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Aggregating global travel advisories

Travel Advisory for Indonesia

This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Indonesia from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Indonesia.

The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-10-07

AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level

Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Range: Level 2-3

Risk Level Evolution

The aggregated advisory level for Indonesia has remained stable at Level 3 - Reconsider Travel since tracking began.

Overview

Indonesia requires a high degree of caution due to the persistent threat of terrorism, frequent natural disasters, and civil unrest in specific provinces. Travelers must navigate a new 2026 Criminal Code and strict drug laws while managing risks from volcanic activity and maritime safety.

Risk Level Summary by Government Source

Source Risk Level Updated Official Link
Global Affairs Canada
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-10-01 View Source →
U.S. Department of State
Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-09-16 View Source →
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-10-01 View Source →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-10-01 View Source →
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-10-07 View Source →
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-05-27 View Source →
Department of Foreign Affairs
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-09-10 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affair / 外務省
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-10-07 View Source →
Auswärtiges Amt
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-07-09 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affairs / SafeTravel
Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-08-16 View Source →
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-08-20 View Source →
Utenriksdepartementet / Regjeringen
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-09-16 View Source →
Nederland Wereldwijd
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-10-09 View Source →
Viaggiare Sicuri
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-09-29 View Source →
BMEIA
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-10-02 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affairs / 0404
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel 2026-07-30 View Source →
Ministry for Foreign Affairs / Ulkoministeriö
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution 2026-03-04 View Source →

Safety and Security Analysis

Civil Security & Crime

Risk: Active terrorist cells maintain the capacity to attack tourist attractions, hotels, and places of worship with little warning.

Recommended precaution: Stay at hotels with visible security measures like metal detectors and maintain high vigilance during religious holidays.

Risk: Violent civil unrest and kidnappings are frequent in Central and Highland Papua, specifically targeting foreigners.

Recommended precaution: Avoid all travel to conflict-prone provinces in Papua and seek local security briefings if visiting border regions.

Risk: Petty crime, including bag-snatching and pickpocketing, is common in tourist hubs like Kuta and Seminyak.

Recommended precaution: Use a cross-body bag held away from the street side to prevent motorcycle-based snatch-and-grab thefts.

Nature & Environment

Risk: Indonesia is highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Recommended precaution: Download the BMKG Multi-Hazard app and familiarize yourself with tsunami evacuation routes at your coastal accommodation.

Risk: Frequent volcanic eruptions from peaks like Mt. Merapi can cause ash clouds that shut down regional airports.

Recommended precaution: Monitor MAGMA Indonesia for real-time volcano alert levels and carry a fitted N95 mask for ash protection.

Health & Hygiene

Risk: Consumption of methanol-adulterated alcohol (Arak) has caused numerous deaths and permanent blindness among tourists.

Recommended precaution: Stick to branded, sealed bottles of alcohol and avoid homemade cocktails or local spirits in unverified bars.

Risk: Dengue fever and Zika virus are endemic, with cases peaking during and after the rainy season.

Recommended precaution: Apply DEET-based repellent consistently and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially during dawn and dusk.

Transport & Mobility

Risk: Inter-island ferries and fast boats are frequently overloaded and ignore international safety standards.

Recommended precaution: Inspect the vessel for accessible life jackets before boarding and refuse travel on boats that appear unseaworthy.

Risk: Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of death for foreigners, often involving unlicensed drivers.

Recommended precaution: Always wear a high-quality helmet and ensure your travel insurance covers motorcycle operation with a valid license.

Digital & Cyber

Risk: Credit card skimming and ATM fraud are widespread, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas of Bali.

Recommended precaution: Use only ATMs located inside banks and cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.

Risk: The ITE Law imposes harsh penalties for online defamation or posting content deemed immoral or offensive.

Recommended precaution: Exercise extreme discretion when posting to social media regarding local politics, religion, or government officials.

Economic & Operational

Risk: Foreigners must register their mobile phone IMEI for stays over 90 days to use local SIM cards.

Recommended precaution: Visit a Customs (Bea Cukai) office at the airport upon arrival to register your device and pay any import taxes.

Risk: Unlicensed money changers in Bali often use sleight-of-hand to short-change tourists during transactions.

