Visa for the United States from Indonesia: price, documents and processing time 2026

Yes. Indonesia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not an option. The right visa for tourism, family visits or short business trips is the B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa, often issued for multiple entries with long validity; the length of each stay is set on arrival by the border officer.

• Government fee185 USD
• Application centre feeVariable, set by the operator
• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
• ExtrasVariable

Prepare a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, a photo meeting U.S. specifications, and proof of the MRV fee payment. Also be ready to show the purpose of travel and your ties (employment, studies, family, property, bank statements). The exact MRV fee is published on travel.state.gov and the embassy site; do not rely on unofficial figures.

Complete the DS-160 form online on the Department of State website, upload your photo, then pay the MRV application fee. Next, schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya. Bring your DS-160 confirmation page, the payment confirmation and your passport on the interview day.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for Indonesia, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Indonesia but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

Timing depends mainly on interview appointment availability, which varies by season and post: check the published wait times for Jakarta and Surabaya and book early. Answer at the interview briefly, honestly and consistently with your DS-160. Strong ties to Indonesia and a clear travel purpose are decisive.

Assuming ESTA is enough is a mistake, it does not apply to Indonesia; only the B-1/B-2 visa works. Other pitfalls: inconsistencies between the DS-160 and your interview answers, a non-compliant photo, or weak evidence of ties that suggests intent to immigrate. Never pay an agent who promises a 'guaranteed' visa.