Indonesia’s C11 visa is a Single Entry Visa designed for foreign nationals travelling to the country for promotional activities, international exhibitions, conferences and related business events. The visa provides a legal route for eligible visitors to participate in events while also allowing limited tourism and visits to friends or family.
What Is the C11 Visa in Indonesia?
The C11 is a Single Entry Visa Indonesia category for foreign nationals participating in promotional and event-related activities. It can be used by eligible foreigners who intend to:
- Participate as exhibitors at international exhibitions in Indonesia.
- Attend meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions connected with the marketing of products, goods or services.
- Participate in promotional activities permitted under the visa classification.
- Visit tourist destinations during their stay.
- Visit friends and family in Indonesia.
The C11 is therefore suited to foreign representatives, exhibitors and business visitors whose activities are linked to an organised exhibition or promotional event rather than ordinary employment in Indonesia.
A sponsor is required for the application, and the sponsor must complete the application through Indonesia’s immigration system.
Single Entry Visa C1 and Visa C11: The Differences
Choosing the right visa to Indonesia depends largely on the purpose of travel and how long you intend to stay in Indonesia. Although both the C1 and C11 are single-entry visa categories, they are intended for different activities.
C1 Visa: Tourism and Short Visits
The C1 Visa is a single-entry visa (visa kunjungan untuk satu kali) for foreign nationals travelling to Indonesia for tourism purposes. It allows eligible travellers to enter Indonesia and stay for the period granted under the relevant Stay Permit.
This makes the C1 Visa more suitable for travellers whose primary purpose is tourism, visiting friends or family, or enjoying Indonesia without participating in activities covered by other visa categories.
Read more: Single-Entry Tourist Visa Indonesia
C11 Visa: Promotion, Exhibitions and Conferences
The C11 Visa is also a single-entry visa, but it serves a different purpose.
This visa allows foreign nationals participating in activities such as international exhibitions, meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions where they are promoting products, goods or services as exhibitors.
The C11 Visa also allows holders to visit tourist destinations and friends or family while in Indonesia, provided they comply with the conditions of their stay permit.
Unlike the C1 Visa, however, the C11 Visa requires a sponsor and specific supporting documentation, including a reference or invitation letter from the relevant government agency or private institution organising the event.
Key Differences Between C1 and C11 Visa
| C1 Visa | C11 Visa | |
| Type of visa | Single-entry visa | Single-entry visa |
| Main purpose | Tourism and visits | Promotion, exhibitions and conferences |
| Stay in Indonesia | Based on the applicable Stay Permit | Initial stay of up to 60 days |
| Extension | Subject to applicable requirements | Can be extended several times up to 180 days |
| Sponsor | Depends on the visa requirements | Sponsor required |
| Business activities | Limited to permitted tourism activities | Allows participation as an exhibitor at eligible events |
| Visa fee | Depends on the applicable C1 category | IDR 1,000,000, plus applicable verification fee |
Stay Permit and Enter Indonesia
It is important to distinguish between a visa’s validity and the Stay Permit granted after you enter Indonesia.
A visa gives a foreign national permission to travel to Indonesia and seek entry, while the Stay Permit determines how long the person may legally remain in Indonesia under that visa classification.
For both C1 and C11 holders, travellers should check the conditions stated on their issued visa and comply with the relevant immigration requirements throughout their stay.
C11 Visa Length of Stay
The C11 Visa provides an initial Stay Permit of up to 60 days, calculated from the date the foreign national enters Indonesia.
The Stay Permit may be extended several times, subject to the applicable immigration requirements, allowing the total stay to reach up to 180 days. This means the C11 Visa can accommodate a stay longer than 60 days where the required extensions are approved.
What Can You Do with a C11 Visa?
The C11 visa is intended for specific promotional and exhibition-related activities.
A foreign national holding this visa may participate in international exhibitions and attend meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions where the purpose is to market products, goods or services as an exhibitor.
The visa holder may also use their time in Indonesia for tourism and to visit friends or family, provided these activities comply with Indonesian immigration regulations. However, the C11 should not be treated as a general work visa.
Restrictions on the C11 Visa
Foreign nationals holding a C11 stay permit cannot receive compensation or wages from an individual or company in Indonesia.
They are also not permitted to sell goods or services unless the activity is specifically required as part of the exhibition they are attending.
This distinction is particularly important for overseas companies sending employees or representatives to Indonesia. Participating in an exhibition to promote a company’s products is different from taking up employment or carrying out paid commercial activities in Indonesia.
Businesses should therefore ensure that the planned activities match the purpose of the C11 visa before travelling.
Where the intended activities go beyond promotional or exhibition participation, another Indonesian visa or stay permit may be more appropriate.
