Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorism in Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places where large groups of people gather or which are known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers: beach resorts, bars and restaurants, hotels and shopping malls hosting major international brand outlets, tourist attractions, places of worship, ferry terminals and airports. Attacks may also target Indonesian Government and law enforcement interests.

Crime

You should always take sensible precautions while you’re in Indonesia: 

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Make sure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review, your security arrangements.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Indonesia, report it to the local police immediately. If you need consular assistance, please contact us at the Irish Embassy in Indonesia.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen, report this to the Police immediately and obtain a Police Report. Irish Citizens should be aware that if this occurs, it will delay your travel plans considerably, and incur cost. Along with the time taken to arrange a new travel document, you will subsequently need to get a replacement visa and an exit visa from immigration and this can take at least three working days and may delay your onward travel plans considerably. Please be aware that the Irish Embassy is located in Jakarta.

Driving

Caution should be exercised if driving in Indonesia, as roads are congested, and drivers often undisciplined. Bring your full Irish and international driving license, and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

You should hire or rent vehicle from trusted companies that require you to have a driving license, International travel license and medical insurance.

Local alcohol

A number of local and tourist deaths in Indonesia have been linked to the consumption of locally-brewed alcohol and rice wine, or 'arak', which has been contaminated with methanol. We advise all travellers, especially in Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands, not to consume this drink.

Air Safety

Aviation infrastructure in Indonesia is sometimes overstretched, and the difficult terrain and climatic conditions also contribute to a heightened risk. There have been a number of serious incidents recently. Travellers should be aware of these risks, and are advised to take care in choosing airlines, flights and routes.

Maritime safety

You should take extra care, particularly when travelling by boat between islands. There have been a number of reports of boats capsizing due to stormy weather. Furthermore, many beaches on the south coast of Java are unsuitable for swimming.

Water

We strongly recommend you do not drink local tap water. Drink or use boiled or bottled water only while visiting Indonesia.

Local laws and customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

Possession, trafficking and manufacture of narcotics are serious offences in Indonesia. Those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty, usually after a protracted and expensive legal process.

Police often raid locations (particularly in Bali) known to be frequented by foreigners, and may require an individual to take a urine or blood test where they have reasonable suspicion that drugs have been taken. Drug use or the possession of even small amounts of narcotic drugs such as marijuana or ecstasy can lead to prison sentences upwards of four years. Convicted traffickers or users of hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin face the death penalty in Indonesia.

LGBT

While homosexual activity is not criminalised, there is very little tolerance for it. Provincial governments in some parts of the country, such as Aceh (Northern Sumatra), have enacted prohibitions, and punishment, in this regard. Caution and discretion are advised at all times for LGBT visitors.

Muslim culture

Indonesia has approved new legislation that will take effect in 2025 banning pre-marital sexual relations and cohabitation by unmarried couples. The new law when introduced will apply equally to Indonesian and foreign residents as well as tourists.

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. Sharia law is enforced in Aceh (Northern Sumatra) and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas.

You should be aware of offending Islamic sensitivities. Westerners have occasionally been harassed by fundamentalists in bars and nightclubs, particularly around major Islamic holidays such as Ramadan.

Personal identification

You must show evidence of your identity if it is requested by, for example, the police. You should carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport to avoid losing the original, which should be kept in a safe place.

You may also be asked for your passport when entering public areas such as shopping malls.

Gambling

Gambling is illegal in Indonesia.

Natural disasters and climate

Geographical position

Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly, which can, where the severity and conditions of the quake combine, present a potential threat of tsunamis within the region. The capacity of the Indonesian emergency and rescue services, and local authorities, to deal with large natural disasters is limited.

Earthquake

It’s understood that 90% of the world's earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire which is a direct consequence of plate tectonics and the movement of collisions of crustal plates. If you’re travelling to or living in Indonesia, make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Volcanoes

There are numerous volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt without warning. You should exercise caution, check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to volcanic areas.

