United Kingdom Visa for Indonesia Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom as an Indonesian citizen? You will need a Standard Visitor Visa, which costs £127 (approximately IDR 2.5 million) and takes about 3 weeks to process. This guide covers everything you need: required documents, biometrics appointment process, financial requirements, and strategies to strengthen your application.

Visa Application process

Indonesian citizens must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa before traveling.1 The application process involves an online form and an in-person biometrics appointment.

Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK government visa website at gov.uk/standard-visitor.1 Create an account and complete the online application form. Provide accurate information about your travel plans, employment, financial situation, and personal details.

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card.3 The standard fee is £127 for visits up to 6 months.

Book Your Biometrics Appointment

After completing the online application, book an appointment at VFS Global Indonesia.4 Locations include: • Jakarta • Surabaya • Bali

Attend Your Appointment

Bring to your appointment:2 • Printed application form • Valid Indonesian passport • All supporting documents • Passport-size photograph (if not taken at center) Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken at the appointment.

Submit Documents

Submit all required documents at VFS Global.4 You can choose to have your passport returned while waiting or leave it with your application.

Wait for Decision

Processing takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) from your biometrics appointment.1 You can track your application status online.

Collect Your Passport

Once a decision is made, collect your passport from VFS Global or have it couriered to you. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete the Online Application
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Book Your Biometrics Appointment
4. Attend Your Appointment
5. Submit Documents
6. Wait for Decision
7. Collect Your Passport

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Fee (GBP)	Standard Visitor: £127	Long-term 2 Year: £500	Long-term 5 Year: £895	Long-term 10 Year: £1,115	Long-term visas allow multiple entries but each visit is limited to 6 months maximum.1 Additional fees may apply for premium services at VFS Global.

What you need to prove

UK visa officers assess applications based on several key factors:

Genuine visitor: Clear, legitimate reason for visiting the UK
Financial capability: Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, and living expenses without working
Intent to leave: Strong ties to Indonesia demonstrating you will return before visa expires
Accommodation: Confirmed place to stay in the UK
Travel history: Previous international travel can support your application

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Application Form
Passport-Size Photograph
Biometric Appointment
Bank Statement
Employment or Income Proof
Travel Itinerary

Valid Passport

Your Indonesian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK • At least one blank page for visa sticker; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Clear, legible personal information page] (Tip: Include any previous passports with travel historyPassport does not need 6 months validity, just validity for your stay)

Online Application Form

Complete the online visa application form on the official UK government website • Fill all sections accurately; • Information must match passport and supporting documents; • Print and sign the completed form] (Tip: Save your application reference numberReview all answers before submitting)

Passport-Size Photograph

Recent colored photograph meeting UK visa specifications • 45mm x 35mm in size; • Plain light grey or cream background; • Face clearly visible, no glasses; • Taken within the last 6 months] (Tip: UK photo requirements differ from Indonesian passport photosProfessional photos from VFS Global centers are recommended)

Biometric Appointment

Attend an appointment at VFS Global Indonesia to provide fingerprints and photograph • Book appointment after submitting online application; • Bring original passport and printed application form; • VFS Global centers located in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali] (Tip: Book appointment well in advance during peak travel seasonsArrive 15 minutes early with all documents)

Bank Statement

Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your UK trip • Last 6 months of transaction history; • Show regular income and stable balance; • Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, and daily expenses] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to applicationAccounts should be in your name)

Employment or Income Proof

Evidence of your employment status and income source • Employment letter stating position, salary, and approved leave dates; • For self-employed: business registration and tax returns; • For students: enrollment letter from institution] (Tip: Letter should be on company letterhead with contact detailsInclude any evidence of property ownership or assets)

Travel Itinerary

Detailed travel plans showing your activities in the UK • Flight booking or reservation (can be provisional); • Accommodation details for entire stay; • Day-by-day itinerary if possible] (Tip: Hotel reservations should show guest name and datesIf staying with family/friends, provide their details and invitation)

Optional documents

TB Test Certificate

Tuberculosis test certificate from approved clinic in Indonesia • Test must be done at UK-approved clinics in Indonesia; • Valid for 6 months from test date; • Required for stays over 6 months] (Tip: Not required for standard tourist visits under 6 months)

Comparison

Visa Type	Fee (GBP)	Fee (IDR approx.)	Validity
Standard Visitor	£127	IDR 2,500,000	6 months
Long-term 2 Year	£500	IDR 10,000,000	2 years
Long-term 5 Year	£895	IDR 18,000,000	5 years
Long-term 10 Year	£1,115	IDR 22,000,000	10 years

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
25%	Weak Ties to Indonesia
20%	Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
12%	Unclear Travel Purpose
8%	Previous Immigration Issues

35% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with regular income and a stable balance sufficient to cover your entire trip. Avoid large unexplained deposits before applying.

25% - Weak Ties to Indonesia

How to avoid: Provide evidence of employment with approved leave dates, property ownership documents, family ties, or ongoing business commitments in Indonesia.

20% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents match your application. Ensure dates, names, and figures are consistent across all documents.

12% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Provide a detailed travel itinerary with specific places you plan to visit and activities. Include confirmed accommodation bookings.

8% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. If you have a history of refusals, address them directly in a cover letter explaining the circumstances and changes.

Frequently asked questions

Do Indonesian citizens need a visa for the UK?

Yes, Indonesian citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option for Indonesian passport holders.

How much does a UK tourist visa cost for Indonesians?

The Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 (approximately IDR 2.5 million) for visits up to 6 months. Long-term visas are available: 2-year (£500), 5-year (£895), and 10-year (£1,115).

How long does UK visa processing take for Indonesians?

Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) from your biometrics appointment. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.

What documents do I need for UK tourist visa from Indonesia?

Required documents include: valid passport, completed online application, passport photo, bank statements (6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary with accommodation bookings, and evidence of ties to Indonesia.

Where do I apply for UK visa in Indonesia?

Apply online through the UK government website, then book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global Indonesia. Centers are located in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali.

How long can I stay in the UK on a tourist visa?

The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) still limit each visit to 6 months maximum.

Do I need a TB test for UK tourist visa?

No, a TB test is not required for standard tourist visits under 6 months. It is only required if you plan to stay longer than 6 months.

What is the UK visa approval rate for Indonesian applicants?

The approval rate is approximately 78% for Indonesian applicants with complete documentation. Strong financial evidence and clear ties to Indonesia significantly improve approval chances.

Can I work on a UK tourist visa?

No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not allow paid employment in the UK. You can attend business meetings, conferences, or training, but cannot take up employment.

What happens if my UK visa is rejected?

You can reapply immediately with improved documentation. Review the refusal letter to understand the reasons and address them in your new application. There is no mandatory waiting period.

Can I extend my UK tourist visa while in the UK?

Standard Visitor Visas generally cannot be extended beyond 6 months. You must leave the UK before your visa expires and apply for a new visa from Indonesia if you wish to return.

Apply for United Kingdom tourist visa online

Sources

UK Government - Standard Visitor Visa

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

UK Government - Coming to UK from Indonesia

https://www.gov.uk/world/coming-to-the-uk-indonesia

Home Office Immigration Fees

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table

VFS Global Indonesia

https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/id/en

At a glance