Indonesia: How many visits to the Indonesian embassy/consular office does it take a US citizen to get a visa?

I am German not American but there shouldn't be a big difference: I applied for a "social budaya" Visa, which is basically a Visa that allows you to stay in Indonesia for a few month. I applied for that Visa several times and in different locations due to several different visits to Indonesia Germany: After having collected all necessary material I had to go to the Consulate and hand in my passport. Three days later I could pick it up again. Hong Kong: it takes at least 4 days Sigapore: usually 3 days Malaysia: 2 hours. Hand in the material in the morning and pick up the visa in the afternoon So usually 2 visits was enough, I never needed more. If you visit the embassy/consulate make sure to wear proper clothes (closed shoes, long pants, shirt/blouse) or they might send you back. Make sure to bring all documents. I always bring some extra pass photos and a copy of my passport just in case. Also make sure to bring enough money or a credit cars. In Hong Kong I had to pay the fee in Indonesian Rupiah and therefor had to visit an Indonesian bank close by. Overall I didn't always have the best of times in the embassies but that seems to be the case for all embassies around the world for some reason. Just be polite and patient.

I’m Indonesian and I’ve assisted dozens of foreigners with their visas and work permits so I hope I can shed some light on this matter. In most countries you need to show up at the embassy twice – first to submit the documents (make sure you have the Indonesian immigration approval/telex for your business visa, copy of sponsor letter from the Indonesian company, and your passport) and then few days later to pick it up. However, some embassies, such as US, allow you to submit and receive the application via post. So you can choose whether you pick up the passport yourself or ask the embassy to mail it. Former option is definitely faster. @Adam Cohn. Visa on arrival is strictly for tourism purpose. If you go for business then you should get business visa plus after 3 visits you can get a multiple entry visa for a whole year.

I did this in August 2012 (I may actually have asked this question, I don't remember but it kind of looks like my style of writing...) I was able to accomplish it in one visit. It was a bit nervewracking giving them my passport but it came back in good order. I had to prepay for express shipping to return it to me. I looked into Visa On Arrival but since I was visiting the country for business and was visiting multiple times, getting one visa was a better approach for me. I don't know if things have changed since then.