Recommended precaution: Only use authorized money changers displaying the Bank Indonesia logo and a verifiable QR code.

Social & Cultural

Risk: The 2026 Criminal Code prohibits extramarital sex and cohabitation, affecting both locals and tourists.

Recommended precaution: Maintain discretion in public and be aware that legal action requires a complaint from a close family member.

Risk: Strict Sharia law in Aceh mandates conservative dress and prohibits alcohol and gambling for all visitors.

Recommended precaution: Ensure arms and legs are covered when traveling in Aceh and strictly avoid prohibited substances to prevent caning.

Detailed Advisory Summary

Traveling to Indonesia involves balancing its status as a premier global destination with significant geological and security complexities. The security landscape is dominated by a persistent, though often disrupted, terrorist threat targeting public venues, hotels, and places of worship. This risk is most acute during religious holidays and in major urban centers like Jakarta and Bali. Furthermore, the provinces of Central Papua and Highland Papua are currently under 'Do Not Travel' advisories due to violent conflict between separatist groups and security forces, including specific threats against foreign nationals.

Legally, the environment changed significantly with the implementation of the 2026 Criminal Code, which criminalizes cohabitation and extramarital sex (though typically requiring a complaint from a family member) and increases penalties for insulting state institutions. Drug laws remain among the world's strictest, with the death penalty actively applied for trafficking and long prison terms for minor possession, including CBD and medical cannabis. Travelers to Aceh must also adhere to local Sharia law, which applies to non-Muslims and carries penalties such as public caning for alcohol consumption or gambling.

Environmentally, Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, hosting over 120 active volcanoes. Eruptions can occur without warning, disrupting air travel and requiring immediate evacuations. The rainy season (typically November to March) brings severe flooding and landslides. Health concerns include mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue and Zika, and a significant risk of methanol poisoning from adulterated local spirits (Arak). Maritime safety is a major concern; ferries are often overcrowded and lack sufficient life-saving equipment, leading to frequent accidents in the archipelago's vast waters.

Vaccination Information

Required Vaccines

  • Yellow Fever (if traveling from an endemic country)

Recommended for Most Travelers

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Polio (booster recommended)

Recommended for Some Travelers

  • Japanese Encephalitis
  • Rabies
  • Hepatitis B
  • Malaria (for Papua, Sumba, and rural Kalimantan)
Medical facilities in remote areas are inadequate. Serious cases often require medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia. Tap water is not potable; use only bottled or boiled water.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa Types

Type Requirement Stay Limit Cost Conditions Details
Tourist (B1) VoA / e-Visa 30 days IDR 500,000 Extendable once for 30 days; requires onward ticket.
  • Duration: 30 days
  • Extension: One-time 30-day extension possible at immigration offices.
  • Online Portal: Use evisa.imigrasi.go.id for official e-VoA.
  • Required: 6 months passport validity and onward flight proof.
Business e-Visa / Embassy 60 days Approx. 50 EUR Requires letter of invitation from Indonesian sponsor.
  • Type: 211 Business Visa
  • Documents: Letter of Mission from home company and Invitation from Indonesia.
  • Validity: Must enter within 90 days of issuance.
Journalist / Media Embassy Per Assignment Check Embassy Requires prior authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Strict Rule: Entering on a Tourist Visa for reporting leads to deportation.
  • Process: Requires Sponsorship and Directorate General of Immigration approval.

Entry & Legal Compliance

  • Passport Validity Needed: 6 months beyond arrival date
  • Blank Pages Required: 2
  • Dual Citizenship Policy: Not recognized for adults; allowed for minors until age 18.
  • Proof Of Onward Travel: Strictly required by airlines and immigration.
  • Currency Limit Declaration: IDR 100,000,000 (approx. $5,900 USD)
  • Drone Usage Law: Registration with Ministry of Transportation required; strictly prohibited near military sites and volcanoes during eruptions/exclusion zones.

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 118 / 119
  • Fire: 113
  • Search & Rescue: 115
  • Tourist Police (Bali): 911

Common Scams & Tourist Traps

  • The 'Look-alike' Taxi: Fraudulent vehicles painted to resemble the reputable Blue Bird company.
  • ATM Skimming: Hidden cameras and overlays used in tourist areas to steal PINs and card data.
  • Money Changer Sleight-of-Hand: Fast-counting techniques where notes are dropped behind the counter.
  • Visa Extension Agents: Fake agents who take passports and fees but never process the extension.

