Indonesia is home to one of the world’s richest religious, cultural, and educational landscapes. Every year, thousands of international students and participants travel to Indonesia to attend short-term religious courses, seminars, workshops, and learning programs. For these specific educational activities, the Indonesian government offers a dedicated visa category: the C9A – Religious Short Course Visa.
If you plan to learn, participate, or enhance your understanding of religion or religious activities in Indonesia, this guide provides a clear breakdown of everything you need to know in 2025.
The C9A visa is a short-term visa specifically designed for foreign nationals who want to join religious education programs, short courses, or religious training activities in Indonesia.
It is not a work visa or a long-term residency visa. Instead, it supports individuals who are visiting Indonesia temporarily for structured religious learning.
The C9A visa is ideal for:
Students attending short religious education programs
Participants joining seminars or workshops on religious studies
Guests invited by religious institutes or organizations
Foreign nationals attending cultural-religious exchanges
Individuals seeking short-term spiritual learning or training
This visa suits both individuals and groups traveling for educational purposes.
Legal permission to attend religious short courses in Indonesia
Fast processing due to clear and straightforward requirements
Fully online application through Indonesia’s official E-Visa system
Short-term stay, ideal for programs ranging from weeks to a few months
Suitable for students, scholars, and invited participants
The C9A Religious Short Course Visa typically includes:
Validity: 60–90 days (depending on program length)
Single-entry permission
Not extendable beyond the official course duration (unless specified by institution)
For longer religious studies, different visa categories apply (which you can request separately).
To apply for the C9A visa, applicants must provide:
Invitation letter from a registered religious institution or course provider in Indonesia
Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
Applicant’s recent photograph
Proof of payment for visa fees
Sponsor details (Indonesian organization or institute)
Course schedule or program outline
Return/onward travel plan
The Indonesian host institution usually plays a major role in sponsorship and documentation.
Your religious institution or organizer in Indonesia issues an official letter confirming your participation.
Upload all documents in high-quality, clear format.
All visa applications are now digital, making the process fast and accessible from anywhere.
Approval typically takes 3–7 working days, depending on sponsor and immigration workload.
Once approved, you receive your visa electronically and can travel immediately.
This visa does not allow employment or paid activities.
Activities must strictly match the declared course or program.
Overstaying may result in penalties or future visa issues.
Only recognized religious institutions can sponsor this visa.
Although the C9A visa has clear requirements, many applicants face delays due to:
Incorrect document formats
Incomplete sponsor information
Mistakes in the application portal
Misunderstanding of course eligibility
A professional visa consultant ensures:
Complete documentation
Accurate category selection
Faster approval
Stress-free processing
This is especially valuable for students or institutions inviting groups.
The C9A – Religious Short Course Visa is the best option for individuals visiting Indonesia for short-term religious learning. As Indonesia promotes cultural and educational exchange, this visa provides a simple and legal pathway to attend religious programs across the country.
If you want to study, participate, or explore religious education in Indonesia, the C9A visa offers a safe, valid, and structured entry route.