How to get a Schengen visa from Indonesia (complete guide for Indonesian applicants)
For Indonesian passport holders, travelling to Europe almost always requires applying for a Schengen visa. Although the rules are harmonised across Schengen countries, the application process from Indonesia can be challenging. Limited appointment availability at VFS Global, strict financial requirements and seasonal delays often create uncertainty, especially for first-time applicants. Many Indonesians are also concerned about refusal risks, particularly related to proof of return and travel purpose.
In practice, obtaining a Schengen visa from Indonesia is less about chance and more about preparation. Consulates focus on the consistency of the application, the applicant’s financial situation, travel history and compliance with mandatory requirements such as Schengen-compliant travel insurance. When these elements are properly anticipated, the approval rate for Indonesian applicants is generally high compared to the global average.
🛂 100% of Indonesian passport holders need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period
💶 The official Schengen visa fee is €80, equivalent to approximately IDR 1,350,000 to IDR 1,400,000, excluding VFS service fees
📍 More than 90% of Schengen visa applications from Indonesia are submitted through VFS Global centres, mainly in Jakarta and Bali
⏱️ The average processing time is 10 to 15 calendar days, but it can extend to up to 30 days during peak seasons
📊 According to the latest available Schengen statistics, the visa refusal rate for Indonesian applicants is around 4.6%, meaning more than 95% of applications are approved
🛡️ All applicants must provide travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, covering emergency healthcare and repatriation across the entire Schengen Area
Is a Schengen visa mandatory for Indonesians and what does it allow?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay travel authorisation that allows non-European travellers to enter and move freely within the Schengen Area, which currently includes 29 European countries. With one single visa, travellers can cross internal borders between these countries without additional border checks, as long as they respect the authorised duration and purpose of stay. In Indonesia, this is commonly referred to as “visa Schengen” (visa Schengen adalah izin masuk ke beberapa negara Eropa dengan satu visa).
For Indonesian passport holders, a Schengen visa is mandatory for all short stays. Indonesia is not part of the Schengen visa-free regime, which means Indonesian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to any Schengen country, even for tourism, business trips or visiting family.
A standard Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. This limit applies to the entire Schengen Area combined, not per country. Staying longer than authorised, even by a few days, can lead to fines, future refusals or entry bans.
It is also essential to distinguish between a Schengen visa (Type C) and a long-stay national visa (Type D). A Type C visa is designed for short stays such as tourism, visiting relatives or attending business meetings. A long-stay visa is required for stays longer than 90 days, such as studying, working, joining a spouse or settling in one specific European country. Applying for the wrong visa type is one of the most frequent causes of refusal.
Activity | Allowed with a Schengen visa (Type C) |
|---|---|
Travel between Schengen countries | ✅ Yes 🌍 |
Stay up to 90 days within 180 days | ✅ Yes ⏱️ |
Tourism and leisure travel | ✅ Yes ✈️ |
Business meetings or conferences | ✅ Yes 💼 |
Paid work or employment | ❌ No 🚫 |
Long-term studies or residence | ❌ No 🎓 |
Stay longer than 90 days | ❌ No ⛔ |
Understanding what a Schengen visa allows—and what it does not—helps Indonesian applicants avoid costly mistakes from the start. Since travel medical insurance is mandatory for any Schengen visa application, many travellers secure a compliant certificate early to complete their file smoothly and stay on schedule.
Get your Schengen travel insurance certificate in 2 minutes
What are the requirements for a Schengen visa from Indonesia?
To obtain a Schengen visa from Indonesia, applicants must submit a complete and well-documented application file that meets official Schengen requirements. Although the rules are harmonised across all Schengen countries, Indonesian applicants are particularly assessed on financial stability and proof of intention to return, especially for first-time applications.
