Passport & Visa Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Indonesia and must have two blank pages (not including endorsement pages). If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, you will not be allowed to enter Indonesia.
Visa on Arrival
US citizens traveling for tourism can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major Indonesian airports including Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Medan. The VOA costs approximately $35 USD and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
You will need an onward or return ticket to apply for a Visa on Arrival. The VOA is available for tourism, temporary business, or visiting family, friends, or educational institutions.
Important Notes
- Indonesian immigration strictly enforces visa requirements
- Overstaying your visa results in fines and potential detention
- Entry requirements can change — check with the Indonesian Embassy before travel
- Your host Cary will provide guidance on current visa procedures as part of your trip planning
Baggage Guidelines
Checked Baggage
- Keep checked bags under 23 kg (50 lbs) to avoid excess baggage fees
- Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) must be repacked as they exceed handler lifting limits
- Pack belongings in proper suitcases to prevent damage during transport
- Verify at check-in that your baggage is tagged to the correct flight and destination
- Attach an English-language name tag to help locate lost baggage quickly
Carry-On Essentials
Always carry the following items in your hand luggage:
- Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Travel documents (passport, visa confirmation, insurance)
- Valuables (electronics, jewelry, cash)
- One change of clothes (in case of delayed checked baggage)
Do not pack fragile items, important documents, medications, or keys in checked baggage. Airlines have limited liability for loss or damage to checked items.
What to Pack
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton and linen are ideal)
- Modest clothing for temple visits (covering shoulders and knees)
- A light rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Swimwear
Essentials
- Washcloths (not always provided at hotels)
- Personal refillable hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and insect repellent
- A reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (Indonesia uses Type C and F plugs, 230V)
Health
- Any prescription medications (bring copies of prescriptions)
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Motion sickness medication (for boat trips)
Travel Insurance
Voyage to Paradise does not provide travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. You can obtain coverage through:
- Your auto insurance agent (many offer travel policies)
- AAA
- Online travel insurance providers
- Your credit card company (check existing benefits)
Coverage should include medical expenses, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation.
Practical Tips
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). US dollars are widely accepted for larger purchases. ATMs are available in cities but scarce in remote areas.
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. English is understood in tourist areas. Your host Cary speaks fluent English and Indonesian.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. Small tips for service staff are customary.
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Bring a universal adapter.
- Time Zones: Indonesia spans 3 time zones. Java/Bali is UTC+7 (WIB), Central Indonesia is UTC+8 (WITA), and Papua is UTC+9 (WIT).
Don’t Worry About Logistics
Remember — when you travel with Voyage to Paradise, all logistics are handled for you. Cary takes care of flights, hotels, meals, transportation, and excursions. All you need to do is pack your bag and meet at your US gateway airport.
Voyage to Paradise