Bali, May 31, 2025 — Travelers to Indonesia, take note: visa rules have changed once again. As of late May 2025, all foreign nationals wishing to extend their stay in the country must now appear in person at an immigration office. This significant shift affects holders of both Visa on Arrival (VoA) and the electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA), among other visa categories.
What’s changed?
Until recently, visitors could conveniently extend their e-VoA or VoA online through Indonesia’s official immigration portal. That option is no longer available. Under the newly implemented hybrid process, the extension now includes both digital and physical steps.
Here’s what the new process looks like:
- Submit an online application
Begin the visa extension process by registering and submitting your application at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. - Upload required documents
Upload key documents, including your passport, a passport photo, and proof of onward travel. - Attend an In-person appointment
Within two working days of your online application, you’ll be scheduled to visit a local immigration office for biometric data collection (photo and fingerprints) and a short interview.
This rule now applies not only to tourist visa holders but also to foreigners holding Temporary Stay Permits (ITAS/KITAS) across all visa categories, including work, retirement, family, investment, and study.
Why this change?
The Directorate General of Immigration cited a sharp 36.7% increase in immigration violations during the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Over 2,200 foreigners were found to be in violation of visa terms, and 215 companies had permits revoked due to misconduct or false information.
In response, the government introduced stricter monitoring protocols to ensure that those seeking to extend their stay are doing so legitimately and in accordance with national regulations. In-person appointments now serve as a verification step to help reduce fraud and improve oversight.
Who is affected?
The new rule applies to nearly all foreigners who want to extend their stay in Indonesia, including:
- Tourists with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA)
- Expats and residents holding ITAS/KITAS permits
- Digital nomads and remote workers seeking legal extensions
- Students and retirees on long-stay visas
Exceptions
Certain categories of individuals may still complete the entire process in person without a prior appointment. These include:
- Elderly individuals
- Pregnant women
- Persons with disabilities
- People with urgent health conditions or emergencies
Step-by-step: How to extend your visa
- Go online: Visit evisa.imigrasi.go.id and begin your extension application.
- Upload your documents: Submit a scan of your passport, a recent photograph, and other required documents.
- Watch for your appointment: Within two business days, you will be notified of your appointment date at the nearest immigration office.
- Visit the immigration office: Attend your scheduled appointment. Bring your original documents. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken, and a brief interview will be conducted.
- Wait for approval: After your visit, your extension will be processed. You will typically be notified via email or text message once your visa is ready for collection or download.
Key reminders
- One-time extension only: The VoA and e-VoA can each be extended only once for an additional 30 days, allowing for a total stay of 60 days.
- Penalties for overstay: Overstaying your visa will result in a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day.
- Don’t skip the interview: Failing to appear for your in-person visit will lead to rejection of your extension.
Final thoughts
This update is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to balance tourism growth with immigration control. While the new requirement may add a layer of complexity for travelers, it also reflects the country’s intention to ensure lawful and orderly long-term stays.
If you're planning to stay in Indonesia beyond your initial visa validity, be sure to prepare accordingly: begin the process early, ensure your documents are in order, and expect to make at least one visit to an immigration office.