Travel information
Do I need a visa to come to Indonesia?
As of 2024, 10 countries from Asia don’t require any visa to enter Indonesia.
Tourists from the UK and EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, and most other countries require a visa on arrival (VOA). You can now apply and pay for this visa online (e-VOA).
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Travelers to Indonesia should be aware of the current visa requirements:
Visa-Free Entry: Citizens from Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, and enter Indonesia without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 30 days. This option is not extendable.
Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available for citizens of many countries, this visa allows a 30-day stay and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. The cost is approximately $35 USD. You can pay at the dedicated counter in cash (euros, dollars, and a few other currencies) as well as in
Visit Visa: For longer stays, travelers can apply for a visit visa at an Indonesian embassy or consulate before departure. This visa typically allows a stay of up to 60 days and can be extended.
Please check the latest visa regulations and updates on the official Indonesian immigration website, or consult with your local Indonesian embassy or consulate before traveling.
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To process your visa, you will need to make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months after the date of entry and has enough pages for immigration stamps.
At immigration, you will be asked to provide a return or outbound ticket, and could be asked for an address in Indonesia, just give the name of your first hotel.
Do I need to get vaccinated to enter Indonesia?
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements to enter Indonesia. However, we strongly recommend ensuring you are up-to-date with all routine vaccinations.
For added safety, consider getting vaccinated against the following:
Hepatitis A and Typhoid: Due to the risk of contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for travelers who might have sexual contact, get tattoos, or need medical treatment.
Rabies: Given the high number of dogs and limited veterinary services in Indonesia, this vaccination is important.
Japanese Encephalitis: Suggested for long-term travelers or those spending extended periods in rural areas.
Tetanus: Essential for all travelers, especially those engaging in outdoor activities.
COVID-19: Currently, PCR tests are no longer required to enter Indonesia.
When is the best time to travel to Flores?
Generally speaking, the optimal time to visit Flores is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to September.
The ideal time to travel to Flores balances weather considerations and tourist influx.
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From April to September you can expect clear skies, minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as trekking, snorkeling, and exploring the island's natural wonders.
Moreover, traveling during the dry season means encountering fewer transportation disruptions due to weather-related issues. Heavy rains in the rainy season can lead to landslides and road closures, but these are less likely in the dry season, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
While traditionally, the dry season offers optimal conditions for exploration, recent climate changes have made adaptability crucial. The region experiences occasional rains until May, sometimes extending into June. However, travel until October, even November, is now viable due to shifting weather patterns.
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Navigating Flores during peak tourist seasons, particularly in July and August, demands careful planning.
These months see a surge in visitor numbers, resulting in dense crowds and potentially booked-out accommodations, Aside from Labuan Bajo, most of the island lacks tourism facilities, making it essential to plan and book in advance.
Hence, scheduling trips or booking in advance is advisable to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience amidst the island's natural wonders and cultural treasures.
If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind occasional rain showers, consider visiting Flores outside peak periods. International flights are cheaper too. The shoulder seasons of March, October, or November offer pleasant weather and a more relaxed experience of the island.
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Komodo Dragons: The best time to see Komodo dragons is during the dry season, from April to November when dry conditions draw the dragons out into more open areas.
Manta Rays: Manta season typically runs from December to February, when plankton blooms attract large numbers of manta rays. However, manta rays can often be seen year-round, with good chances during the dry season from April to November as well.
Visiting during these times ensures the best opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
General recommendations for flying in Indonesia
1. Don’t be too hung up on safety standards.
Unfortunately, yes. Garuda Indonesia is the only airline from Indonesia that is not blacklisted by the European Union. But if you decide to only fly Garuda, you won’t go very far.
2. When possible, choose morning flights.
Especially during the rainy season, morning flights are less likely to be delayed due to weather conditions.
3. Book Flexible Tickets.
Opt for tickets with flexible policies for rescheduling and cancellations to handle potential delays and/or unforeseen
4. Opt for an overnight layover before your international flight.
Always plan to spend one night in Bali or Jakarta before flying out of Indonesia. Avoid scheduling back-to-back domestic and international flights to prevent issues caused by delays.
