Entry
Indonesian citizens cannot use ESTA (the visa waiver). You need a visitor visa (B-1/B-2): fill in the online DS-160 form, pay the visa fee, and attend an interview at the US Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya (interview waivers have become rare). Apply early - appointment waits can be long. A new 'visa integrity fee' became law in 2025; check on the official State Department site whether and how it applies to your application. A visa does not guarantee entry: the border officer decides, and your I-94 record shows how long you may stay. Use only official .gov sites; never pay anyone who 'guarantees' a visa.
Culture and practical - take note
Tipping is part of the price: about 15-20% in restaurants, and a few dollars for taxis, hotel porters and housekeeping - servers rely on it. Prices on shelves exclude sales tax, added at the till. Drinking age is 21; open alcohol in public or in cars is illegal; smoking is banned in most indoor places. Americans are friendly and direct; keep a polite distance, make small talk, be punctual, and say 'please' and 'thank you'. Jaywalking, speeding and driving without a licence bring fines; seat belts are mandatory. Healthcare is very expensive - buy travel insurance with strong medical cover. US border officers may inspect phones and bags. Halal food is available in big cities. Natural hazards (hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat, winter storms) vary by region and season - check the weather service.
Emergency
911 for police, fire and ambulance.
Rules, fees and websites change often. We check these pages regularly (last check: 10 October 2026) but always confirm on the official site before you travel. Satu Koneksi Hotel is not responsible for third-party websites.