The question of whether it is necessary to book accommodation before submitting an application fore-visa for Indonesia is often confusing for travellers. Preparing for your stay involves a number of administrative and planning steps, particularly with regard to the information you need to provide in your visa application file. This detailed guide will help you understand the formalities involved and decide whether or not you need to book your accommodation before applying for your e-visa.
Requirements for obtaining an Indonesian e-visa
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand the different formalities required by the Indonesian authorities to obtain an e-visa. Your passport must be valid at least six months after your planned date of entry into Indonesia. You will also need to provide additional documents such as a proof of return flight reservation for the 30-day visa and your last 3 bank statements with proof of sufficient funds (over $2,000 in credit) for the 60-day visa .
Passport and validity
The first document you need to check before applying for an e-visa is your passport. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure.
The importance of accommodation in the application process
When you apply for an Indonesian e-visa, you will be asked for the address of your accommodation. This section explains the impact of this logistical detail on your visa application.
Different policies for different types of visa
The rules for booking accommodation vary according to the type of visa requested. For a standard tourist visa, the address of the accommodation will be required. However, this is not systematically required for all types of visa.
Practical examples
- Short-stay travellers may be asked to confirm their accommodation and return tickets.
- For a work or study visa, a letter of invitation from the employer or educational establishment may suffice, without the immediate need to present a reservation for accommodation.
How do you justify your accommodation?
There are various methods of demonstrating where you will be staying during your visit to Indonesia. You don't have to pay for everything in advance, but preparing these steps will make your e-visa application much easier.
Provisional hotel reservations
A large number of hotels offer cancellable bookings. These options offer considerable flexibility: they allow you to obtain the confirmations you need to apply for a visa, while still being able to change your plans at a later date without losing any money.
Use of specialised platforms
Many travellers opt for websites offering instant confirmations and easy cancellations. Such solutions are particularly useful when submitting your documents for an e-visa. For example, Airbnb or Booking.com often offer such conditions.
Certificates of accommodation with local people
Staying with a local resident? Written certification, together with copies of the host resident's identity documents and exact address, will be acceptable to the consular authorities. This option is available to those with local contacts in Indonesia.
Anticipating the unexpected
Last-minute problems can arise, such as booking errors or the need for additional documentation. Planning several days or even weeks in advance gives you enough time to rectify any errors.
Check with tourist offices
Before submitting your application, consult the tourist offices or the official Indonesian immigration website for accurate and up-to-date clarification of conditions, as regulations change frequently.
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