5. Use Traleloka
We recommend using Traveloka, the best platform for booking tickets in Indonesia and Asia in general. It offers a user-friendly interface and reliable service for all your travel needs.
What should I pack for my travels in Indonesia?
While we all dream of white sandy beaches when planning a trip to Asia, don't forget that most of your journey will take you through mountains. Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially in July and August. So, pack more than just a bikini or shorts—you'll need to be prepared for those cooler evenings!
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Lightweight Layers: Pack breathable, lightweight clothing for daytime, as temperatures can be warm.
Warm Layers: The mountainous regions can get chilly at night, so bring a warm sweater or jacket.
Rain Gear: A waterproof jacket or poncho is essential during rainy season and recommended during shoulder months as occasional rain showers are common.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sturdy, comfortable shoes or hiking boots are recommended for exploring rugged terrains.
Flip Flops: Pack a pair of flip flops for relaxing at the beach or around your accommodation.
Sun Protection: Include a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Swimwear: Remember to pack swimwear for beach days and potential snorkeling or diving adventures.
When visiting hot springs, be mindful that the sulfur in the water can stain your clothes. In local communities where hot springs serve as public baths, it’s common to see people dressed in shorts and t-shirts.
Bikinis are generally acceptable beachwear; however, please avoid wearing thong swimsuits.
Laundry in Flores: Make sure to pack enough clothing for the duration of the road trip. You'll be able to find laundry services in Labuan Bajo, but during the trip across the mountains your clothes won't dry overnight.
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Power Adapter: Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plugs, so bring a suitable adapter if needed.
Mobile Phone and Charger: Bring your mobile phone and a portable charger. Telkomsel is recommended for better coverage in remote areas, despite being more expensive.
Power Bank: To ensure your devices stay charged during long excursions or in traditional villages with no electricity (Waerebo).
Torch or Headlamp: Useful for navigating in low light conditions and conserving your phone battery.
Camera: To capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments.
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Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport and visa, a return or outbound ticket, travel insurance details, and copies of important documents.
Health Kit: There are health facilities and phramacy in all major cities of the island but we recommend packing a basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications.
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially in warmer areas. We will provide galon of drinkable water.
Backpack: A small daypack to carry your essentials while exploring.
Which SIM card should I get to travel within Indonesia?
Slightly more expensive than the competition, Telkomsel is until now the only provider with extensive coverage in Flores and other remote areas in Indonesia.
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Except for Labuan Bajo and major cities such as Ende and Maumere, WiFi access in Flores is limited or unexistent.
While our guides provide invaluable local knowledge and support, we strongly suggest you buy a local SIM card if you want or need to stay connected to the outside world.
Where to Buy SIM Cards:
Airport Kiosks: The most convenient place to buy a SIM card is at the airport upon arrival. There are dedicated counters for different telecom providers.
You can also purchase SIM cards from the official stores of the telecom providers, mobile phone shops or in convenient stores like Indomaret, Alfamart, and Circle K.
Types of SIM Cards
Several major telecom providers offer SIM cards specifically designed for tourists, which are often loaded with data, call, and text packages suitable for short-term stays. The main providers include: Telkomsel, XL, 3 (Tri), Smartfren.
Coverage : Until now, Telkomsel is the only provider with extensive coverage in Flores and other remote areas in Indonesia. Make sure you ask for a SIM with national coverage, not just Bali.
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Airport Kiosks: The most convenient place to buy a SIM card is at the airport upon arrival. There are dedicated counters for different telecom providers.
You can also purchase SIM cards from the official stores of the telecom providers, mobile phone shops or in convenient stores like Indomaret, Alfamart, and Circle K, while in Bali or Java.
Pre-order online
You can also pre-order your SIM card online, provided you can collect it within 14 days directly from the shop in the airport.
For 150.000 IDR you'll get 25 GB and 25 min voice call.
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Registration of IMEI
To purchase and activate a SIM card in Indonesia, you must present your passport for identification purposes. This registration of IMEI is a regulatory requirement.