The name Indonesia was derived from "indos nesos", meaning islands near India, The country is in fact the largest archipelago in the world with a thousand islands, 17,508 to be precise, spread in an area between the Asian continent and Australia, and between the Pacific and the Indian oceans.

The islands are inhabited by many tribes with diverse culture and languages, although there is a national language spoken throughout the country, namely Bahasa Indonesia. It is thus appropriate, that the country's motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means: Unity in Diversity. Our state philosophy is Pancasila, or the Five Principles. This year is the country's fiftieth anniversary of independence.




Travelling To Indonesia

Entering Indonesia

Nationals of Israel will be refused entry unless they have applied to the Immigration Office in Indonesia, prior to travelling, to obtain a special permit.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all.

Visas

The Indonesia Minister of Justice and Human Rights has announced that the VISA on ARRIVAL (VoA) will be introduced on February 01, 2004 for foreign visitors arriving by air in Jakarta (SOE-HAT), Bali (Ngurah Rai), Medan (Polonia), Manado (Sam Ratulangi), Surabaya (Juanda), and Padang (Tabing), as well as sea ports of Batam, Tanjung Priok, Belawan, Jayapura, Benoa, and Tanjung Perak. In short VoA eligible visitors will pay an entry fee upon arrival.

The Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) is required for nationals of 20 countries and one Administrative District:

The nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Norway, France, Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Taiwan, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, India, Ireland, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Maldives, People's Republic of China, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Spain will be able to apply for a VoA valid for either 3 or 30 days upon arrival in Indonesia. A 7-day visa will cost $USD10 while a 30-day visa will cost $USD25.

The 11 countries that retain visa-free status and need not purchase a VoA are: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macao, Chile, Morocco, Peru, and Vietnam.

Citizens of countries not on the VoA or Visa Free lists are required to apply for a visa at the nearest Indonesian embassy, consulate or foreign mission.

Process for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Visitors from countries with Visa-On-Arrival status will go to new 'VoA Counters' to have their passports stamped with the on-arrival visa before going to the Immigration Clearance Desk. An official bank will be attached in the VoA counters. Payment can only be made in US dollar bank notes or Indonesian Rupiahs equivalent. Payment by Credit-Card is under discussion and to be determined. In the bigger airports, like Jakarta and Bali, several rows of VoA counters will be provided.

Overstaying your Visa? - DON'T!
Overstaying a tourist visa (or any visa) is a serious offence in Indonesia. Fines, blacklisting, confinement and deportation are all possible penalties for infractions. Please take this seriously! If you inadvertently overstay your visa go immediately to an immigration office, once you realize it, and explain the circumstances. Delaying the report will only make the situation worse. There are only a few 'legitimate' reasons for overstay - the main one being inability to travel due a verified illness or injury. Also beware of the 30-day counting trap! Immigration officials count the 30-day period as: you arrive on the 1st day with a 30-day VoA, and you must leave on the 30th day (not the 31st day or the first of the next month etc.)

Weather

Indonesia is a tropical country, and the climate is fairly even all year round. There is no such thing as an Autumn or Winter, the year being roughly divided into two distinct seasons, 'wet' and 'dry'.

The East Monsoon, from June to September brings dry weather while the West Monsoon, from December to March, brings rain. The transitional period between these two seasons alternates between gorgeous sun-filled days and occasional thunderstorms.

Even in the midst of the wet season temperatures range from 21 degrees (70�F) to 33 degrees Celcius (90�F), except at higher altitudes which can be much cooler. The heaviest rainfalls are usually recorded in December and January. Average humidity is generally between 75% and 100%.

Currency

Indonesian money is Rupiah (Rp) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of Rp100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Rp1000, 500, 100 and 50.