Indonesia

Scope

Foreign non-commercial yachts may apply for a Vessel Declaration through the customs VDS system. This document also serves as a declaration for temporary import, guarantee and re-export.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Vessel Declaration

Foreign yachts in Indonesia must complete formalities at government-designated ports of entry/departure. Ministry of Transportation Regulation No. 14 of 2023 updated the list of designated ports/yacht marinas. Before departure, consult the current annex and confirm that the intended port can process yacht arrivals.

Pre-arrival notification

Submit vessel details through the VDS system at https://vds.beacukai.go.id/ Customs requirements depend on the application and confirmation from the receiving port.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Vessel Declaration

Noonsite's 2026 Indonesia yacht guide says people aboard must hold the applicable Indonesian visa or entry authorization; some visa categories require a sponsor. It also recommends that all visitors submit the All Indonesia Arrival Card within three days before arrival. Check visa categories and visa-free eligibility for each person according to nationality; do not rely on the vessel's flag alone.

Official local customs guidance says a vessel must be registered abroad, owned by a foreigner and imported by a foreigner or their representative, and must enter and leave through a designated port. Eligible temporary admission is allowed for up to three years. This period must not be treated as the crew's visa period.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Vessel Declaration

Indonesian regulations require foreign yachts, crew, passengers and baggage to undergo quarantine inspection. On arrival, submit the health/quarantine information requested by the responsible quarantine authority and cooperate with inspections. Confirm the current declaration method and requirements with the quarantine authority at the designated port of entry.

People entering the country and vessel crew must declare carried items as required; customs may inspect declared goods. Official traveller customs guidance identifies animals, fish, plants and their products; narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursors and medicines; firearms, air guns, knives, ammunition and explosives; and cash at or above the declaration threshold as categories requiring declaration or inspection. Passengers and crew arriving by vessel must also submit quarantine declarations and declare animals/animal products, fish/fish products and plants/plant products under quarantine rules, including applicable document, port and quantity requirements. A published customs service case involving a yacht shows that customs inspected its vessel declaration/manifest, weapons, medicines and other items on departure. This is an individual case, not a nationally applicable yacht inventory list. Public sources do not establish complete yacht-specific rules for private stores, weapons/medicines permits, drones, spearguns, antiquities or wildlife products. Before departure, confirm declarations, permits and quantity limits with customs and quarantine authorities at the intended port of entry.

Noonsite's 2026 guide says foreign yachts must first register in the Vessel Declaration System (VDS). It lists 28 customs-approved ports of entry but cautions that remote ports may not have full customs, immigration, quarantine and port-clearance capability. Before arrival, confirm local CIQP capacity and the current VDS process.

Noonsite's Indonesia yacht guide says Indonesian law does not impose national-level yacht arrival/departure clearance fees. Some ports may charge local fees that are not standardized; visa, health-document, agent and berthing charges are separate. Cruisers' reports of temporary charges are not official rates. Request receipts and confirm charges with customs or port authorities.