In recent times, earthquakes and tsunamis have caused significant damage to parts of Lombok, Central Sulawesi and the Sunda Strait (between Java and Sumatra). If you need to travel to the affected areas, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.   Volcanic activity throughout Indonesia frequently affects flight schedules and the operation of regional airports, including Lombok and Bali International Airports. Please heed the advice and guidance of local authorities, adhere to exclusion zones around volcanos, and maintain contact with your airlines and tour operators before travelling.

Flooding

Flash floods and more widespread flooding occur regularly. Cities, especially Jakarta, are frequently subject to severe localised flooding which can result in major disruption, and occasional fatalities.

Air Pollution

Air quality in Jakarta and other major cities is notoriously poor due mainly to the exorbitant amount of road traffic present. More generally within Indonesia, air quality can be compromised seasonally on account of smoke haze. This improves with the onset of the monsoon season. At present, air pollution is worse than usual for this time of year in a number of states due to land and forest fires and the persistent hot, dry weather. You should monitor information on air quality regularly and follow local advice.

Additional information

Lost or stolen passport

Emergency Travel Certificate

If you are an Irish citizen and have lost your passport while visiting Indonesia, you may qualify for a one-way emergency travel certificate to return to Ireland or your country of residence. Emergency travel certificates are valid for 72 hours and can be used for a single journey only.

If you are resident in Indonesia and have lost your passport you do not qualify for an emergency travel certificate, and you must apply for a new passport.

If you need and are eligible for an Emergency Travel Certificate, please contact the Embassy of Ireland at +6221-28094300 or email us at jakartaemvisa@dfa.ie

Emergency travel certificates can be issued only at the Embassy of Ireland in Jakarta. The process requires you to be present at Embassy: it cannot be sent to you.

The following documentation is required before an emergency travel certificate can be issued:

• Emergency travel document fee of IDR 500,000. An additional fee of IDR 1,300,000 will be applied if your emergency travel certificate is processed outside of normal office hours (09.00 – 16.00). Fees can be paid in cash at the Embassy or via bank transfer.
• Photographic ID
• Proof of address in country of residence
• Copy of Long Birth Certificate
• Copy of proof of Irish citizenship, if born outside Ireland or in Ireland after 2005
• Completed passport application form (this can be completed at the Embassy)
• Two colour passport photos (size 3.5X4.5 cm, white background)
• Police report of lost/stolen passport
• Visa and flight information

Important: Some countries do not accept emergency travel certificates, including for transit purposes. Applicants should check that an emergency travel certificate will be accepted in their countries of transit or residence before they apply for the emergency travel certificate and before finalising travel arrangements.

If you are provided with an emergency travel certificate, you can apply for a new passport after you have completed your emergency travel.

Emergency Passport

If you are an Irish citizen, have lost your passport and have an immediate travel need that is not to your country of residence, and that is based on an emergency, you may qualify for an emergency passport. Applications for an emergency passport can only be accepted in the case of a genuine travel emergency, made necessary by serious medical requirements, or the death, illness or welfare of a family member. An emergency passport is valid for a maximum of 12 months and can be used for more than one journey.

An emergency passport can be issued to you only at the Embassy of Ireland in Jakarta. The process requires you to be present at the Embassy: it cannot be sent to you.

Before applying for an emergency passport, please carefully consider the following:

• Do you have a genuine travel emergency (as outlined above)?
• Processing an emergency passport requires more time than an emergency travel certificate.
• An emergency passport will not be issued if there is enough time before travel for the Passport Office to issue you with a new passport.
• Some countries do not accept emergency passports. Applicants should check that an emergency passport will be accepted in their countries of transit or residence before they apply for the emergency passport and, if possible before finalising travel arrangements.

