While the process of obtaining an Indonesia tourist visa via eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) is generally smooth, some applications may still face rejection.
If your Indonesian visa is rejected, you can either opt to reapply or appeal the decision. In this blog, we will cover the Indonesia visa appeal process and help you understand how to deal with a visa rejection.
No Appeal Process for Indonesia eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival Rejection
Indonesia does not have a formal appeal process. Rejected eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival applications for Indian tourists cannot be appealed.
Once an application is refused by Indonesian immigration, there is no mechanism in place to contest or reverse the decision through an administrative or legal appeal.
This applies to both:
- eVisas: Applications submitted online before departure.
- Visa-on-Arrival (VoA): Applications processed at Indonesia’s Ngurah Rai International Airport or other entry points.
Once a rejection is issued—whether due to incomplete documentation, insufficient funds, discrepancies in application details, or other eligibility issues—the only available recourse for Indian travelers is to submit a new application.
Immigration authorities are clear that decisions on tourist visas and VoAs are final and binding, especially at the port of entry.
Suggested Read: Indonesia Visa for Indians
Why are Indonesia eVisa or VoA Applications Rejected?
Common reasons for the denial include:
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Passport validity of less than six months from entry
- Insufficient proof of funds
- Unclear travel itinerary or lack of accommodation proof
- Previous immigration or visa violations
It’s important to thoroughly review all requirements before applying to minimize the risk of rejection.
Suggested Read: Indonesia Visa Extension for Indians
What to Do If Your Indonesia Visa or VoA Is Denied?
If your visa is rejected, you can opt to reapply. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Identify the Reason: Try to ascertain why your application was rejected to correct the errors
- Correct Errors: Double-check all documents and application details for inconsistencies.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure all paperwork, including bank statements and travel bookings, is up to date and meets specified requirements.
There is no waiting period to reapply. However, it is strongly advised to address the issues that led to the initial rejection before submitting a new application to improve your chances of approval.
Suggested Read: Indonesia Visa Rejection for Indians
How Can Indian Tourists Reapply for an Indonesia Tourist Visa?
If your previous attempt was unsuccessful, follow these steps to reapply for an Indonesia tourist visa:
1. Review and Rectify
- Review the Rejection Reason: Carefully read any communication received from Indonesian immigration, or consult the application portal for hints on what was lacking.
- Update Documentation: Ensure all documents—passport, bank statements, hotel bookings, return tickets—meet the current requirements and are error-free.
2. Prepare Required Documents
While there are no Indonesia visa appeal documents for Indians, typical requirements for reapplication include:
- Passport: At least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Indonesia.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized (4 cm x 6 cm) color photos as per Indonesian visa specifications.
- Return/Onward Ticket: Confirmed booking out of Indonesia.
- Proof of Funds/Sufficient Balance: Recent bank statement showing a minimum balance of IDR 25,000,000 per individual.
- Accommodation Details: Proof of hotel booking or address of stay.
Suggested Read: Solo Travel in Bali
3. Submit a New Application
- For eVisa:
- Visit the official Indonesian eVisa portal.
- Fill in all details carefully.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the prescribed visa fee.
- Wait for processing (usually 5-10 working days).
- Download and print your eVisa for travel.
- Visit the official Indonesian eVisa portal.
- For Visa-on-Arrival (VoA):
- Carry all required documents with you.
- At Indonesia airport, proceed to the VoA counter.
- Pay the visa fee and present necessary paperwork.
- Collect your visa and proceed to immigration.
Note: Double-check all details and documents, as errors or omissions may again lead to rejection.
4. Additional Tips
- Apply Early: At least two weeks before departure if opting for an eVisa.
- Check Passport Condition: Torn or defaced passports are often a reason for refusal.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, though not mandatory, for emergencies.
- Follow Official Sources: Refer only to government or trusted travel advisor websites for the latest regulations.
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FAQs
1. How can an Indian appeal an Indonesia visa rejection?
Indians cannot appeal an Indonesia visa rejection, as Indonesia does not allow appeals for rejected eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival applications. Reapplication with corrected information is the only option.
2. Is there a fee for filing a visa appeal?
There is no fee for filing a visa appeal because Indian tourists cannot appeal an Indonesia eVisa or Visa‑on‑Arrival rejection. Appeals are not permitted, so reapplication is the only available option.
3. What should I include in my visa appeal letter?
No, you cannot include a visa appeal letter because there is no formal appeal process for an Indonesia visa. Instead, applicants must apply for a new Indonesian visa to visit the country.
4. What is the time limit for appealing an Indonesia visa rejection for Indians?
There is no formal appeal process for an Indonesia visa. Instead, you can focus on reapplying promptly with accurate documentation.
5. Will appealing or reapplying affect my chances in the future?
Appealing isn’t possible for Indonesia visas, but reapplying won’t harm future chances. Ensure accurate information and complete documents to improve approval odds on your next attempt.
6. Should I hire an immigration lawyer or a visa consultant for my appeal?
Since Indonesia visa appeals aren’t allowed for Indian tourists, hiring a lawyer for an appeal isn’t necessary. However, a visa consultant can help you reapply correctly and avoid future rejections.
7. What documents are needed for an Indonesia visa appeal by Indians?
There are no documents needed for an Indonesia visa appeal, since Indian tourists cannot appeal a rejection. When reapplying, provide an accurate passport, confirmed itinerary, valid visa‑on‑arrival or eVisa documents, and proof of funds.
8. How long does it take for an Indonesian visa appeal decision for Indians?
There is no specific decision time for an Indonesia visa appeal by Indian nationals, as appeals aren’t permitted. Instead, focus on reapplying promptly—with accurate documents—to receive a standard visa processing timeframe.
9. What if my visa appeal is rejected again?
Since Indonesia visa appeals aren’t allowed for Indians, rejections mean you must reapply with corrected documents. Multiple rejections may require reviewing your application carefully or seeking expert advice before trying again.
10. What are the chances of success in an Indonesia visa appeal for Indians?
Indians cannot appeal Indonesia visa rejections, so the chances of success in an appeal are zero. Focus on submitting a complete and accurate application when reapplying to improve approval chances.