C11 Visa Cost and Immigration Fees
The listed government fees, or PNBP (Non-Tax State Revenue), for the C11 visa include:
- C11 Visa: IDR 1,000,000
- Verification: IDR 1,000,000
The sponsor can make the required payment through designated Indonesian banks.
After the visa application has been submitted, the sponsor can access the billing code generated in the immigration system and use it as the basis for payment.
Visa and immigration fees can be subject to regulatory changes. Applicants should therefore confirm the applicable charges at the time of application.
Who Can Sponsor a C11 Visa?
A sponsor is required for a C11 visa application.
The sponsor must have an account with Indonesia’s official e-visa system before submitting an application for a foreign national.
The sponsor is responsible for submitting the required electronic documents and supporting information through the immigration platform.
For event-related applications, the applicant must also provide supporting evidence from the organisation hosting or arranging the event.
C11 Visa Requirements
The sponsor submits the application electronically through Indonesia’s e-visa system.
The required documents generally include:
- Application letter and sponsor’s statement letter.
- Passport or travel document valid for at least six months before expiry.
- Proof of sufficient living expenses in Indonesia, such as a bank statement in the foreign national’s or sponsor’s name covering the previous three months.
- Minimum funds of US$2,000, or the equivalent in another currency.
- Recent colour photograph.
- Reference or invitation letter from a government institution or private organisation acting as the event organiser.
Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the nature of the event.
Applicants should ensure that their passport details, supporting documents and event information are consistent before the application is submitted.
C11 Visa Application Process
The application can be processed through Indonesia’s immigration authorities, depending on the applicable procedure.
Application through an Indonesian Representative Office
At an Indonesian Representative Office, immigration officials may:
- Check the submitted documents.
- Enter the applicant’s information and scan supporting files.
- Issue an application receipt.
- Verify payment of immigration fees.
- Create and verify the applicant’s profile in the immigration system.
- Approve the application.
- Personalise, print and sign the visa.
- Issue and deliver the visa.
The stated processing time is five working days after payment has been received.
Application through the Directorate General of Immigration
Where the application is processed by the Directorate General of Immigration, officials will:
- Check the submitted documents.
- Verify immigration fee payment.
- Create and verify the applicant’s profile.
- Approve the application.
- Issue the visa.
The stated processing time is also five working days after payment is received.
Processing times can depend on document completeness, verification requirements and other circumstances. Applicants should therefore allow sufficient time before their planned departure.
Special Requirements for Travel Documents
Foreign nationals who do not hold a standard national passport may have additional requirements.
This may apply to stateless persons or individuals travelling with documents such as temporary passports, emergency passports, titre de voyage, certificates of identity, laissez-passers or equivalent travel documents.
In such cases, applicants may need to provide a Re-Entry Permit for the country where the visa application is made, together with a return or onward ticket to another country.
The exact requirements should be confirmed before submitting the application.
Can the C11 Visa Be Extended?
Yes. The initial stay permit of up to 60 days can be extended several times, subject to Indonesian immigration requirements, with the total permitted stay reaching up to 180 days.
The sponsor can submit the extension through its registered account on the official Indonesian e-visa platform.
Foreign nationals should apply for an extension before their existing stay permit expires. Remaining in Indonesia beyond the authorised period can result in immigration consequences and additional costs.
Can the C11 Be Converted to a KITAS?
The C11 stay permit may be eligible for conversion into a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS/KITAS) with the same sponsor, subject to the applicable requirements and immigration approval.
However, conversion is not automatic. Eligibility depends on the purpose of the proposed temporary stay and the requirements applicable to the relevant KITAS category.
Foreign nationals planning to remain in Indonesia for employment, investment, family reasons or another long-term purpose should assess the appropriate stay permit before making travel and business arrangements.
Why Professional Immigration Consultation Matters
The C11 visa may appear straightforward, but its permitted activities are specific. The distinction between promoting products at an exhibition and carrying out paid work in Indonesia can be important for foreign companies and their representatives.
Businesses should also consider the relationship between the visa, event documentation, sponsorship, immigration fees and the intended duration of stay.
For foreign nationals attending conferences, exhibitions or promotional events, professional Immigration Consultation in Indonesia and ASEAN can help clarify the appropriate visa category and supporting documentation before departure.
Apply for a C11 Visa with LMI Consultancy
LMI Consultancy provides professional immigration support for foreign nationals, companies and organisations navigating Indonesia’s visa and stay permit requirements.
Our team can assist with reviewing the intended activities, identifying the appropriate visa category, preparing documentation and guiding sponsors through the application process.
LMI Consultancy also provides Legal and Business Setup Consultation and Tax Consultation in Indonesia and ASEAN, supporting foreign investors, businesses and individuals as they establish and operate in the Indonesian market.
Important notice: Visa classifications, fees and immigration procedures may change. This article provides general information and should not be treated as individual legal or immigration advice. Applicants should confirm the requirements applicable to their circumstances before submitting a visa application.
