Indonesia Implements New Visa Extension Rules with Online Registration and Biometrics

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia’s visa extension rules changed May 29, 2025, requiring online registration and in-person biometric checks.
• Affected visa types include VOA, e-VOA, ITK, ITAS/KITAS, and socio-cultural permits nationwide.
• Applicants must attend 2-3 immigration visits; agents cannot complete extensions; biometric checks prevent fraud.

Indonesia Tightens Visa Extension Rules: What Tourists and Long-Stay Visitors Need to Know in 2025

Indonesia 🇮🇩 has introduced major changes to its visa extension rules, affecting millions of tourists and long-stay visitors. As of late May and early June 2025, the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration now requires all applicants to register online and then appear in person for biometric checks at immigration offices. This shift marks a clear move away from the fully online processes that many travelers enjoyed in 2024. The new rules aim to strengthen immigration controls and reduce visa violations, but they also mean more steps and time for those wishing to stay longer in Indonesia.

Let’s break down what these changes mean, how the new process works, and what travelers and expats should expect moving forward.

Who Is Affected and When Did the Rules Change?

The new visa extension rules took effect on May 29, 2025 in Bali and rolled out across the country by June 1, 2025. The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration, led by Acting Director General Yuldi Yusman, is responsible for enforcing these requirements. The changes are outlined in Circular Letter Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 Year 2025.

The rules apply to:
– Tourists using Visa on Arrival (VOA) or electronic VOA (e-VOA)
– Short-term visit visa holders (ITK)
– Temporary Stay Permit holders (ITAS/KITAS)
– Socio-cultural visa holders
– Other long-stay visitor permit holders

Whether you’re a backpacker in Bali, a retiree in Yogyakarta, or a business visitor in Jakarta, these new steps will affect your ability to extend your stay.

Why Did Indonesia Change Its Visa Extension Rules?

In 2024, Indonesia 🇮🇩 made it easier for visitors to extend their visas by allowing online applications and agent-based services. However, the government noticed a rise in visa violations, including overstays and misuse of visitor permits. This led to concerns about security and the integrity of the immigration system.

To address these issues, the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration decided to require biometric checks—collecting fingerprints and photographs—during the extension process. The goal is to:
– Reduce visa fraud
– Prevent illegal stays
– Improve monitoring of foreign visitors

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a broader effort to balance digital convenience with stronger security and control over who remains in the country.

How Does the New Visa Extension Process Work?

The new process combines online registration with mandatory in-person visits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you need to do:

1. Online Registration

• Go to the official Indonesian Immigration website to start your visa extension application.
• The website supports English and works on both computers and smartphones.
• Select “extend my visa” and fill in your personal and passport details.
• Submit your application online.

2. Appointment Invitation

• Within 2 working days of registering, the nearest immigration office will contact you.
• You’ll receive an invitation to schedule an in-person appointment.
• The office location is based on your current address or where you are staying.

3. In-Person Visit(s) for Biometric Checks

• You must appear in person at the designated immigration office.
• During your visit, immigration officers will:
  • Collect your fingerprints
  • Take your photograph
  • Check your original documents (passport, visa, and any supporting papers)
• In most cases, you may need to visit the office 2 to 3 times to complete the process. This can include initial biometrics, document review, and final approval.

4. Completion and Collection

• Once all checks are done, your visa extension will be processed.
• You’ll be notified when your passport and visa are ready for collection.
• No agent or third party can complete the process for you—personal attendance is required at every step.

Key Points to Remember:
– Online registration is only the first step—you cannot finish the process remotely.
– Biometric checks are mandatory for all applicants.
– Multiple visits to the immigration office may be necessary.
– Agent-based extensions are no longer allowed.

What Documents Will You Need?

While requirements may vary slightly by visa type, you should prepare:
– Your original passport
– A copy of your current visa or stay permit
– Proof of your address in Indonesia 🇮🇩 (hotel booking, rental agreement, or sponsor letter)
– Recent passport-sized photographs (if requested)
– Any supporting documents specific to your visa (such as a sponsor letter for socio-cultural visas)

Always check the latest requirements on the official Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website before your appointment.

What Are the Practical Implications for Travelers and Expats?

The new visa extension rules bring several important changes for anyone planning to stay in Indonesia 🇮🇩 beyond their initial visa period.

More Time and Effort Required

• Multiple visits: You’ll need to visit the immigration office at least twice, sometimes three times.
• Travel to offices: Immigration offices may be far from tourist areas, especially in places like Bali or Lombok.
• Longer processing times: The process is no longer instant or fully online.

No More Agent Shortcuts

• In the past, many travelers used agents to handle visa extensions. Now, only you can complete the process.
• Agents can still help with paperwork, but you must appear in person for biometric checks and document verification.

