Social Visa Indonesia: Complete Guide for Foreign Volunteers 2025

If you’re planning to come to Indonesia as a volunteer or participate in social activities. It’s essential to understand the right type of visa you need before you leave. The Indonesian government has specific regulations for foreigners who wish to contribute in the fields of social, cultural, or humanitarian work. The Social Visa Indonesia is the official permit that allows you to get involved in these activities legally. For those who want to visit Indonesia for social, cultural, or volunteer activities, the social visa is the preferred option. This visa also serves as the legal foundation for any social activity you engage in while in Indonesia.

If you’re still unsure about how to proceed, this article will guide you step-by-step on how to obtain this visa, its benefits, and the application process for 2025. Keep reading to ensure you’re well-prepared before arriving in Indonesia!

What is a Social Visa Indonesia?

A Social Visa Indonesia is a temporary stay permit for foreign nationals who wish to participate in social, cultural, or humanitarian activities in Indonesia without the intention of working. For social activities, the government provides two main types of visas: the B211A Visa and the C6 Visa. Both visas are for non-commercial activities but differ in terms of duration and the scope of activities.

The B211A Visa is ideal for those wanting to get involved directly with local communities. Such as volunteering, teaching children, participating in environmental programs, or attending cultural events. This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended up to a total of 180 days without having to leave Indonesia. Because it is a single-entry visa, it automatically expires when you leave Indonesia.

On the other hand, the C6 Visa is designed for larger-scale social or humanitarian activities. It is typically used by international organizations, NGOs, or individuals involved in official projects in collaboration with the Indonesian government. The duration of stay can be longer, even up to one year, depending on approval from the Directorate General of Immigration and relevant ministries. Interestingly, this visa can be multiple-entry, allowing the holder to enter and exit Indonesia multiple times during the validity period.

Both visas provide significant opportunities for anyone who wants to contribute to Indonesia. As long as the purpose and duration of their activities are aligned with the visa requirements. Please note that a visa on arrival is not valid for participation in social, cultural, or volunteer activities in Indonesia. A social visa is required for these purposes.

Who Needs a Social Visa Indonesia?

A Social Visa Indonesia is essential for anyone who wants to participate in social, cultural, or humanitarian activities in Indonesia. This visa ensures that your activities are officially recognized and comply with immigration rules. Here’s who needs this visa:

• Foreign volunteers working with social organizations, foundations, or non-profits. For example, helping with education programs, environmental initiatives, or community empowerment efforts.
• Participants of cultural exchange programs or non-formal educational activities, such as arts, music, or local community activities.
• Researchers or students conducting social research or field studies in Indonesia.
• Individuals involved in humanitarian projects, such as disaster relief programs, logistics distribution, or medical assistance in affected areas.

Applicants from many different countries can apply for a social visa to participate in these social or cultural activities in Indonesia. If you fall into one of these categories, a tourist visa will not be sufficient. You need to apply for a Social Visa Indonesia to ensure your activities in Indonesia are legally recognized, safe, and protected by law.

Benefits of Having a Social Visa Indonesia

Having a Social Visa Indonesia offers numerous benefits for those who wish to stay longer in Indonesia and contribute meaningfully through social or humanitarian work. With this visa, you can engage in official activities without the fear of violating immigration regulations.

• Longer stay: The visa initially allows you to stay for 60 days and can be extended up to 180 days without needing to leave Indonesia. The total stay permitted under the social visa, including all possible extensions. You can reach up to 180 days, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in social activities and understand local culture.
• Legal status: With this visa, you can legally participate in social activities under the official permission of the Directorate General of Immigration. You won’t need to worry about immigration checks as long as you comply with the regulations.
• Official cooperation access: This visa facilitates collaboration with social organizations, local foundations, and even government agencies. It’s vital if you’re involved in social or humanitarian projects that require support from official bodies.
• Legal protection: The visa gives you legal security and ensures that your activities are formally recognized and respected.

By having a Social Visa Indonesia, you can contribute directly to Indonesian society while ensuring everything you do is safe, legal, and well-organized.

Obligations and Restrictions for Social Visa Holders

Holding a Social Visa Indonesia means you agree to follow all the rules that apply during your stay in Indonesia. This visa is strictly for social and cultural activities, not for employment or earning an income.

