Published: September 2026. Prices and processing times verified against the Directorate General of Immigration portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id). This article is not sponsored; we do not receive commissions from any agency mentioned. Links to government portals are provided for your convenience.
When weighing Indonesia eVisa direct vs agent options, applying through the government portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) costs IDR 500,000 (~£25) with 24-hour processing, while VFS Global charges IDR 730,000 and private agencies range IDR 800,000 to 2,200,000. For a standard B1 tourist eVisa, the direct portal is the cheapest and fastest option. UK travellers staying over 30 days need an Indonesia eVisa regardless of method chosen.
UK passport holders receive a 30-day visa-free entry for tourism. If you plan to stay longer, obtaining an Indonesia eVisa becomes mandatory. Select the right pathway by comparing cost, time, and support across a DIY application, VFS Global, and private agencies.
Indonesia eVisa direct vs agent – which is better? Applying directly through the government portal (
evisa.imigrasi.go.id) costs IDR 500,000 (~£25) with 24-hour processing. VFS Global charges IDR 730,000 and takes 2-5 days. Private agencies range IDR 800,000-2,200,000. For a simple tourist eVisa, the direct portal is cheapest and fastest; agents add value mainly for complex visa types or travellers who prefer hands-on support.
Indonesia eVisa Cost Breakdown 2026: Direct vs VFS vs Agent
The direct government portal costs IDR 500,000 (~£25), VFS Global totals IDR 730,000 (~£37), and private agencies charge IDR 800,000-2,200,000 (~£40-£110) for the same B1 Indonesia eVisa. For a complete fee breakdown covering every visa type, see our dedicated cost guide.
| Cost Component | Direct Portal | VFS Global | Private Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee | IDR 500,000 | IDR 500,000 | IDR 500,000 |
| Service fee | None | IDR 230,000 (incl. taxes) | Variable |
| Card surcharge | ~2.5-3% | Included | N/A |
| Total (IDR) | ~IDR 515,000-525,000 | IDR 730,000 | IDR 800,000+ |
| Total (GBP) | ~£26 | ~£37 | ~£40+ |
A family of two adults and one child pays IDR 1,500,000 (~£75) via the direct route versus IDR 2,190,000 (~£110) through VFS Global.
Paying From the UK
The direct portal adds a 2.5-3% merchant processing fee at checkout. UK-issued debit or credit cards may also incur foreign-transaction charges on IDR payments. No-fee multi-currency cards from Monzo, Starling, or Revolut eliminate this surcharge. The cardholder name does not need to match the applicant, so one person can pay for the entire family.
Processing Time and Application Process Side-by-Side
Direct applications require self-service form completion and document upload, typically completing within 24 hours; VFS and agencies handle submission on your behalf, with VFS taking 2-5 working days and agencies 2-9 business days. For a detailed look at processing time and validity across all visa categories, check our separate guide.
Direct portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id):
Register or use guest checkout
Register email or use guest checkout for the 30-day eVOA
Upload documents
Upload passport, photo, return ticket; complete the eVOA form
Pay and receive eVisa
Pay by debit or credit card; receive the Indonesia eVisa via email within 24 hours
VFS Global (indonesiavoa.vfsevisa.id):
- Create a mandatory account.
- Upload passport, photo, and return ticket copies.
- Pay; receive the eVisa via email in 2-5 working days.
Private agency:
- Contact the agency via WhatsApp, email, or phone.
- Send passport copy, selfie, and photo; the agency submits to immigration.
- Receive the Indonesia eVisa via email in 2-9 business days.
Photo and Document Upload Specs
Use JPEG or PNG with a white background for the digital photo. Scan the passport biodata page as PDF or JPEG with all text legible. Use Chrome desktop for the direct portal; Safari mobile and VPN connections may cause payment-page issues. Track applications via the portal login, VFS dashboard, or agent WhatsApp. If no eVisa arrives after 24 hours, email [email protected] or [email protected]. For exact file size limits and format rules, see our passport and photo requirements guide.
Reliability, Rejection Risk, and Required Documents
Rejection rates are identical across methods: the Directorate General of Immigration reviews all applications through the same channel, and agents have no special approval pathway. According to the Directorate General of Immigration portal (accessed September 2026), the government fee for a B1 eVisa is IDR 500,000, and all applications are subject to the same review regardless of submission method.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival (all methods).
- Recent colour photograph (JPEG/PNG, white background).
- Passport biodata page scan (PDF or JPEG, all text legible).