The following documentation is required before an emergency passport can be issued:

• Emergency travel document fee of IDR 500,000, plus a standard passport fee of IDR 1,200,000. An additional fee of IDR 1,300,000 will be applied if your emergency passport is processed outside of normal office hours (09.00 – 16.00). Fees can be paid in cash at the Embassy or via bank transfer.
• Proof of the emergency (such as a copy of death certificate or medical letter) 
• Photographic ID
• Proof of address in country of residence
• Copy of Stay Permit (KITAS/KITAP) (only if you are resident in Indonesia)
• Copy of Long Birth Certificate
• Copy of proof of Irish citizenship, if born outside Ireland or in Ireland after 2005
• Completed passport application form (this can be completed at the Embassy)
• Two colour passport photos (size 3.5X4.5 cm, white background)
• Police report of loss/stolen passport
• Visa and flight information

If you are faced with a genuine travel emergency and require an emergency passport, please contact the Embassy of Ireland at +6221-28094300 or email us at jakartaemvisa@dfa.ie

The issuing of emergency passports can take some time and the Embassy cannot guarantee issuance on the same day as the application submission.

If you are provided with an emergency passport, you can apply for a new passport after you have completed your emergency travel.

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Visa

The Indonesian Government has expanded the coverage of Visa on Arrival (VoA) for tourism to include Irish citizens.

Foreign nationals who want to get visas on arrival can enter Indonesia only through 19 designated Immigration Border Control points (see below).

You must show a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a return ticket or connecting ticket to continue traveling to another country and evidence of travel insurance (which must cover COVID-19 related treatments). The VoA fee is Rp. 500,000 and can be paid upon arrival at a designed Immigration Border Control point.  The stay permit can be extended once for 30 days for an additional Rp. 500,000. Visa holders can apply for an extension at their nearest immigration office.

VoA cannot be transferred into another stay permit. The holder is also not eligible to apply for an onshore visa.

For more details on the VoA scheme please visit the website of the Embassy of Indonesia in London.

Immigration Border Control points (TPI) designated as entry points for VoA and Visa Exemption arrangements:

Airports

– Soekarno Hatta, Jakarta,

– Ngurah Rai, Bali,

- Kualanamu, North Sumatera,

- Juanda, East Java

- Hasanuddin, South Sulawesi

- Sam Ratulangi, North Sulawesi, and

- Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta

Seaports

– Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Riau Islands,

– Batam Centre, Riau Islands,

– Sekupang, Riau Islands,

– Citra Tri Tunas, Riau Islands,

– Marina Teluk Senimba, Riau Islands,

– Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi, Riau Islands,

– Bandar Seri Udana Lobam, Riau Islands, and

– Sri Bintan Pura, Riau Islands.

Border-crossing Posts

– Entikong, West Kalimantan,

– Aruk, West Kalimantan,

– Mota’ain, East Nusa Tenggara, and

– Tunon Taka, Kalimantan

If you are unsure of the entry/exit requirements for Indonesia, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia

Passports

Make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after the conclusion of any trip to Indonesia and other countries within South East Asia. It is also advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you while travelling. Damaged passports will result in a no entry decision by immigration officials at the ports of entry.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to confirm what, if any, medical vaccinations you require. Please note that local law requires that citizens who are bringing medication into the country must also provide a doctor’s letter confirming the prescription and outlining the necessity of the medication, as well as the original prescription itself. All medication being brought in must be in its original packaging and cover the duration of the stay only.

Should you require medical attention, please be aware that health and medical care standards in Indonesia can be poor and some medical tests cannot be done reliably. Good medical treatment can be very expensive. In remote areas, high quality services for serious injury or illness are unlikely to be available. Please ensure you have adequate medical insurance before departure to cover any costs you may incur.

Health and medical care standards in Indonesia can be poor and some medical tests cannot be carried out reliably. If you become ill or have an accident, it may be difficult to secure adequate treatment, particularly in remote areas. You should be aware that medevac options are currently limited.

Zika Virus

There is currently an outbreak of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in the region. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).