1.    An Application for Filming and Visa request is to be submitted to Republic of Indonesia Embassy or Consulate:

Documents to include:

a)    Covering Letter of Introduction from Production Company (including information of where/when to be broadcasted)

b)    Synopsis/Script

c)    Location List

d)    Filming Schedule

e)    Crew List (with Curriculum vitae and clear photocopy of passport (main details only)

f)     Equipment List (country of origin, serial #, value)

      Note: Indonesia does not honor ATA Carnet. A non-refundable Customs Clearance fee is required for equipment brought in as hand carry or excess baggage. A refundable Bond or Bank Guarantee is required for freighted equipment.

g)    Completed General and Journalist Visa application forms (two copies for each applicant) with original signature of the applicant, typed or written in black capital letters;

h)    Three recent passport-size photographs; two of them must be attached on the Visa Application Forms

i)      A signed statement for film/video shooting

j)      A signed statement of the list of equipment will be re-exported to the country of origin (Note: Indonesia does not honor ATA Carnet)

The Embassy / Consulate will review the information to ensure that all details are complete and prepare the documents for submission to Jakarta.

2.    Once the documents are deemed complete, they will be forwarded to Jakarta, RI Department of Foreign Affairs where there is a weekly Clearing House meeting to discuss applications. Departments included in the meeting are: State Intelligence (BIN, BAIZ), Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Department of Forestry, etc.

3.    First to be reviewed is the Visa request. After Visas are approved the Filming Permit is approved at the same time and issued within the next couple of days.

Note: If application review is not completed, it will be held over to the following Clearing House meeting scheduled. Clearing House Meetings are normally held every Thursday unless there is a holiday or other state business.

Please note that approval by the Indonesian authorities can take approximately three - four weeks. Check in directly (and regularly) with the Embassy/Consulate for the application status.

4.    If the application is deemed incomplete or additional information required, it will be sent back to the Embassy/Consulate and the Embassy/Consulate will contact the production company advising them of the additional information required.  

5.    If the Visa/Film Permit is approved, the Embassy/Consulate notifies the company to bring in crew passports to be stamped.

6.    If crew members listed on the initial application are arriving from different countries and this is noted on the application, they can collect their visa in the country of residence or origin.

7.    The Film Permit is collected by the crew upon arrival in Indonesia.

8.    Journalist visas are valid 30 days, Film Permit 30 days, and can be extended in country another 30 days.

9.    Once the National Permit is issued, additional Provincial Film Permit(s) are required for the areas listed, including any Conservation Area/National Park/Forestry Permits .

BALI FILM CENTER provides Production Companies professional assistance in expediting the above approval process. For more information on filming in Indonesia, please refer to ‘Guidelines’ Link