonesia as a citizen of a banned country requires patience and adherence to strict procedures. Ensuring all required documentation is thoroughly prepared and submitted can significantly enhance the chances of a successful application.
