By Air
Most international travellers arrive at one of two airports: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, or Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali. Bali is the busier entry point for leisure travellers and has direct connections from Australia, much of Asia, and an increasing number of European cities. Jakarta handles more business traffic and has the broader network of global connections.
Secondary international airports include Kualanamu (Medan, Sumatra), Juanda (Surabaya, Java), and Sam Ratulangi (Manado, Sulawesi). Garuda Indonesia is the national carrier and generally the most reliable, though Lion Air, Batik Air, and Citilink dominate budget domestic flying.
Flight times are roughly: London to Bali 16–18 hours (one stop); Sydney to Bali 6 hours direct; Singapore to Jakarta 1.5 hours; Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta 2 hours.
Visa
Citizens of around 90 countries — including the US, UK, Australia, most of Europe, and much of Asia — can enter on a Visa on Arrival (VOA), valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days. The cost is Rp500,000 (around US$30) payable at the airport. An e-VOA can be purchased online before departure to skip the queue at Jakarta or Bali airports.
Citizens of ASEAN countries and a handful of others qualify for visa-free entry for 30 days (non-extendable). Check the current list before you travel as it changes.
Since September 2025, all arriving passengers must complete the All Indonesia Digital Declaration (electronic arrival card) within three days before arrival. This applies at all international airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date.
By Sea
Several ferry routes connect Indonesia to Malaysia. The main crossing is between Batam or Bintan (Riau Islands) and Singapore, with frequent high-speed ferries taking about an hour. There are also services between Penang (Malaysia) and Belawan (Medan) and between Kuching (Sarawak) and points in Kalimantan.
Overland
Indonesia shares land borders only on the island of Borneo (between Kalimantan and the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah) and on New Guinea (between Papua province and Papua New Guinea). The Kalimantan–Sarawak crossings are the most used; the Papua–PNG border is remote and rarely crossed by tourists.