- Return or onward flight ticket: the direct portal does not force upload for the 30-day B1 eVOA; VFS Global mandates it. Carry proof regardless of method.
- Proof of living expenses: minimum USD 2,000 or equivalent (required for the 1-year social visa).
The list above covers the essentials, but you can review the full Indonesia eVisa requirements for every visa category before you start. Support channels differ sharply. The direct portal offers email ([email protected], [email protected]) and livechat on www.imigrasi.go.id but no phone support. VFS Global provides dashboard tracking via account login on the Indonesia e-VoA website. Private agencies offer WhatsApp and phone assistance (Flado: +62 812 3913 4485; Bali Visas: +62 816 772 262, Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.70 A, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali 80361).
How to Spot a Scam Portal
Only two URLs are legitimate for the Indonesia eVisa: evisa.imigrasi.go.id and indonesiavoa.vfsevisa.id. Fake sites mimicking the government portal target UK tourists. Learn how to avoid fake websites and third-party traps before entering payment details. Verify any private agency via Google reviews before paying.
After Arrival and Decision Matrix
UK biometric passport holders can use e-gates for 30-second clearance. All travellers must complete an online arrival card within 3 days before arrival via ecd.beacukai.go.id.
| Criteria | Direct Portal | VFS Global | Private Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (B1) | IDR 500,000 + surcharge (~£26) | IDR 730,000 (~£37) | IDR 800,000+ (~£40+) |
| Processing time | ~24 hours | 2-5 working days | 2-9 business days |
| Effort required | High (DIY) | Medium | Low |
| Customer support | Email/livechat only | Dashboard/infoline | WhatsApp/phone |
| Best for | Budget solo travellers | Moderate support seekers | Complex visas, families |
Extensions and Overstay Penalties
The 30-day Indonesia eVisa can be extended once to 60 days. Agent-assisted extension costs IDR 900,000 total (IDR 500,000 government fee + IDR 400,000 agent fee), processed in 2 business days with no immigration office visit required. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide on how to extend your Indonesia eVisa in Bali. Overstay incurs a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day, with extended overstay potentially leading to detention and deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (Indonesia eVisa Direct vs Agent)
Do I need an eVisa if I’m only staying 2 weeks?
No, UK citizens get a 30-day visa-free entry for tourism purposes. An Indonesia eVisa is only needed for stays exceeding 30 days or if you plan to extend your visit.
What is the cheapest way to get an Indonesia eVisa from the UK?
The direct government portal is cheapest at IDR 500,000 (~£25) plus an estimated 2.5 to 3% card surcharge. VFS Global totals IDR 730,000 by adding a service fee. Private agencies charge from IDR 800,000 to 2,200,000 (~£40 to £110+) for the same B1 eVisa application.
Can I get a refund if my eVisa is denied?
The government fee is strictly non-refundable. Agency refund policies vary, so you must always confirm the terms before paying. UK cardholders can attempt a chargeback via their bank for failed transactions, but approval is not guaranteed.
When does my eVisa validity start?
The 90-day validity window starts from the issuance date, NOT from arrival. You must enter Indonesia within 90 days of issuance.
Does each child need a separate application?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, requires a separate Indonesia eVisa application and must pay the full IDR 500,000 government fee regardless of age. If applying through VFS Global or an agency, each family member also needs separate document uploads, such as passport scans and photos.
What happens if I provide incorrect information?
Providing false information risks visa cancellation at the border, an entry ban, and potential legal penalties under Indonesian immigration law. You must double-check all details before submitting your application to ensure full compliance with regulations.
Are VFS Global and private agencies approved by Indonesian immigration?
VFS Global is an authorised intermediary partnered with the Directorate General of Immigration. Private agencies act as licensed sponsors or facilitators but do not have special approval channels.
Can I use UK bank cards to pay for the direct government portal eVisa?
Yes, but UK-issued cards may incur 2.5 to 3% foreign-transaction fees on IDR payments. Using no-fee multi-currency cards like Monzo, Starling, or Revolut eliminates this surcharge. The cardholder name does not need to match the applicant, which is useful for family payments on the portal.
Do private agencies retain my passport scan data after processing?
Data retention policies vary among private agencies. The government portal is governed by Indonesian immigration law, not GDPR. Always verify an agency’s privacy policy before sending documents. The direct portal does not require an account for a 30-day eVOA, whereas VFS Global mandates registration.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Prices and processing times are subject to change; always verify on the government portal before applying.
