Your Complete Guide to Artist Visas C7, C7A, C7B, and C7C for 30 Days in Indonesia
Indonesia is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic destinations for music, arts, fashion, and performance. Whether it’s Bali’s lively resort venues or Jakarta’s global stages, foreign artists are regularly invited to perform, exhibit, or take part in creative events. However, before taking the stage or showcasing your work, it’s critical to secure the right visa for legal entry and participation.
If you’re planning to perform, exhibit, or create in Indonesia, understanding the C7 visa series — including C7, C7A, C7B, and C7C — is essential. These visas are designed specifically for foreign individuals or groups involved in short-term creative, cultural, or professional artistic engagements.
At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in assisting artists, performers, event organizers, and creative agencies with legal compliance in Indonesia. This guide covers everything you need to know about the C7 visa categories and how to legally work in Indonesia for up to 30 days.
What Are C7, C7A, C7B, and C7C Artist Visas?
Indonesia’s immigration law outlines several subcategories under the C7 visa class for short-stay purposes. For foreign nationals involved in entertainment, exhibitions, or promotional appearances, the following visa types are most relevant:
C7A Visa – Issued to foreign musicians, singers, dancers, or stage performers for live performances.
C7B Visa – Designated for models or fashion industry participants taking part in shows, shoots, or events.
C7C Visa – Granted to foreign painters, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals who are invited to exhibit or participate in artistic projects.
C7 Visa (General) – Used for various cultural and non-commercial engagements not covered under specific subcategories.
Each visa type is valid for a maximum of 30 days, non-extendable, and single-entry only.
Who Needs These Visas?
If you are a foreigner planning to:
Perform music, dance, or drama at events or festivals
Work as a model in runway shows or photo/video productions
Participate in an art exhibition, photo showcase, or gallery display
Attend a cultural program or short-term creative workshop
Do a film shoot, documentary, or commercial project in Indonesia
Then you must apply for a C7 series visa appropriate for your activity.
Using a tourist visa or visa on arrival to engage in any of these activities is illegal. It can lead to fines, deportation, or blacklisting.
What Activities Do Each Visa Type Cover?
C7A Visa – Performers and Entertainers
This visa is required for:
Singers, bands, musicians
DJs and electronic artists
Dancers (traditional or modern)
Theatrical performers
Circus or stage show artists
It applies to any type of public or private performance held in clubs, hotels, private villas, concert venues, or festivals.
C7B Visa – Models and Fashion Industry
This visa is intended for:
Runway and fashion models
Participants in advertising photoshoots
Professionals involved in promotional filming
Brand ambassadors for events
If you’re invited to take part in commercial fashion events or brand campaigns, this is the visa for you.
C7C Visa – Visual Artists and Creators
This category supports:
Painters and sculptors
Photographers and videographers
Filmmakers and documentary crews
Designers participating in exhibitions
If you are coming to Indonesia for artistic creation or to participate in art-based showcases, C7C is the appropriate visa.
C7 Visa – General Non-Commercial Engagements
Used for miscellaneous short-term cultural or educational purposes not falling strictly under A, B, or C.
Why You Should Not Use a Tourist Visa
Some artists believe they can use a tourist visa or visa on arrival to perform or participate in an event. This is a serious mistake. Any commercial or public activity — even if unpaid — must be backed by the proper visa.
Using a tourist visa can result in:
Immigration detention
Fines and deportation
A ban on reentering Indonesia
Legal consequences for the organizer or venue
To avoid this, The Bali Lawyer provides full-service legal assistance to ensure your work in Indonesia is fully compliant.
Validity and Conditions of C7 Artist Visas
Duration: Maximum 30 days
Extension: Not extendable
Reentry: Single-entry only
Conversion: Cannot be changed to another visa (e.g., KITAS)
Sponsorship: Requires an Indonesian legal entity as a sponsor
The sponsoring company can be an event organizer, production house, hotel, or entertainment agency.
If you do not have a local sponsor, The Bali Lawyer can act as your official sponsor through our registered network.
Requirements for Applying
To obtain a C7, C7A, C7B, or C7C visa, the following documents are typically required:
From the Applicant (Artist):
Clear passport copy (valid for 6+ months)
CV or profile with recent photo
Proof of artistic background (portfolio, previous work)
Flight details and accommodation (if available)
From the Indonesian Sponsor:
Invitation letter with full event details
Company registration documents (NIB, NPWP)
Event permit or approval letter (if applicable)
Signed statement of responsibility
We assist in collecting, reviewing, and submitting all required documentation to the Directorate General of Immigration.
Application Process
Document Preparation
Both parties (applicant and sponsor) must provide complete and correct paperwork.
Online Submission
The Bali Lawyer submits the application through Indonesia’s immigration portal.
Telex Visa Issuance
Once approved, a visa approval letter (telex) will be issued and sent to the Indonesian Embassy in your home country.
Visa Collection
You will pick up your visa at the designated embassy before flying to Indonesia.
Arrival and Reporting
Upon arrival, you may perform, model, or exhibit as per the visa conditions.
This process generally takes 7–10 business days, but faster processing may be available upon request.
What Happens After the 30 Days?
Once the 30-day period expires, you must exit Indonesia. Overstaying a C7 visa can result in daily fines and restrictions on future entry. If you need to return for another performance or project, a new visa must be applied for through the proper channel.
If your event spans multiple months or locations, a different visa type (such as a KITAS or Work Permit) may be more suitable. Contact our legal consultants for tailored guidance.
Benefits of Using The Bali Lawyer
Fast and Accurate Visa Processing
Experienced Legal Team with knowledge of the entertainment and creative industry
End-to-End Service from document gathering to embassy coordination
Legal Sponsorship Available for individuals or groups
Emergency Handling for urgent or last-minute projects
We make it our priority to help artists enter Indonesia legally, smoothly, and without hassle.
When Should You Apply?
To avoid delays, it’s best to start your application at least 3 weeks before your scheduled event or arrival date. Last-minute bookings are possible in some cases, but expedited processing may incur additional fees.
Who We Support
Our clients include:
Independent musicians and DJs
International dance groups and visual artists
Creative production teams
Fashion show models
Event agencies and performance coordinators
Whether you are booked for one show or several in different cities, we can manage your legal entry every step of the way.
Final Checklist Before Applying
Are you participating in a performance, exhibition, shoot, or fashion event?
Is your activity scheduled to last 30 days or less?
Do you have a valid passport and sponsor in Indonesia?
Do you need help with legal sponsorship or event compliance?
If the answer to any of these is yes, The Bali Lawyer is here to help.
Start Your Visa Process Now
Don’t let paperwork or visa confusion derail your creative project or performance in Indonesia. Work with a legal team that understands your needs and the urgency of event deadlines.