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Do You Need a Visa for Batam or Bintan? (FAQ)

wgw 2025-10-10

Batam , Bintan , Indonesia visa , ferry schedule , travel tips

Do You Need a Visa for Batam or Bintan? (FAQ)

For most Singapore passport holders you do NOT need a tourist visa for Batam or Bintan — Indonesia grants visa-free entry to ASEAN passports for up to 30 days (non-extendable). Many other nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) before travel. Always check passport validity (6 months) and carry proof of onward/return travel.

Key details and exceptions (including special rules for Singapore Permanent Residents) are explained below so you know exactly what to do before you board the ferry.

Do You Need a Visa for Batam or Bintan? (FAQ) — The quick breakdown

Singapore passport holders: Visa-free (up to 30 days, non-extendable for visa exemption). Bring passport (valid ≥6 months) and return/onward ticket.
Other eligible nationalities: Many countries may obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at accepted seaports/airports or apply for an e-VOA online before travel (VOA fee typically IDR 500,000).
Singapore Permanent Residents (blue IC): There have been targeted local exemptions that allow short, visa-free stays for PRs visiting Batam/Bintan under specific conditions (example: limited 4-day entry rules reported for PRs). Check your ferry operator / Indonesian consulate before travel.

Who needs a Visa (simple rules)

Follow these three checks before you travel:

What passport do you hold? (Singapore passport = visa-free 30 days.)
Are you staying longer than 30 days or working? (You must get an appropriate visa from an Indonesian Embassy/Consulate before departure.)
Are you a Singapore PR or travelling on a different passport? (Special local rules may apply — confirm with operator/consulate.)

Most short weekend trips (2–4 days) from Singapore to Batam or Bintan will be covered by the visa-free rule for Singapore passport holders, or by VOA/e-VOA for many other passports.

Passport & document checklist (must-read)

Passport: at least 6 months validity from date of arrival in Indonesia.
Return or onward ticket (may be requested at immigration).
If you plan >30 days: apply for the correct visa BEFORE departure at an Indonesian consulate/embassy.
VOA / e-VOA: payment proof (card used for e-VOA) and printout / screenshot of e-VOA if you applied online.

What is the Visa on Arrival (VOA) and e-VOA? How much does it cost?

VOA: issued on arrival at approved ports (including many seaports). Standard VOA allows up to 30 days stay and can usually be extended once (one extension of 30 days) by applying at immigration offices in Indonesia.

e-VOA / Visitor Visa online: You can pre-pay/apply via the official Indonesian e-Visa portal and present verification on arrival. The common VOA / e-VOA fee is IDR 500,000 (approx; exchange rates vary).

Step-by-step: How to apply for an e-VOA (recommended if you want less queue time)

Go to the official e-visa site (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) and create an account.
Choose Visitor Visa / e-VOA and fill in personal, passport and travel details.
Pay with Visa/Mastercard/JCB (online payment window is timed—complete payment within the session).
Download/keep the e-VOA confirmation and show it to immigration on arrival if asked.
If you need help, contact the Visitor Visa support desk listed on the e-visa site.

Special rule: Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) — what to watch for

There were official and operator-level updates in 2024–2025 that allow Singapore PRs (blue NRIC holders) certain short-stay exemptions specifically for Batam, Bintan and Tanjung Balai Karimun. In some operator advisories this showed as a 4-day non-extendable short entry (PR must present physical Blue NRIC and in some cases enter together with PR family member). These are narrow, local rules — confirm with your ferry operator or the Indonesian consulate before travel.

Ferry schedule, crossing times & terminal tips

Ferries run multiple times daily between Singapore and Batam/Bintan. Typical crossing times and tips:

Singapore → Batam (HarbourFront / Tanah Merah to Batam Center / Sekupang / Nongsapura): ~45–70 minutes depending on route and operator.
Singapore → Bintan (Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan / Lagoi / Tanjung Pinang): ~60–90+ minutes depending on route and vessel type.
Ferries operate from early morning to late evening, frequency varies (many crossings per day on popular routes). Always check the operator (Batam Fast, Majestic, Sindo Ferry, Bintan Resort Ferries, etc.) for exact times and ticket classes before booking.
Arrive at the terminal at least 45–60 minutes before departure during peak periods (holidays/weekends).