The main documents required for a Schengen visa from Indonesia are listed below:
Requirement | What is expected |
|---|---|
Passport | Valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen Area 🛂 |
Visa application form | Fully completed and signed Schengen visa application form 📝 |
Photo | Recent passport-size photo (35 × 45 mm), white background, meeting Schengen standards 📸 |
Travel medical insurance | Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation, valid in all 29 Schengen countries 🛡️ |
Proof of financial means | Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover the entire stay 💰 |
Proof of return | Evidence of strong ties to Indonesia such as employment, family, studies or assets 🔁 |
In practice, although no fixed amount is officially published, consulates generally expect applicants to show around €50 to €70 per day of stay, depending on the destination country and accommodation type. For Indonesian applicants, this represents approximately IDR 850,000 to IDR 1,300,000 per day, based on current exchange rates. Bank statements should usually cover the last 3 to 6 months and demonstrate a stable financial situation.
Proof of return is a key decision factor. Consulates need to be satisfied that the applicant will leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires. Employment letters stating position, salary and approved leave, family ties in Indonesia, ongoing studies or property ownership all strengthen the application.
How to get a Schengen visa from Indonesia step by step
📄 Step 1: Prepare the required documents
Before booking any appointment, Indonesian applicants should first make sure their document file is complete and consistent. Missing or weak documents are one of the most common reasons for delays or refusals.
While requirements are harmonised across Schengen countries, certain documents are particularly scrutinised for applicants from Indonesia, especially financial and employment proof.
Document | Required |
|---|---|
Passport + copies | ✅ |
Application form | ✅ |
Schengen photo | ✅ |
Bank statements | ✅ |
Employment or income proof | ✅ |
Travel itinerary & accommodation | ✅ |
Travel medical insurance certificate | ✅ |
🌍 📅 Step 2: Choose the correct Schengen country and book your appointment
Once your documents are ready, the next step is to identify the correct Schengen country and book your visa appointment.
You must apply to the country that represents your main destination, defined as the country where you will spend the highest number of nights. If your stay is evenly split between several Schengen countries, the application must be submitted to the first Schengen country of entry.
A common mistake among Indonesian applicants is choosing a country perceived as “easier” instead of following this rule. Applying to the wrong consulate can lead to refusal, even when the rest of the application is complete.
Most Schengen visa applications from Indonesia are submitted through VFS Global, which operates several centres across the country, depending on the destination country.
VFS centre in Indonesia | Cities served | Main Schengen destinations | Appointment booking |
|---|---|---|---|
VFS Global Jakarta | Jakarta & Java | France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium | Online via VFS Global website 🌐 |
VFS Global Bali | Bali & eastern Indonesia | France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy (selected categories) | Online via VFS Global website 🌐 |
Appointments must be booked online, directly on the VFS Global website corresponding to the destination country. Each Schengen country has its own booking calendar, even when processed at the same centre.
In normal periods, appointment slots are usually available within 2 to 4 weeks. However, during peak travel seasons—especially June to August and December—availability becomes limited and waiting times can increase significantly.
🛡️ Step 3: Buy compliant Schengen travel insurance
Travel medical insurance is a mandatory legal requirement for all Schengen visa applications from Indonesia. The policy must provide minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses and emergency repatriation, and it must be valid across all 29 Schengen countries for the entire duration of the trip.
The insurance dates must fully cover your stay, including the day you enter and leave the Schengen Area. An official insurance certificate is required and must be submitted at the time of the visa appointment; without it, the application will not be accepted.
To simplify this step, many applicants choose an online Schengen insurance solution that delivers an instant, consulate-accepted certificate in PDF format. Platforms like HelloSafe allow Indonesian applicants—or relatives applying on their behalf from abroad—to obtain compliant coverage in just a few minutes, with flexible dates and options in case of visa refusal.
Get your instant, compliant Schengen visa certificate🧾 Step 4: Attend your appointment and submit biometrics
On the day of the appointment, applicants must appear in person at the visa centre. During this step:
- fingerprints are collected (unless already provided within the last 59 months)
- a biometric photo may be taken
- visa and service fees are paid
If the documents are well organised, the appointment process is generally quick and straightforward.
