Filming in Indonesia? What You Need to Know About C14 & D14 Visas

Filming in Indonesia? Know Your Visa Options

Indonesia has become an increasingly attractive destination for international filmmakers, production companies, documentary teams, television crews, music-video producers, and other creative professionals. Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, and other Indonesian destinations offer diverse locations, from beaches and tropical landscapes to urban environments and cultural sites.

However, bringing a foreign production crew into Indonesia requires more than simply arranging flights and accommodation. The correct immigration status must match the purpose of the visit. For eligible film-making activities, C14 & D14 Visas are specific visitor visa categories that foreign production teams should understand before starting a project.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration currently lists both C14 and D14 as film-making and film-production visitor visas. C14 is a single-entry visitor visa, while D14 is a multiple-entry visitor visa.

Choosing between C14 & D14 Visas depends on the project's schedule, travel requirements, number of entries into Indonesia, and whether the foreigner may need a different immigration status for longer-term activities.

What Are C14 & D14 Visas?

C14 & D14 Visas are visitor visa categories designed for foreigners who intend to enter Indonesia for film-making and film-production activities.

According to the current immigration visa information, eligible activities can include producing:

• Films
• Music videos
• Reality shows
• Documentaries
• Television shows
• Radio shows
• Similar productions utilizing locations in Indonesia

The visa information also states that holders may visit tourist destinations and friends or family during their stay.

This makes C14 & D14 Visas particularly relevant to international production crews planning filming projects in Indonesia.

However, the visa category should not automatically be interpreted as a blanket authorization for every type of paid employment or commercial activity. If the production involves employment or activities requiring a work-related immigration status, additional requirements may apply.

C14: Single-Entry Film Production Visa

The C14 is a single-entry visitor visa for film-making and film-production activities.

Under the current immigration information, a C14 holder can initially stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days from the date of arrival. The stay permit can be extended several times, up to a total period of 180 days. Importantly, C14 is also eligible for conversion into a temporary stay permit (ITAS) with the same sponsor, subject to the applicable requirements.

This makes C14 potentially suitable for a production that requires an extended presence in Indonesia but does not require repeated exits and re-entries.

For example, a foreign documentary team conducting several months of filming in Bali or Lombok may consider C14 where the project structure and immigration requirements support it.

D14: Multiple-Entry Film Production Visa

The D14 is a multiple-entry visitor visa for film-making and film-production activities.

Like C14, D14 provides an initial stay of up to 60 days from arrival and the stay can be extended several times up to 180 days. The major difference is that D14 permits multiple entries into Indonesia. However, unlike C14, D14 cannot be converted into an ITAS.

Therefore, C14 & D14 Visas serve different practical purposes even though both cover film-production activities.

D14 may be more appropriate when production personnel need to enter Indonesia more than once during the validity of their visa, for example, when a project involves filming in several stages or requires travel outside Indonesia between production periods.

C14 vs D14: Which Is Better?

When comparing C14 & D14 Visas, the most important distinction is entry flexibility.

Feature

C14

D14

Visa type

Single entry

Multiple entry

Initial stay

Up to 60 days

Up to 60 days

Extensions

Up to 180 days

Up to 180 days

Film production

Yes

Yes

ITAS conversion

Possible, with same sponsor

Not permitted

Best suited for

Longer, continuous projects

Projects requiring repeated entry

The appropriate choice between C14 & D14 Visas should therefore be based on the actual production plan rather than simply choosing the visa with the longest validity.

The D14 visa can be issued with different visa validity periods, including one- and two-year options, with applicable government fees. Visa validity should not be confused with the permitted duration of each stay in Indonesia.

What Documents Are Required?

Foreign production teams should prepare their immigration documentation before arriving in Indonesia. The current D14 requirements published by Immigration include:

• Sponsor application and sponsor statement
• Valid travel document
• Proof of sufficient living expenses
• Recent color photograph
• Curriculum vitae
• Travel itinerary

The current Immigration information also specifies a bank statement showing at least USD 2,000 or its equivalent in the foreigner's or sponsor's name for the relevant application requirement.

Because C14 & D14 Visas require sponsorship, production companies should identify the appropriate Indonesian sponsor early in the planning process.

Do You Need Permission to Film?

Obtaining C14 & D14 Visas does not necessarily mean that a production can film anywhere it chooses.

The current D14 requirements specifically mention a permit from a government agency concerning the use of a location for filming or shooting activities in Indonesia.

This is an important distinction for foreign production companies. Immigration approval and location authorization can be separate matters.

Depending on the location, production type, and project circumstances, additional permissions may be required from relevant authorities, property owners, location managers, or other stakeholders.

Consequently, production planning should address both immigration compliance and location permissions before filming begins.

What About Paid Work?

One of the most important considerations when evaluating C14 & D14 Visas is the distinction between authorized visitor activities and employment.

Indonesia maintains separate work-related immigration categories, including a limited-stay visa for foreigners working in film-making. The current Immigration service information identifies E23K as the limited-stay work visa for film-making.

Therefore, production companies should assess the actual role performed by each foreign crew member instead of assuming that everyone involved in a production can automatically use a visitor visa.

The correct immigration arrangement may depend on the individual's role, activities, sponsor, remuneration, production structure, and duration.

Plan Your Production Before Arrival

For foreign filmmakers, C14 & D14 Visas can provide useful immigration pathways for eligible film-production projects in Indonesia. However, selecting the right visa is only one part of the compliance process.

Before production begins, companies should review the filming schedule, entry requirements, sponsorship arrangements, location permissions, crew activities, and potential work-related obligations.

Understanding C14 & D14 Visas before booking production travel can help prevent avoidable immigration problems, project interruptions, and compliance risks.

If your production will involve multiple locations, extended filming periods, or foreign crew members performing different roles, professional immigration and legal advice can help determine the appropriate structure.