Estimated costs (sample budget for a 2D1N weekend from Singapore)

Return ferry ticket: S$25–S$70 per person (economy vs premium / operator / season).
VOA / e-VOA fee (if applicable): IDR 500,000 (~S$40–S$50 depending on exchange rate).
Hotel / resort (2D1N): budget hotels from S$60, mid-range S$120–200, resorts higher (S$250+). See sample package links below.
Meals & tours: S$30–S$120 depending on dining choices and activities (spa, island tours, water sports).

Recommended packages (easy to book & include ferry options)

Here are a few popular, ready-to-book packages we recommend (ferry included on many):

Suggested itineraries & travel tips

2D1N Batam quick weekend (sample)

Day 1: Morning ferry → check-in → lunch at Nagoya Hill → spa or shopping (Nagoya Hill Mall) → sunset at a seaside resort → dinner.
Day 2: Morning city / cultural tour (Barelang Bridge or local markets) → lunch → ferry back to Singapore (afternoon/early evening).
Tip: Book a package that includes 2-way ferry + hotel to save time and guarantee seat/transfer.

2D1N Bintan beach break (sample)

Day 1: Morning ferry to Lagoi → check-in at resort → beach time → dinner at resort.
Day 2: Optional snorkel/lagoon trip or mangrove/firefly tour → return ferry afternoon.
Tip: Lagoi area is more resort-focused and family-friendly; pick resorts with land transfer included for smoother arrival. See Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry and similar packages for combo deals.

Entry process at the seaport (step-by-step)

Arrive at ferry terminal early (45–60 mins recommended).
Board ferry with passport, ferry ticket and any e-VOA confirmation.
On arrival at Batam/Bintan port, queue for immigration. Present passport and ticket/return-proof and e-VOA/VOA receipt if required.
Once cleared, collect luggage and proceed to customs/arrival hall.

Note: Immigration officers may ask for proof of accommodation and return ticket. Keep digital and printed copies handy.

Top FAQs (clear answers)

Q: Can I do a same-day return trip to Batam or Bintan from Singapore?

A: Yes — many people do same-day returns. Singapore passport holders remain visa-free for stays up to 30 days. Make sure ferry schedules match your plans and give yourself margin for immigration time.

Q: Can I extend a Visa on Arrival?

A: Yes — VOA can usually be extended once (extra 30 days) at immigration offices in Indonesia; e-VOA terms vary so check the e-visa portal or immigration office.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?

A: Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Some tour packages include basic insurance; check package details (many WeekendGoWhere packages include insurance for tours).

Q: Where can I confirm the latest visa rules?

A: Check the official Indonesian e-Visa / Immigration website and your ferry operator or the nearest Indonesian Consulate. Operator advisories (Bintan Resort Ferries, Sindo Ferry, etc.) sometimes publish local entry clarifications that matter for PRs and special ports.

Useful guides & related reads

Final travel tips & checklist

Confirm your nationality’s visa rules before booking (rules change). Official e-visa and consulate websites are the authority.
Pre-book e-VOA if you want less queue time — use the official portal and bring screenshots/printouts.
Book ferry + hotel package to simplify transfers — see packages above and choose ones with ferry + land transfer included. (Examples listed earlier.)
Bring cash (IDR) for small purchases, taxi tips and VOA payments if you buy VOA on arrival; card acceptance varies outside resorts.

If you want help picking the right package (hotel + ferry + transfers) we can recommend options based on travel dates and group size. ðŸ‘‰ Check our latest Bintan and Batam packages and WhatsApp us to book now.

Note: Immigration and local entry rules occasionally change. The guidance above is pulled from official Indonesian e-visa/immigration resources and operator advisories — always double-check with the Indonesian Immigration website or your ferry operator before you travel.