Do Indonesian citizens need a visa to visit the UK?

Yes. Indonesians are visa nationals. You need a visa even for a short visit or tourist trip. For a longer move you apply for a category such as a Student, Skilled Worker, Spouse, or Global Talent visa before you travel.

Do Indonesian citizens need an English language test?

Yes. Indonesia is not a majority English-speaking country. You must take an approved English test for most routes. For a Skilled Worker visa you need CEFR B1 (B1 means intermediate level). A degree taught fully in English can sometimes be used instead of a test.

Can Indonesians apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

No. Indonesia is not a Youth Mobility Scheme partner country. Indonesian citizens cannot use that route. The main routes for young Indonesians are the Student visa and the Skilled Worker visa.

Where do Indonesians give biometrics for a UK visa?

VFS Global runs UK visa application centres in Indonesia. The main centre is in Jakarta, with further centres in Bali (Denpasar) and Surabaya. You book an appointment online after you complete your application on GOV.UK, then attend to give fingerprints and a photo.

How much does it cost for an Indonesian to move to the UK?

In 2026, a Student visa costs £490 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). A Skilled Worker visa costs £719 to £1,420 plus IHS of £1,035 per year (£776 per year for students). Including the English test and TB test, Indonesian applicants should budget a wide range of Indonesian rupiah. Check current fees on GOV.UK.

Moving to the UK from Indonesia: Complete Guide 2026

Q: Do Indonesian citizens need a TB test for a UK visa?

Yes. Indonesia is on the UK list of countries where a tuberculosis (TB) test is required. If you apply for a visa for more than 6 months, you must take a TB test at a clinic approved by the UK and include the certificate with your application.

Updated 9 June 202612 min read

What you need to know

•Indonesians are visa nationals — you need a visa even to visit.
•A TB (tuberculosis) test is required for any visa over 6 months.
•An English test is required for work and study routes (CEFR B1 for Skilled Worker).
•Indonesia is not a Youth Mobility Scheme country.
•Give biometrics at the VFS centre in Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya.

Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia. Indonesians are visa nationals, so you need a visa to enter the UK. Indonesia is on the UK list for TB testing, so a tuberculosis test is required for visas longer than 6 months. Indonesia is not a majority English-speaking country, so an English test is needed for most routes. This guide explains the main visa routes, the documents you need, and realistic costs in Indonesian rupiah.

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The Indonesian Community in the UK

The Indonesian community in the UK is smaller than some other Asian communities, but it is well established and growing. Most Indonesians in the UK live in and around London, with further groups in Manchester, Birmingham, and university cities such as Nottingham, Sheffield, and Coventry. Many arrive as students, and a steady number stay on to work.

The community is supported by the Indonesian Embassy in London, student associations such as PPI (Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia), and faith and cultural groups. These networks run social events, share housing and job information, and help new arrivals settle in. Indonesian restaurants and food stalls in London serve dishes such as nasi goreng, rendang, and satay, which helps the community keep its food culture alive.

Visa Routes for Indonesian Citizens

Student Visa

The Student visa is the most common route for Indonesians. UK universities are popular for postgraduate degrees in business, engineering, public policy, and Islamic studies. You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution and evidence of money for your tuition and living costs.

After you finish your degree, the Graduate route gives you 2 years of open work permission (3 years for a doctorate). Many Indonesians use this time to find a sponsored job and then switch to a Skilled Worker visa.

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa needs a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence. The employer gives you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The salary must meet the salary threshold of £38,700 in 2026, unless a lower rate applies to your job. Indonesian professionals in engineering, technology, finance, and healthcare use this route.

Spouse and Family Visas

If your husband, wife, or partner is a British citizen or has settled status, you can apply for a spouse visa. The UK-based partner must meet the financial requirement of £29,000 a year in 2026. This route leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa suits Indonesians who are leaders or promising talents in technology, science, engineering, the arts, or the humanities. You do not need a job offer or a sponsor. Instead, you need an endorsement from a designated UK body. This route gives a flexible way to live and work in the UK.

Document Requirements for Indonesian Applicants

Valid Indonesian passport. It must be valid for your planned stay.
Police clearance (SKCK). Some routes, such as work in health or education, ask for a Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK) from the Indonesian police. You may need it legalised for use abroad.
Legalised documents. Indonesia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2022. Public documents such as birth and marriage certificates can be apostilled by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for use in the UK.
Certified English translation. Any document in Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) must be translated into English by a sworn translator (penerjemah tersumpah).
Financial evidence. Bank statements and, if relevant, sponsor letters and scholarship award letters.

