Having your Indonesia eVisa application rejected can be stressful, especially if your travel plans are already booked. Understanding the common reasons for rejection – and how to fix them – helps ensure your application is approved first time. This guide covers the most frequent causes of Indonesia eVisa rejection and how to avoid them.
Most Common Reasons for Indonesia eVisa Rejection
1. Passport Issues
Passport-related problems are the most common cause of rejection:
- Insufficient validity: Passport valid for less than 6 months beyond your intended entry date. Solution: renew your passport before applying.
- No blank pages: Insufficient blank pages for the entry stamp. Solution: ensure at least 1-2 blank pages remain.
- Damaged passport: Passports with torn pages, water damage, or illegible data. Solution: renew your passport.
- Name mismatch: Name on application does not exactly match passport. Solution: use your name exactly as it appears on the bio page.
2. Photo Problems
Non-compliant passport photos are a frequent rejection trigger:
- Dark or colored background (must be white/light plain)
- Glasses in the photo (not allowed since 2024)
- Photo too old (older than 6 months)
- Face not clearly visible, poor lighting, or shadow
- File size too large or wrong format (must be JPG)
- Low resolution (minimum 300 DPI)
3. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
- Missing return flight ticket or itinerary
- Hotel booking confirmation not attached
- Passport scan unclear or partially cut off
- Wrong travel dates entered (dates in the past, or dates that don’t match ticket)
4. Payment Issues
- Payment not completed (application submitted before payment confirmed)
- Card declined – common with some foreign bank cards on the Indonesian government portal
- Double payment / duplicate application (can cause system errors)
5. Nationality Restrictions
Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny or be ineligible for the eVOA:
- Nationalities not on the eVOA eligible list should apply for C1 Visit Visa
- Countries under Indonesian special immigration control (“calling visa required”) cannot use the online eVisa system
What to Do if Your Application Is Rejected
- Read the rejection email carefully: The email from imigrasi.go.id will specify the reason for rejection
- Check your application status: Log into the portal and check for any “Additional Documents Required” requests that you may have missed
- Fix the issue: Address the specific rejection reason (renew passport, retake photo, re-upload documents)
- Submit a new application: Create a fresh application – do not try to edit the rejected one
- Contact support: For unclear rejections, email info@imigrasi.go.id with your application reference
Tips to Avoid Indonesia eVisa Rejection
- Apply at least 10-14 days before your flight to leave time for resubmission if needed
- Use a flatbed scanner (not phone photo) for your passport scan for maximum clarity
- Take a new passport photo specifically for this application
- Double-check that all names, dates, and passport numbers exactly match your passport
- Ensure your return ticket dates are within your visa validity period
- Use a Mastercard or Visa for payment and make sure your card is enabled for international transactions
- Complete the entire application in one session without leaving the page inactive for too long
Can I Reapply After Rejection?
Yes – a rejection does not permanently bar you from applying again. Once you identify and fix the issue, you can submit a new application. There is no waiting period required.
If your application is rejected despite meeting all requirements, or if the rejection reason is unclear, contact the Indonesian immigration helpdesk at info@imigrasi.go.id or the hotline +62-21-54080808. For serious cases, contact the nearest Indonesian embassy.
Airport Alternative After Rejection
If your eVisa application is rejected and you cannot resolve it before your flight, you may still be able to obtain a VOA (Visa on Arrival) at the airport counter on arrival – provided your nationality is eligible. This is a valid fallback option. The fee is the same: IDR 500,000. See our application guide and requirements page to prepare correctly for your next application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my Indonesia eVisa rejected?
Common reasons: passport has less than 6 months validity, non-compliant passport photo (glasses, dark background), missing or unclear documents, incorrect personal details, or payment not completed. The rejection email from imigrasi.go.id will specify the reason.
Can I get a refund if my Indonesia eVisa is rejected?
The IDR 500,000 government processing fee is generally non-refundable. You will need to pay again when resubmitting a corrected application. Check with your payment provider as some card companies have dispute processes.
How do I appeal an Indonesia eVisa rejection?
There is no formal appeal process. Contact info@imigrasi.go.id with your application reference number to request clarification on the rejection reason. For complicated cases, the nearest Indonesian embassy can provide guidance.