⏱️📬 Step 5: Track your application and receive your passport
After submission, applicants can monitor their file using the VFS tracking system. The standard processing time is 10 to 15 calendar days, but this can extend to 30 days or more during peak periods or if additional checks are required.
A static status for several days is usually normal and does not indicate a problem. Only if processing significantly exceeds standard timelines should applicants contact the visa centre.
How much does a Schengen visa cost in Indonesia?
The cost of a Schengen visa from Indonesia includes more than just the visa fee. Applicants should also budget for VFS service charges and mandatory travel insurance.
The official Schengen visa fee is €80, which corresponds to approximately IDR 1,350,000 to IDR 1,400,000. This fee is fixed across all Schengen countries and is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
Most applications are processed via VFS Global, which charges a service fee of around €25 to €35 (roughly IDR 420,000 to IDR 600,000), depending on the destination and services selected.
Travel medical insurance is also mandatory. It must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation and be valid across the entire Schengen Area. For short stays, compliant insurance typically costs between €10 and €30, or IDR 170,000 to IDR 500,000.
Cost item | EUR | IDR |
|---|---|---|
Schengen visa fee | €80 | IDR 1,350,000–1,400,000 |
VFS service fee | €25–35 | IDR 420,000–600,000 |
Travel insurance | €10–30 | IDR 170,000–500,000 |
Estimated total | €115–145 | IDR 1,940,000–2,500,000 |
Amounts are indicative and may vary depending on exchange rates and individual profiles.
Hidden costs to anticipate
Beyond the main fees, applicants should also consider:
- passport photos meeting Schengen standards
- transport to the VFS centre in Jakarta or Bali
- printing and photocopying documents
- optional VFS services such as SMS updates or courier return
How long does it take to process a Schengen visa in Indonesia?
Under normal conditions, the standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 10 to 15 calendar days after the application is submitted. This timeframe applies to most complete files and does not include the time needed to secure a VFS appointment.
In practice, processing times often increase during high-demand periods, which in Indonesia are closely linked to local and regional travel patterns:
- June to August: peak season due to school holidays and summer travel to Europe
- December: end-of-year holidays and increased outbound travel
- Ramadan and Lebaran (Idul Fitri): reduced administrative capacity and a surge in post-Lebaran travel applications
During these periods, processing can take up to 20–30 days, especially when appointment slots are limited and consulates receive a high volume of applications at the same time.
For first-time Schengen visa applicants, processing may take longer. Applications without previous Schengen travel history are often subject to additional checks, particularly regarding financial proof and intention to return. In these cases, timelines closer to the upper end of the standard range are common, even outside peak season.
Incomplete files or requests for additional documents can also extend the processing time beyond the initial estimate.
Period | Estimated processing time |
|---|---|
January – March | 10–15 days ⏱️ |
April – May (around Ramadan) | 15–20 days ⌛ |
June – August (high season) | 20–30 days 🔴 |
September – October | 10–15 days ⏱️ |
November | 10–15 days ⏱️ |
December (holiday season) | 20–30 days 🔴 |
These timelines are indicative and may vary depending on the destination country and individual circumstances.
To avoid delays and unnecessary stress, Indonesian applicants are advised to apply at least 4 to 8 weeks before their intended departure date, and even earlier during peak periods such as summer holidays or the Lebaran season. Anticipating these local demand cycles significantly improves the chances of receiving the visa on time.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa from Indonesia?
Yes. Travel insurance is legally mandatory for all Schengen visa applications from Indonesia. Without a compliant insurance certificate, the application will not be accepted by the visa centre, regardless of the destination country.
To be valid, the insurance must meet all official Schengen requirements:
Requirement | Mandatory |
|---|---|
Minimum medical coverage of €30,000 | ✅ |
Emergency medical treatment | ✅ |
Medical repatriation | ✅ |
Valid in all 29 Schengen countries | ✅ |
Covers the entire stay | ✅ |
Official insurance certificate | ✅ |
Many Indonesian applicants are refused simply because their insurance is not compliant. Common mistakes include coverage below €30,000, insurance valid in only one country, or submitting a booking confirmation instead of an official certificate. Domestic Indonesian travel insurance that does not clearly mention Schengen-wide coverage is also frequently rejected.