Cultural Etiquette in Indonesia

Do

  • Use only your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items.
  • Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees when visiting temples or rural areas.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a private home or a mosque.
  • Use the honorific 'Pak' (for men) or 'Bu' (for women) when addressing elders or officials.

Don't

  • Never touch someone's head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body.
  • Do not show the soles of your feet or use your feet to point at people or objects.
  • Avoid public displays of affection, which are frowned upon in many regions.
  • Do not step over religious offerings (Canang Sari) placed on the ground in Bali.

Advice by Traveler Profile

Scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate a more favorable assessment. Read the advice for context.

Solo Traveler — 70/100

Generally feasible in tourist areas, but nighttime travel should be avoided. Solo travelers are at higher risk for drink spiking and harassment in secluded areas.

Female Traveler — 65/100

Women may face verbal harassment or 'catcalling.' It is advised to use reputable taxi apps like Grab or Gojek and dress modestly to minimize unwanted attention.

Family Traveler — 75/100

Indonesians are very welcoming of children. However, the lack of sidewalks, poor air quality in cities, and maritime safety risks require constant supervision.

Accessibility — 25/100

Infrastructure is extremely limited. Sidewalks are often broken or non-existent, and public transport rarely accommodates wheelchairs. Bali is slightly better but still challenging.

LGBTQ+ Traveler — 35/100

Same-sex acts are illegal in Aceh (punishable by caning). Elsewhere, the 2026 Criminal Code and social conservatism create a risky environment; discretion is mandatory.

Business Traveler — 82/100

Excellent infrastructure in Jakarta and Surabaya. Punctuality is valued, but traffic congestion is a major hurdle. Always use Silver Bird taxis for reliable executive transport.

Digital Nomad — 88/100

Bali (Canggu/Ubud) is a world-class hub. Internet is reliable in hubs, but visa compliance is strictly monitored. Creating paid content on a tourist visa is illegal.

Senior Traveler — 68/100

Seniors should prioritize private drivers over public transport. Heat exhaustion and poor medical facilities in remote islands are the primary risks.

Budget Traveler — 80/100

Incredible value for money. Street food is cheap but carries hygiene risks. Budget travelers should avoid overcrowded public ferries to prioritize safety over cost.

Adventure Traveler — 72/100

World-class diving and trekking, but safety regulations are lax. Always hire certified guides and verify the presence of oxygen/safety gear on dive boats.

Luxury Traveler — 90/100

Offers some of the world's best luxury resorts, particularly in Bali and Sumba. Private villas provide high security, but methanol risks still exist in high-end bars.

Advisory Comparison by Government Source

Global Affairs Canada

Updated: 2026-10-01
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Canada advises a high degree of caution due to political tensions and terrorism. It specifically warns against travel to Indonesian Papua (except Raja Ampat and Sorong) due to the risk of kidnapping and militant attacks. It also highlights the danger of methanol poisoning in tourist areas like Bali and Lombok.

U.S. Department of State

Updated: 2026-09-16
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The United States highlights the January 2026 Criminal Code, specifically the potential for imprisonment for extramarital sex and cohabitation. It maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel for Central and Highland Papua and warns that police corruption is documented, especially in drug-related arrests.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
France emphasizes maritime piracy risks in the Celebes and Banda Seas. It notes a satisfatory overall security level but warns of petty crime spikes during major holidays. It also reminds travelers that they must register with the local police (RT) if staying in private residences.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
The United Kingdom warns that Islamist extremism remains a high threat, with government and law enforcement interests being primary targets. It provides detailed warnings on drink spiking in Gili Islands and notes that British nationals have received long sentences for even small amounts of cannabis.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Australia provides the most detailed maritime safety warnings, listing specific recent boat sinkings near Bali and Nusa Penida. It advises that creating online content for commercial purposes on a tourist visa is illegal and strictly monitored by Indonesian immigration.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Spain recommends a minimum medical insurance coverage of 80,000 EUR due to the high cost of private hospitals and evacuations. It warns that passports in poor condition (torn covers or pages) will result in immediate entry refusal and repatriation at the traveler's expense.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Ireland provides clear instructions for obtaining an Emergency Travel Certificate in person at the Jakarta embassy. It stresses the importance of travel insurance for medical evacuations.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Japan focuses on fraud targeting Japanese tourists, such as the 'show me your money' scam in Bali. It also provides technical guidance on the IMEI registration requirement for mobile phones and warns of the severe penalties for illegal drug possession, including the death penalty.