• Cannot work or receive payment: You are not allowed to engage in any paid work, either directly or indirectly. All activities must be voluntary, with no compensation or salary from any source.
• Visa must be extended before it expires: The initial stay is 60 days. If you want to continue your social activities, you must apply for an extension before the visa expires. Delays in renewal can result in fines or immigration penalties.
• Sponsor responsibility: You must have a sponsor from an official organization, such as a foundation, NGO, or local individual. The sponsor is responsible for ensuring that your activities are in line with the visa and assisting with administrative matters with immigration.
• Must report changes of address or activity location: If you change your residence or project location, you must report these changes to the local immigration office to keep your records up to date. It should be noted that failure to report changes may result in penalties or complications with your visa status.

Read more: Visa Single Entry: Semua yang Perlu Diketahui Sebelum Ke Indonesia

Types of Social Visas for Indonesia

If you’re planning to come to Indonesia for social work, you need to understand the two types of visas available: B211A Visa and C6 Visa. Both are for social, cultural, or humanitarian activities, but they differ in duration, flexibility, and scope of activities. The application process for a social visa typically begins in your home country, where you must gather the required documents and may need to visit an Indonesian embassy or consulate.

1. B211A Visa (Single Entry Social-Cultural Visa)

This is the most commonly used visa for short-term volunteers and social program participants. It is designed for foreign nationals who want to engage in social or cultural activities under the guidance of an official organization in Indonesia. This visa is perfect for those who want to participate in voluntary activities, training, or teaching in local communities without the intention of working.

• Purpose: This visa is for those wanting to engage in social, cultural, educational, or research activities on a short-term basis without a commercial intent. Ideal for foreign volunteers, community educators, or cultural exchange participants.
• Benefits: Provides legal stay in Indonesia for social activities, allowing you to engage with local communities, learn about the culture, and contribute to social projects.
• Duration: Valid for 60 days and can be extended up to a total of 180 days without leaving Indonesia. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply to extend your visa before it expires. As a single-entry visa, it expires if you leave Indonesia before it expires.
• Sponsor: A sponsor from a local individual or organization, such as a social foundation, cultural community, or educational institution, will be responsible for your stay in Indonesia.
• Extension: Can be extended up to four times, each for 30 days, through the local immigration office with the same supporting sponsor.

2. C6 Visa (Multiple Entry Official Social Activity Visa)

Unlike the B211A, the C6 Visa is intended for larger-scale social and humanitarian activities that are official and long-term. It’s typically used by international organizations, NGOs, or individuals representing official bodies involved in social projects under government collaboration in Indonesia. The C6 Visa offers greater flexibility for those engaged in humanitarian missions or long-term programs across different regions of Indonesia.

• Purpose: For social and humanitarian activities conducted by organizations or individuals working with the Indonesian government. Ideal for projects requiring cross-regional coordination and long-term involvement.
• Benefits: Allows multiple entries to Indonesia for project-related activities, official meetings, or site visits without needing to apply for a new visa each time.
• Duration: Valid for up to one year, depending on the project or cooperation agreement with sponsoring organizations or ministries.
• Sponsor: Must come from an official body or international organization recognized by the Indonesian government. The sponsor ensures your activities align with the visa’s intended purpose.
• Extension: The C6 Visa can be extended based on the project or cooperation duration. Extension requests are coordinated between the sponsor and the Directorate General of Immigration.

Applicants may need to submit their C6 visa application and supporting documents at an Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country, where the embassy will process and verify the required paperwork.

Documents Required for a Social Visa Indonesia

To apply for a Social Visa Indonesia, you’ll need to prepare several important documents to ensure that your purpose of visit aligns with the government’s social and humanitarian activities. Here’s a list of the required documents:

• Passports for all applicants must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Indonesia. Ensure your passport is valid for a sufficient period for processing.
• Sponsor letter from the organization or individual responsible for your stay in Indonesia, such as a social foundation, educational institution, or cultural community.
• Recommendation letter from the social organization or NGO explaining the purpose and duration of your activities in Indonesia.
• Proof of departure ticket from Indonesia, showing you do not intend to overstay your visa.
• Bank statement with a sufficient balance to prove you can support yourself during your stay without working.
• Recent passport-sized photo and an online application form completed through the immigration website.

Ensure all documents are correctly prepared and meet the requirements from the Directorate General of Immigration. Incomplete or incorrect documents could cause delays or rejection of your visa application.

