The Directorate General of Immigration in Indonesia had launched a significant modification to its visa extension procedure. Starting from 29th May 2025, all international citizens, regardless of the type of visa, are required to visit an immigration office in person to extend their stay.
This recent law, highlighted in a press release showing Circular Letter Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 the Year 2025, is applied to people with:
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) and e-VoA
- Temporary Residence Permits (KITAS) for job, retirement, family, study, or investment.
The modification aims to strengthen supervision, reduce permit mismanagement, and enforce immigration compliance.
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What Is Modifying For Travelers In Indonesia
Currently, international citizens can extend their stay permits completely online via Indonesia’s immigration webpage. However, beginning on 29th May, the procedure comprises the following:
- Online request through visa.imigrasi.go.id
- Upload the document before going to the immigration office.
- Compulsory appearance for a picture capture and in-person interview.
The combination system is applied to both temporary tourists using a Visa-on-Arrival and long-term residents.
Reasons For The Change: An Increase In Permit Offenses
According to Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, the current process is dependent on a rapid increase in offenses.
- Between January and April 2025, 2,201 international citizens were found to have committed immigration violations, a 36.7 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
- In a joint inspection with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), authorities revealed:
- 546 international citizens mismanaging permits.
- 215 firms with withdrawn licenses because of false activities,
Yusman made it known that the modifications are relevant to controlling abuse, ensuring accountable support, and enhancing immigration account-keeping.
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Special Assistance For Vulnerable Candidates
Indonesia is taking steps to support individuals who may face challenges during these changes. The following groups can complete the whole procedure, which includes reimbursement and document presentation, on-location without a booking:
- Elderly persons
- Individuals with disabilities
- Nursing moms and pregnant women
- International citizens in emergency conditions.
Immigration staff will be available to help these candidates throughout the process.
Major Reminders For International Citizens
- Be truthful: Immigration officers request that candidates provide accurate information at the time of the interview to prevent complications.
- Guarantor obligations: Sponsors are required to account for any modification in the civil status, address, or immigration condition of international citizens they sponsor.
- Failure to adhere may lead to legal consequences for both entities.
What This Implies For Travelers And Ex-pats
Whether you are a digital nomad, student, retiree, or tourist arriving in the country with a Visa on Arrival (VoA), the new laws apply uniformly. This has to do with:
- Scheduling time to show up at the immigration office physically
- Make plans for your visa renewal well in advance of expiration.
- Getting ready with all the necessary documents and honest responses.
For individuals unfamiliar with Indonesian bureaucracy, it is advisable to consult a licensed immigration consultant or a local supporter.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s current actions demonstrate a growing trend among nations to tighten border regulations and reduce visa-related abuses. While the new in-person condition may be uncomfortable for some travelers, they intend to boost the prestige of the immigration system.