Most travellers only need single-trip insurance, which is the most affordable option for short stays. Annual (multi-trip) insurance is more suitable for frequent travellers or business profiles, especially when applying for multiple-entry visas.
Because visa approval is never guaranteed, flexibility is important. Many applicants choose insurance that offers refunds if the visa is refused and allows easy date changes when appointments or travel plans move.
To simplify this step, many applicants use online Schengen insurance platforms that provide an instant, consulate-accepted certificate. Services like HelloSafe allow Indonesian travellers to compare compliant policies and obtain valid coverage within minutes—making it easier to complete the application on time.
Why are Schengen visas refused for Indonesians?
Although Indonesian applicants benefit from one of the highest approval rates worldwide, refusals still occur. According to the latest available Schengen statistics, the refusal rate for Indonesian applicants is around 4.6%, meaning more than 95% of applications are approved. When refusals happen, they are almost always due to weaknesses in the application file rather than the destination country.
The table below summarises the most common Schengen visa refusal reasons, based on consolidated Schengen data:
Refusal reason | What it means in practice | Share of refusals* |
|---|---|---|
❗ Intention to leave not proven | The consulate is not convinced the applicant will leave before visa expiry | ~45% |
💰 Insufficient financial means | Bank statements or income are inadequate or inconsistent | ~18% |
🧭 Unclear travel purpose | Itinerary or supporting documents lack clarity | ~14% |
📄 Incomplete or unreliable documents | Missing, inconsistent or unverifiable documents | ~11% |
🛡️ Non-compliant travel insurance | Insurance does not meet Schengen requirements | ~6% |
⚠️ Previous visa or travel issues | Past overstays or non-compliance | ~6% |
For Indonesians, the key risk remains “intention to leave”. Strong ties to Indonesia—such as stable employment, studies, family or assets—greatly reduce this risk.
Most refusals can be corrected when reapplying by improving financial proof, clarifying the itinerary, strengthening ties to Indonesia, or fixing insurance and travel dates. There is no truly “easiest Schengen visa” by country—approval depends on the quality and consistency of the file.
FAQ
Yes. A single Schengen visa allows Indonesian travellers to move freely across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The same visa is valid for all 29 Schengen countries, including France, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.
You must apply through the consulate of your main destination (the country where you spend the most nights) or, if the stay is evenly split, the first country of entry. Approval depends on the quality of the application, not on the country chosen.
Yes. When applying for a Schengen visa from Indonesia, applicants are not required to purchase flight tickets in advance. Most consulates accept a flight reservation or travel itinerary instead of paid tickets. Buying non-refundable flights before receiving the visa is not recommended, as approval is never guaranteed.
Yes. A hotel booking or accommodation proof is mandatory for a Schengen visa application from Indonesia. This can be a hotel reservation, a short-term rental, or an invitation letter from a host in the Schengen Area. The booking does not need to be prepaid, but it must cover the entire stay and appear realistic.
Yes, a partner can sponsor a Schengen visa from Indonesia, but this type of application is closely examined. Consulates usually require a sponsorship letter, proof of the relationship, and evidence of the sponsor’s legal status and financial capacity in Europe. The applicant must still prove strong ties to Indonesia to demonstrate intention to return.
It depends on the insurance policy. Some Schengen travel insurance plans offer a refund if the visa from Indonesia is refused, while others do not. This is why many applicants choose insurance policies that clearly mention refund conditions in case of visa refusal.
Yes. A refusal does not prevent you from reapplying for a Schengen visa from Indonesia. However, reapplying without addressing the reasons mentioned in the refusal notice usually leads to another rejection. Improving financial proof, clarifying travel plans and strengthening proof of return significantly increase approval chances.