Social Visa Application Process for Indonesia

Applying for a Social Visa Indonesia is easy and can be done online via the official evisa.imigrasi.go.id website. While the process isn’t complicated, it does require careful attention to detail. Here’s what you need to do to apply for this visa:

• Prepare documents in digital format
  Make sure your passport, sponsor letter, financial proof, and photo are in the correct digital format and clearly visible.
• Register an account and fill out the application form
  Visit evisa.imigrasi.go.id, create an account, and fill out the application form with your passport information.
• Upload supporting documents
  Upload the sponsor letter and other documents such as the recommendation letter from your NGO or social organization, as well as proof of departure.
• Pay the visa fee
  Pay the visa fee according to the selected category. Payments can be made directly on the official website.
• Wait for immigration verification
  Immigration usually takes 3–7 working days to verify your application.
• Download your e-Visa after approval
  Once approved, download the e-Visa and keep a copy with you when you arrive in Indonesia.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the application process, please refer to the official Indonesian immigration website or your local embassy.

Duration and Extension of Social Visa

The Social Visa Indonesia is valid for 60 days upon arrival. Your arrival date, as officially stamped by immigration, marks the beginning of your visa validity period and is used to calculate your total allowed stay. However, if you need more time to complete your social activities, it can be extended up to four times, with each extension lasting 30 days. The extension process is simple but must be done on time and follow the correct procedure. Here are a few things to keep in mind when applying for an extension:

• Apply for extension at least seven days before the visa expires
  Don’t wait until the last minute—apply for your extension at least a week before your visa expires to avoid delays.
• Ensure your sponsor remains active and willing to sign the support letter
  The sponsor supporting your stay in Indonesia must remain active and willing to sign the required documents for your visa extension.
• Extension process usually takes 3–5 working days
  Once you submit your extension application, it typically takes 3 to 5 working days for the processing.

To make the extension process easier, you can use the Visa Extension Service in Bali offered by us. Our experienced team will handle the entire extension process, from preparing the necessary documents to submitting them to the immigration office. By using this service, you don’t have to worry about complex procedures or tight deadlines.

We will ensure that all your documents are prepared correctly, including the sponsor letter, application form, and supporting documents. Our team will work directly with the immigration office to speed up the process so you don’t lose any valuable time.

Tips for Successfully Applying for a Social Visa Indonesia for Foreign Volunteers

Applying for a Social Visa Indonesia may seem straightforward, but it does require some attention to detail and careful preparation. Here are some tips to help ensure your visa application goes smoothly:

• Use an official, registered sponsor in Indonesia
  Make sure your sponsor is a registered social organization, foundation, or individual recognized by the Indonesian government. This sponsor will be your official guarantor during your stay.
• Double-check all data before submitting
  Errors in your application form can delay the process. Make sure all information, such as your name, birthdate, and passport details, is correct and matches your passport.
• Apply for your visa at least two weeks before departure
  To avoid any complications or delays, it’s best to apply for your visa at least two weeks before your planned departure date. This allows enough time for verification and any possible extensions.
• Prepare sufficient proof of funds for your stay
  Immigration will check your financial status to ensure you can support yourself during your stay without working. Make sure your bank balance is adequate.
• Use a trusted visa agency if you’re applying for the first time
  If it’s your first time applying for a visa in Indonesia, using Bali Premium Trip’s visa services is a great option. Our experienced team will assist you with everything from document preparation to submission, ensuring your visa application process goes smoothly so you can focus on your social activities.

Read more: Multiple Entry Visa: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Bali!

Apply for a Social Visa Indonesia with Bali Premium Trip!

For foreign volunteers who wish to contribute to Indonesia, the Social Visa Indonesia is an essential permit to ensure your activities are aligned with local laws and regulations. This visa grants you legal permission to engage in social, cultural, or humanitarian programs without violating immigration rules. With this visa, you can focus on your volunteer duties without worrying about administrative issues during your stay in Indonesia.

However, applying for the visa can be a complex process, especially if it’s your first time applying in Indonesia. To make the process easier and faster, Bali Premium Trip offers visa concierge services. Our experienced team will assist you in managing all the necessary documents, submitting your application to immigration, and ensuring all procedures are properly followed. With our service, you can rest easy and focus on the volunteer activities you want to undertake.

Don’t let administrative issues get in the way of your contributions. Apply for your Social Visa now with Bali Premium Trip! Contact us for further assistance and make sure your visa is processed quickly and accurately.