Fixing Indonesia eVOA application issues: what travelers need to know

The Indonesia electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) is meant to make travel easier, but small mistakes can cause frustrating setbacks. Missing documents, invalid passport details, or issues with payment can slow everything down.

This guide highlights the most common eVOA problems travelers face and how to fix them quickly. Whether you're applying for the first time or trying to resolve a rejected application, you’ll find clear, helpful answers below.

Common reasons Indonesia eVOA applications fail

These are the top reasons Indonesia eVOA applications get delayed or rejected.

1. My eVOA got rejected because of the photo

The Indonesia Immigration system has strict photo requirements, and it’s not just about the size. We’ve seen photos rejected for:

• Poor lighting or shadows

• Accessories like glasses or hats

• Smiling or cropped faces

• Incorrect background color

The fix: If you're applying on your own, make sure your photo follows ICAO standards. You’ll need a clear background, neutral expression, and no accessories. If you're applying with us, we check your photo before submission and flag anything that could get it rejected.

2. I made a mistake in my passport details

Typos are easy to make but hard to fix once submitted. A wrong passport number, name, or expiry date can invalidate your application.

Here’s what it affects:

• Immigration can deny entry when you land

• Your visa may be rejected

• You’ll need to reapply, which delays your trip

The fix: If you catch the error early, go back and correct it before submitting. If the application has already been submitted, you’ll need to start over. When you apply with us, we help spot these mistakes ahead of time so you don’t waste time or money.

3. I applied, but my eVOA never arrived

Sometimes, everything seems fine - documents are submitted, payment is made - but the visa never shows up.

Here’s what could be happening:

• Your confirmation email went to spam

• There was a delay in processing because of public holidays or high volume in the system

• Your payment was flagged and held by your bank

• The files you uploaded were too large or unreadable

The fix: Check your spam or junk folder. You can also use your confirmation number to follow up through the Indonesian portal. If you applied with iVisa, use your dashboard to see real-time updates, and we will follow up with you if anything gets stuck.

4. My payment failed or I was charged twice

Visa fees are usually small, but when a payment fails or goes through twice, it’s frustrating, especially when the transaction doesn’t match up with a successful application.

Here’s what causes it:

• Your bank blocked the transaction

• A currency mismatch triggered a fraud alert

• A timeout during submission led to a duplicate charge

The fix: Contact your bank to check the transaction. If you applied on your own, reach out to the customer support on the Indonesian portal. If you applied with us, we resolve payment issues fast and refund you if needed.

Bonus mistake: Choosing the wrong visa type

If you're heading to Indonesia for a short stay, the eVOA is usually the right fit. But Indonesia offers a few different options:

• A tourist evisa (for longer stays or multiple entries)

• A Visa on Arrival (which you get at the airport, but not always ideal)

• Other special-purpose visas (not for tourism)

Choosing the wrong one could mean reapplying from scratch or even being denied entry.

The fix: Fill out the form below and we’ll guide you to the right visa based on your trip type, nationality, and how long you plan to stay.

Why apply with iVisa?

We’re not the Indonesian government; we’re a private visa service provider and we’ve helped over a million people get their travel documents right the first time. That experience matters, especially when the details can mean the difference between a smooth entry and being turned away at the border.

With a 96% approval rate and an average 4.7-star Trustpilot score, you can trust us to simplify the Indonesia visa application process and give you peace of mind.

“I ran into issues uploading my passport photo on the government site, and it kept rejecting my application. Applying through iVisa made everything easier. They flagged the issue before submission and fixed it fast. Got my eVOA without delays.” — Daniel M, Australia

Indonesia eVOA FAQs

1. Why was my Indonesia eVOA application rejected?

Rejections usually happen because of incorrect or incomplete information. The most common reasons include a passport photo that doesn't meet official standards, typos in your passport number or name, or uploading blurry or unreadable documents. That’s why it’s important to review everything carefully before submission.

2. How do I fix an error in my submitted eVOA application?

Unfortunately, once your application is submitted, you can't go back and edit it. If you entered the wrong information, like a passport number or travel dates, you’ll need to submit a new application.

3. What should I do if I didn’t receive my Indonesia eVOA email?

First, check your spam or junk folders. If it’s not there, go back to the immigration portal or your iVisa dashboard to track the status. In some cases, processing can be delayed due to high demand or technical issues.

4. Can I reapply for an Indonesia eVOA if my first application failed?

Yes, you can submit a new application if your first one was rejected. Just make sure the issue that caused the rejection, like a photo error or incorrect detail, is fixed. If you’re not sure what went wrong, applying with us can help. We’ll review everything before submission to make sure it meets Indonesia’s requirements.

Still have questions?

Our customer support team is available to answer your questions about the Indonesia eVOA or traveling to Indonesia in general. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.