Auswärtiges Amt

Updated: 2026-07-09
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Germany warns travelers not to sign 'Peace Letters' after traffic accidents without legal counsel. It highlights the seismic activity of the 'Ring of Fire' and notes that Sharia law in Aceh applies to non-Muslims, including physical punishments like caning.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
New Zealand focuses on the recent seismic activity and the specific risks in the Papua provinces. It provides a 24/7 consular emergency line and highlights the dangers of unlicensed transport.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Switzerland highlights the potential for violent confrontations during political protests in Jakarta. It notes that Rh-negative blood types are rare in Indonesia, making transfusions difficult, and advises against all travel to conflict zones in the Papua region.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Norway advises that while Indonesia is generally safe, terrorist threats are higher during holidays like Ramadan and Christmas. It warns against Arak (palm spirit) due to methanol risks and notes that dual citizenship is not recognized for adults.

Nederland Wereldwijd

Updated: 2026-10-09
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
The Netherlands assigns an orange code (essential travel only) to the Papua provinces due to armed conflicts, and yellow for the rest of the country. The advisory details specific warnings regarding methanol poisoning from local liquor (arak), strict Sharia enforcement in Aceh, penalties under the new criminal code for cohabitation outside marriage, and mandatory pre-travel registration via the All Indonesia arrival card.

Viaggiare Sicuri

Updated: 2026-09-29
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Italy emphasizes the severity of immigration violations and offers detailed guidance on how to obtain an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). It also provides specific warnings about radioactive contamination risks near Jakarta.

BMEIA

Updated: 2026-10-02
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Austria highlights the importance of personal registration via their app and warns against fraudulent third-party visa websites. It provides specific contact details for honorary consulates in Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
South Korea notes the severe traffic congestion in Jakarta and recommends using only Blue Bird or Silver Bird taxis. It warns of group violence that can occur if a foreigner is involved in a traffic accident with a local and suggests immediate police involvement.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Finland advises exercising particular caution throughout Indonesia, noting risks of terrorist attacks, active volcanic activity, and common petty theft in Bali and Lombok. It highlights strict drug laws, local Sharia compliance in Aceh, the mandatory All Indonesia digital arrival form, and basic health precautions regarding tap water, rabies, and dengue fever.

Frequently Asked Questions about Indonesia

Is Indonesia safe to visit right now?

Based on aggregated official government advisories, Indonesia is currently rated Level 3 - Reconsider Travel. Individual government ratings range from Level 2 to Level 3. Review the detailed per-source breakdown on this page before traveling.

What is the current travel advisory level for Indonesia?

The AdvisoryAtlas consensus for Indonesia is Level 3 - Reconsider Travel, last analyzed on 2026-10-07, aggregated from multiple official government sources.

Which governments publish travel advisories for Indonesia?

This page compares advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada, U.S. Department of State, Ministère des Affaires Étrangères, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affair / 外務省, Auswärtiges Amt, Ministry of Foreign Affairs / SafeTravel, Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, Utenriksdepartementet / Regjeringen, Nederland Wereldwijd, Viaggiare Sicuri, BMEIA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs / 0404 and Ministry for Foreign Affairs / Ulkoministeriö.

Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia?

Visa requirements for Indonesia depend on your nationality and travel purpose. See the Visa & Entry Requirements section on this page for entry requirements, stay limits and conditions reported by official sources.

Has the risk level for Indonesia changed recently?

No. The aggregated advisory level for Indonesia has remained stable since tracking began.

Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.

About Travel Advisories for Indonesia

This comprehensive travel advisory page for Indonesia aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from multiple official government sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.

The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Indonesia.

By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Indonesia and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.

Last updated: 2026-10-07