Indonesia travel guide for Britons

Britons do not need a visa for tourism in Indonesia for stays up to 30 days. You must have a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date and a ticket out of the country. For longer visits, work, or study, you need a visa before you travel. Entry rules can change, so check the latest official guidance before booking.

For tourism, UK citizens can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. This cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) or a social visa before you travel. Always carry proof of onward travel; immigration may ask to see it.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have at least two blank pages. Overstaying your visa is fined daily and can lead to deportation.

Check the latest entry rules on the Indonesian immigration website and the UK Foreign Travel Advice page before you go.

The British Embassy in Jakarta is the main point of contact for UK citizens in Indonesia. It provides consular assistance for lost passports, arrests, and emergencies. For routine questions, use the embassy website or contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London.

If you are in Bali, there is no full consulate, but the embassy in Jakarta can assist remotely. For urgent help, call the embassy or the FCDO 24-hour line.

Indonesia is inexpensive by UK standards. A budget traveller can get by on £25–40 per day for a hostel, street food, and local transport. A mid-range traveller spending £50–90 per day gets a private room, restaurant meals, and some tours. On Bali and in Jakarta, prices run higher than in rural Java or Sumatra.

Flights from London to Jakarta or Bali cost roughly £500–900 return in economy (2026 estimate). Internal flights between islands cost £30–80 per leg. Budget for entrance fees to temples and national parks, which are usually a few pounds.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Indonesia. Most routes connect through the Middle East (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or Southeast Asia (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok). Total travel time from London is about 17–20 hours, plus a layover of 2–5 hours.

Typical arrival airports are Jakarta (CGK) and Denpasar/Bali (DPS). Bali is the most common entry point for tourists. Use a flight-time planner to compare options from your home city.

Indonesia uses plug types C and F, with a standard voltage of 230 V and frequency 50 Hz, the same as the UK. UK plugs (type G) will not fit, so bring a type C/F adapter. Voltage is compatible, so most UK devices work without a converter, but check your charger's rating.

Tipping is not expected in Indonesia. In restaurants, a service charge is often included; if not, rounding up the bill is fine. For drivers and guides, a tip of 10–15% is appreciated but not mandatory. In warungs (small eateries), leave small change if you like.

For emergencies, dial 112 for general help, 110 for police, 118 or 119 for ambulance, and 113 for fire. These numbers work nationwide. For consular help, contact the British Embassy in Jakarta.

Indonesia is generally safe for travellers, but be alert to scams, petty theft, and traffic accidents. Read the Indonesia safety page for details.