I'm just about to apply for my passport. I wish to visit Batam.
My main concern right now is obtaining my visa. Must I have a letter of employment, in order to get my visa? I have not been employed for a while.
My mother has traveled to South Africa with her church. There she said, she simply got a stamp (visa) and pretty much went on her way. She does not remember having to prove any miscellaneous documents, beyond her passport.
I have read, specifically in Indonesia, that U.S. Citizens may land at certain airports and immediately obtain their visas there. I was originally going to just arrive in Java, because apparently their airport allows such visas.
Must I be employed to obtain my visa, and what do you think would be the best approach to obtain a 30 day visa?
Reply to this -----------------------------------
Perhaps more detail and planning will attract more of a reply. Sorry for perhaps, a lack of detail.
(
Tourist vs. Social Visit vs. On Arrival?)
I am still puzzled on which visa to apply for - Tourist or Social Visit?
I have been invited to stay with a friend. Even though this may apply to a Social Visit Visa, the Tourist Visa sounds much easier. The Social Visit requires something called a KIMS/KITAS which I can not seem to find any information about.
BUT from what I understand will either of these matter? If I arrive at Batu Ampar in Batam, will I simply get a Visa On Arrival, which will exclude me from all this "Letter of Employment" nonsense.
I have done most of my research, but I would appreciate someone of experience who has delt with obtaining a visa in Indonesia. Specifically, I would like an idea of how an On Arrival Visa is obtained and what documents were needed during your experience. Please reply, and thank you in advance.
Reply to this Hi
I think we are all a little confused by your request.
Where are you from? This will affect what visa you can get. Your post suggests that you are American. If so then a quick google search brought up this info.
US visa info
as you suggest above, you just pick up a visa on arrival from the airport. Batam airport is in the list.
Tourist visas don't require documentation for most nationalities. Backpackers/long term travellers don't have employment info as they don't have jobs. So it's not required.
You often have to show a return ticket out of the country to prove you are not planning to overstay your visa. Otherwise, nothing else is needed.
Reply to this Yes, sorry I am a U.S. citizen.
The internet sources are always a bit vague for me. For example, the U.S travel.state.gov (the link that you posted) says nothing of a Letter of Employment, and the Embassy of Indonesia does. Also, one site mentions Batam airports as granting an on arrival visa, but the other site ONLY mentions Batam seaports as an option.
As you can see, it's not as simple as just reading. I was hoping someone who has traveled from U.S.A. (or any other countries that allow an on arrival visa) to Indonesia could shed some light on this, and confirm which source is more true.
Also, it seems that flights are hard to find simply from my destination to Indonesia itself. Singapore seems to be the link, the prerequisite, in entering Indonesia. This would mean, two different round trips I guess, but then again I'm not experienced and perhaps someone who has been in my shoes also could explain this.
Reply to this Skylander,
You are an US citizen, so you can arrive at an Indonesian airport and get a 30 Visa On Arrival and pay $25 US.
Why would you be applying for a 30 day visa? That is NOT necessary.
However, if you wish to stay in Indonesia longer than 30 days you will need to apply for a 60 day visa in your own country or maybe in Singapore, Penang, Kuala Lumpur or any other Asian country that has an Indonesian consulate.
60 day visas can now be extended in the country by 30 days at a time, if you have an Indonesian friend with I.D. who will sponsor you - doesn't cost them anything.
Pamela
Reply to this Thank you so much everyone. It's not as difficult as I made it out to be. =)
Reply to this Skylander,
So pleased to read you have worked it all out. Enjoy your trip.
Pamela.
Reply to this Thanks 2 everyone here, i too came across with same situation, your replies helped me.
Reply to this 
