Komodo National Park Entry Permit 2026: Complete Booking Guide

How the Komodo Entry Permit System Works in 2026

Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry overhauled the Komodo National Park entry system to balance tourism revenue with conservation goals. The new system replaces the previous walk-in ticketing with a mandatory digital pre-booking process through the SiORA platform. Each visitor must register individually, upload identification documents, and select specific dates and zones within the national park. The permit covers entry to designated areas including Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and various snorkeling and diving sites within park boundaries.

The system divides the park into multiple zones, each with its own daily capacity limit. Zone A covering Komodo Island and its famous dragon viewing areas accommodates fewer visitors than Zone B which includes Rinca Island and surrounding waters. This zoning approach ensures that no single area becomes overcrowded while still allowing a meaningful number of visitors to experience the park each day. Rangers are stationed at every entry point to verify digital permits before allowing access.

Step-by-Step SiORA App Registration

Download the SiORA app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store and create your account using a valid email address and phone number. Complete the identity verification by uploading a clear photo of your passport for foreign visitors or KTP for Indonesian citizens. Once verified, which typically takes one to three hours, you can browse available dates and zones. Select your preferred visit date, choose the zones you wish to explore, and complete payment through the integrated payment gateway which accepts major credit cards, bank transfers, and selected e-wallets.

Permit Pricing Breakdown 2026

Foreign visitor weekday permits cost IDR 700,000 approximately USD 44 per person per day. Weekend and public holiday permits for foreign visitors increase to IDR 1,000,000 approximately USD 63 per person. Indonesian domestic visitors pay significantly reduced rates of IDR 150,000 on weekdays and IDR 250,000 on weekends. Children under twelve receive a fifty percent discount on all permit categories. These fees include basic park entry, ranger guide services for dragon trekking areas, and access to designated snorkeling zones within the national park.

When to Book Your Komodo Entry Permit

Peak season months from April through October see the highest demand for entry permits, with popular dates often selling out two to four weeks in advance. We strongly recommend booking your permits at least thirty days before your planned visit during these months. Shoulder season months of March and November offer better availability and can often be booked one to two weeks ahead. Low season months from December through February typically have same-week availability, though specific holiday periods around Christmas and New Year require earlier booking.

If you are booking a yacht charter with us, our concierge team handles all permit bookings on your behalf as part of our all-inclusive service. This eliminates the hassle of navigating the booking system yourself and ensures your permits are secured well in advance of your charter dates. We monitor availability daily and can advise on the best dates for both permit availability and optimal weather conditions.

What Your Komodo Entry Permit Includes

Your entry permit provides access to the designated zones for one full day from six in the morning until six in the evening. Included in the permit fee are professional ranger guide services for all dragon trekking activities on Komodo and Rinca islands. Rangers are mandatory companions for any terrestrial exploration within the park and serve as both safety escorts and knowledgeable wildlife interpreters who can spot dragons, water buffalo, deer, and various bird species that visitors might otherwise miss.

The permit also covers use of basic park infrastructure including marked hiking trails, viewing platforms, rest areas with shade structures, and designated beach access points. Toilet facilities are available at major stopping points on Komodo and Rinca islands. Photography is permitted throughout the park, though drone usage requires a separate permit that must be applied for at least two weeks in advance through the park management office in Labuan Bajo.

Tips for a Smooth Permit Experience

Always carry a screenshot or offline copy of your digital permit as mobile signal can be unreliable within the national park. Arrive at your first destination early in the morning to avoid the heat and catch wildlife during their most active hours. Wear closed-toe shoes for dragon trekking as the terrain includes rocky paths and dry brush. Bring sufficient water as vendors within the park charge premium prices. Most importantly, follow your ranger guide instructions at all times as Komodo dragons are wild predators that demand respect and safe viewing distances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Komodo Entry Permits

Can I buy a Komodo entry permit on arrival in Labuan Bajo?

No, walk-in permits are no longer available as of 2025. All visitors must pre-book through the SiORA app before arriving. Last-minute bookings may be possible during low season but are not guaranteed during peak months. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance.

How many days is a Komodo entry permit valid for?

Each permit is valid for one calendar day only. If you plan a multi-day trip within the national park, you need to purchase a separate permit for each day. Multi-day packages are available at a slight discount when booked together through the SiORA platform.

Do children need a separate entry permit?

Yes, all visitors regardless of age need a valid entry permit. Children under twelve years old receive a fifty percent discount on the standard permit fee. Children must be accompanied by adults at all times within the park especially during dragon trekking activities.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my Komodo entry permit?

Cancellations made more than seven days before the visit date receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee. Cancellations within seven days receive a fifty percent refund. No refunds are available for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the visit date. Weather-related closures by park authorities result in automatic full refunds.

Is the Komodo entry permit the same as the Komodo dragon viewing fee?

Yes, the entry permit includes access to dragon viewing areas on both Komodo and Rinca islands along with mandatory ranger guide services. There is no additional fee specifically for viewing Komodo dragons. However, specialized activities like scuba diving within park waters require an additional diving permit fee.

What happens if I arrive without a valid entry permit?

Without a valid digital permit verified in the SiORA system, park rangers will not allow you to disembark at any landing point within Komodo National Park. Your boat captain will need to take you to an alternative destination outside the park boundaries. This is strictly enforced with no exceptions.