Stricter Enforcement

• Indonesian immigration is now more actively checking for visa violations and overstays.
• Even unintentional overstays can lead to fines, deportation, or bans from re-entering the country.
• It’s important to start your extension process early—at least a week before your visa expires.

Nationwide Coverage

• The rules apply everywhere in Indonesia 🇮🇩, including popular destinations like Bali, Sumatra, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Lombok.
• No region is exempt, so all visitors must follow the same steps.

Why Are Biometric Checks Important?

Biometric checks—collecting fingerprints and photographs—are now a central part of the visa extension process. According to the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration, these checks help:
– Confirm the identity of each applicant
– Prevent people from using fake documents or multiple identities
– Track visa holders more accurately

This move is in line with global trends, as many countries now use biometrics to improve border security and reduce illegal stays.

What Do Immigration Experts and Officials Say?

Acting Director General Yuldi Yusman has explained that the new rules are necessary to protect Indonesia’s borders and ensure that only genuine visitors can extend their stay. He points out that biometric checks make it much harder for people to overstay or use false identities.

Some immigration experts agree that these steps are needed to maintain the integrity of the system. However, there are concerns from the tourism industry that the extra bureaucracy could discourage some visitors, especially those who value convenience and flexibility.

How Do These Rules Compare to 2024?

In 2024, Indonesia 🇮🇩 made it easy for tourists and long-stay visitors to extend their visas online. Many people used agents to handle the process without ever visiting an immigration office. This digital system was popular, especially among digital nomads and retirees.

However, the rise in visa violations and illegal activities led to a policy change. The new hybrid system—online registration plus in-person biometric checks—tries to keep some digital convenience while adding stronger security.

What Should You Do If You Need to Extend Your Visa?

If you plan to stay in Indonesia 🇮🇩 beyond your initial visa period, here’s what you should do:

1. Start Early: Begin your online registration at least a week before your visa expires.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather your passport, visa, proof of address, and any other required papers.
3. Check Office Locations: Find out where your nearest immigration office is and plan your travel.
4. Be Ready for Multiple Visits: Set aside time for at least two or three trips to the office.
5. Follow Up: Keep track of your application status and respond quickly to any requests from immigration officers.

What Happens If You Overstay or Break the Rules?

Indonesia 🇮🇩 takes visa violations seriously. If you overstay your visa, even by a day, you could face:
– Fines: Daily penalties for each day you overstay
– Deportation: Forced removal from the country
– Entry bans: You may not be allowed to return for a set period

It’s important to follow the new visa extension rules closely and avoid any unintentional overstays.

What About Future Changes?

As of July 2025, there are no signs that Indonesia 🇮🇩 will roll back these rules anytime soon. The government may look for ways to make the in-person process smoother, but biometric checks and personal attendance are expected to remain in place.

Travelers and long-stay visitors should plan for these steps when considering extended stays in Indonesia 🇮🇩.

Summary Table: New Visa Extension Rules (2025)

Where to Get Official Information and Help

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always use the official Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website. This is where you’ll find the online registration platform, office locations, and the latest announcements.

If you have questions or run into problems, contact your nearest immigration office directly. Staff can help explain the process and let you know what documents you need.

Key Takeaways for Travelers and Long-Stay Visitors

• Start your visa extension process early to avoid last-minute problems.
• Prepare for in-person visits and biometric checks at your local immigration office.
• Don’t rely on agents—you must appear in person for all steps.
• Stay informed by checking the official immigration website for updates.

By following these new visa extension rules and understanding the reasons behind them, you can make your stay in Indonesia 🇮🇩 smoother and avoid any legal trouble. The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration is working to keep the country safe while still welcoming visitors from around the world.

For more detailed analysis and updates on global immigration policies, VisaVerge.com reports that travelers should always check official sources and plan ahead to ensure compliance with changing rules.

Practical Steps:
– Visit the official Indonesian Immigration website to begin your online registration.
– Gather all required documents before your appointment.
– Allow enough time for multiple visits and processing.
– Contact your local immigration office if you have questions or need help.

By staying prepared and informed, you can enjoy your time in Indonesia 🇮🇩 without visa worries.

Learn Today

Visa Extension → The process of prolonging a visa’s validity beyond its initial expiration date.
Biometric Checks → Collection of fingerprints and photographs to verify identity during immigration processes.
VOA (Visa on Arrival) → A visa granted to travelers upon entering Indonesia at designated points of entry.
ITAS/KITAS → Temporary Stay Permits issued to foreigners allowing longer residence in Indonesia.
Directorate General of Immigration → Indonesian government agency managing immigration rules, permits, and visa enforcement.

This Article in a Nutshell

Indonesia revamped visa extensions in 2025, now requiring online applications plus mandatory in-person biometric checks to reduce fraud. Multiple visits to immigration offices are necessary, ending agent-based renewals. This hybrid system balances digital convenience with stricter security, impacting tourists and long-stay visitors nationwide in significant ways.
— By VisaVerge.com