Indonesian immigration regulations for foreign crew members (seafarers) joining or transiting through Indonesia are governed primarily by Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration and its implementing regulations, including Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 27 of 2022 (as amended), which details visa types and entry requirements.

Here’s a straightforward, up-to-date overview specific to crew members entering Indonesia to join vessels:

📌 1. Legal Basis

• Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration – Defines visa categories and entry/exit procedures.

• Permenkumham No. 27 of 2022 – Lists visa types, including Visit Visa (VBS) for crew.

• Directorate General of Immigration Circulars – Provide operational guidance (e.g., on B211A usage for crew).
  

📌 2. Correct Visa Type: B211A – Visit Visa for Crew Members
Despite common misconceptions, crew members cannot legally enter Indonesia on a tourist Visa on Arrival (VoA) or a visa exemption to join a ship.

✅ The only compliant visa is: 

• Visa Subclass B211A – Visit Visa for Crew Activities

• Type: Limited Stay Visa (VITAS – Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas)

• Validity: Up to 60 days, non-extendable for crew purposes in most cases.

• Single entry only.

• It must be applied for in advance—not issued at the airport upon arrival.
  

⚠️ Important: Although sometimes called “Visa on Arrival” in industry jargon, B211A is NOT a true VoA. It requires pre-approval from Indonesian Immigration via a local sponsor before travel.

📌 3. Who Can Apply?

• Any foreign national holding a valid Seaman’s Book or Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) recognised under ILO standards.

• The crew must be joining a commercial vessel (cargo, tanker, cruise, etc.) in Indonesian territory or waters.
  

📌 4. Application Process

The B211A visa must be sponsored by an Indonesian entity (usually a shipping agent or principal company). The sponsor agent submits the application via the Online Visa Application System with the documents supporting:

• Crew’s passport copy,
• Seaman’s Book,
• Letter of assignment from the shipping company,
• Vessel’s arrival notice or port clearance, and
• Sponsor’s guarantee letter. 

The Immigration reviews and issues a Visa Approval Letter (usually within 2–5 working days). The crew travels with a Passport, an Approval letter and a Seaman’s Book. At the entry point (airport/seaport), immigration stamps the B211A visa and grants a stay permit.

📌 5. Entry Points

• Airports: Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), Surabaya (SUB), Batam (BTH), Makassar (UPG), etc.
• Seaports: Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Belawan (Medan), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Bitung, etc.
• Crew arriving by air to join a ship must still hold B211A—not VoA.
  

📌 6. Common Misconceptions & Risks

• “Crew can use Visa on Arrival (VoA)” = ❌ VoA (B212) is for tourism/business only and not permitted for crew activities.
• “Visa exemption is OK for short crew changes” =  ❌ Even 30-day visa-exempt nationals (e.g., Philippines) must have a B211A if joining a vessel.
• “We can apply for a visa at the airport” = ❌ B211A must be pre-approved - no on-the-spot issuance for crew.

🚫 Using the wrong visa type may result in:

• Denial of entry
• Deportation
• Blacklisting
• Penalties for the shipping agent
  

📌 7. Special Notes

• Cruise ship crew: May be eligible for temporary landing permits (max 7 days) if the vessel is in port—but this is not for joining a ship.
  
• Overland transit: Not applicable—crew must enter via designated international ports.
• Extensions: Generally not allowed for B211A crew visas. If a more extended stay is needed, a work KITAS is required (complex and rarely used for short rotations).
  

✅ Best Practice Recommendation

• Always coordinate with a licensed Indonesian shipping agent who is registered with the Ministry of Transportation and Immigration and can act as your official sponsor.
• Has access to the SITAX/SILS system.
• Provides meet-and-assist at entry points.