TB Test Required

Indonesia is on the UK list of countries that require a tuberculosis (TB) test. If you apply for a visa for more than 6 months, you must take a TB test at a clinic approved by the UK before you apply. The clinic gives you a certificate that is valid for 6 months. See our TB test guide for the full process and a list of approved clinics in Indonesia.

English Language Requirement

Indonesia is not a majority English-speaking country, so you must prove your English language ability:

Skilled Worker visa: CEFR B1 (B1 means intermediate)
Spouse visa (first application): CEFR A1
Spouse visa (extension): CEFR A2
ILR: CEFR B1

IELTS for UKVI is available in Jakarta and other Indonesian cities. If you hold a degree that was taught fully in English, this may meet the requirement without a separate test.

VFS Global Centres in Indonesia

VFS Global runs UK visa application centres in Indonesia:

Jakarta — the main centre, with the most appointment availability.
Bali (Denpasar) — serving Bali and the surrounding islands.
Surabaya — serving East Java.

At your appointment you give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) and submit your supporting documents. Book early during busy periods, such as July to September, when many students apply. See our visa application centre guide.

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Processing Times from Indonesia

Student visa: about 3 to 6 weeks
Skilled Worker visa: about 3 to 8 weeks
Spouse visa: about 8 to 24 weeks

Priority processing is sometimes available for an extra fee. Times can change, so check current guidance on GOV.UK before you apply.

Financial Evidence in Indonesian Rupiah

The Indonesian rupiah (Rp / IDR) needs careful handling because the numbers are large:

Student visa maintenance. You need £1,334 per month for study in London, or £1,023 per month for study outside London, for up to 9 months. In rupiah this is a large amount, so check the current exchange rate.
Bank statements. Provide 28 days of statements (Student visa) or longer for other routes, from a recognised Indonesian bank such as BCA, Mandiri, BRI, or BNI. The Home Office converts rupiah to pounds at the official rate.
Sponsor letters. If a family member is paying for your studies, include their bank statements and a signed sponsor letter.
Scholarship evidence. If you have an LPDP or other government scholarship, include the official award letter as financial evidence.
Avoid sudden deposits. Do not move large unexplained sums into your account just before you apply.

Costs for Indonesian Applicants

The figures below are 2026 UK fees in pounds. Convert them to rupiah at the current rate, and always verify on GOV.UK before you pay.

Student visa fee: £490
Student visa IHS (per year): £776
Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420
Skilled Worker IHS (per year): £1,035
English language test (IELTS): a local fee in rupiah
TB test: a fixed fee at an approved clinic, paid in rupiah
Document legalisation and translation: a local fee in rupiah

The rupiah totals are large, so plan ahead and exchange money carefully. See our UK visa fees guide for the full breakdown.

Practical Tips for Moving from Indonesia to the UK

Flights and Arrival

There are no direct flights from Jakarta to London, so most journeys go through a hub such as Doha, Dubai, Singapore, or Istanbul. The total trip usually takes 16 to 20 hours. Book early for the September student season, when seats fill up and prices rise.

Indonesian Community in the UK

The Indonesian community is friendly and well organised. Student associations (PPI) at most major universities help new arrivals find housing, share advice, and meet people. The Indonesian Embassy in London runs cultural events and consular services. Halal food is widely available across UK cities, and several Indonesian restaurants and shops serve the community.

Cultural Adjustment

The biggest change for most Indonesians is the weather. UK winters are cold, grey, and dark by mid-afternoon, which is very different from Indonesia's tropical climate. The cost of living, especially rent in London, is also high. Bring warm clothing and plan your budget carefully for your first few months.

After Arrival

Collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) or set up your eVisa as instructed
Apply for a National Insurance number
Open a UK bank account
Register with a GP for healthcare
Understand your employment rights
Register with the Indonesian Embassy in London

Path to Settlement and Citizenship

After 5 years on a qualifying visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must meet the continuous residence requirement, pass the Life in the UK test, and show CEFR B1 English.

After 12 months with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship. Indonesia does not generally allow adult dual citizenship, so check the rules carefully before you apply, because becoming British may affect your Indonesian nationality.

Next Steps

If you plan to study, start with the Student visa guide. If you have a UK job offer, read the Skilled Worker visa guide. If you are a leader in your field, look at the Global Talent visa guide. Do not forget to book your TB test before you apply.

For official information, visit the British Embassy Jakarta and the GOV.UK Student visa page.

This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.