Indonesia Launches Online Visa for Students and Educators

Indonesia has now launched a simplified student visa application.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration inaugurated the new visa for education at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yogyakarta on October 12, 2023.

“Education visa applications can be conveniently submitted online”, Director for Immigration Stay Permits Heru Tjondro announced at the event.

International students can now apply online for visas for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

Educators who wish to work in Indonesia can also use the new application to get their permits.

Visitors who do not qualify may also obtain a short-stay visa online. The Indonesia e-Visa application is now available to citizens from up to 100 countries worldwide.

Travelers are able to apply for either an Indonesia e-VOA or Visitor Visa online if they are of an eligible nationality. The e-VOA is valid for transit, business, or vacation travel with a maximum stay of 30 days, while the visitor visa allows a 60-day stay for tourism.

Why Indonesia Has Simplified the Student Visa Application

“We are providing this convenience to support Indonesia as a destination for international students”, Tjondro said of the new online system.

The launch of the online student visa continues the government’s push to simplify and digitize immigration processes following the introduction of the  Indonesia Customs Declaration (e-CD).

This electronic document is now a mandatory requirement for all passengers entering the country, regardless of nationality and purpose of travel.

The online procedure makes it easier to declare goods and currency and reduces wait times at the border.

How The New Indonesian Student Visa Benefits Applicants

The biggest advantage of the new online student visa is that it eliminates the need to apply at an Indonesian embassy or consulate. The application is now entirely electronic.

Additionally, under the new policy, applicants no longer need to obtain ministry approval before they request a student visa.

“Prospective students now only need to furnish evidence of acceptance by educational institutions,” Tjondro stated. “Through this visa, we are streamlining the process for prospective students”.

Another benefit of the new education visa is that it also facilitates the potential for future sponsorship by private individuals or educational institutions in Indonesia. Most foreign citizens require a sponsor to stay in Indonesia longer than a short period for tourism.