Indonesia Implements Hybrid Travel Visa Renewal Process from May 2025

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia ended fully online visa renewals on May 29, 2025, requiring a hybrid process with online and in-person steps.
• Immigration violations rose 36.7% in early 2025; over 500 fraudulent sponsorship cases triggered stricter visa renewal controls.
• Applicants must upload documents online, then attend biometric and interview appointments at local immigration offices nationwide.

Indonesia 🇮🇩 Ends Fully Online Visa Renewals: New Hybrid Process Now Mandatory

On May 29, 2025, Indonesia 🇮🇩 made a major change to its visa renewal system. The Directorate General of Immigration announced that all foreign nationals, no matter their visa type, must now follow a new hybrid visa renewal process. This means that the old system—where you could renew your visa completely online—is no longer available. Instead, everyone must complete both online and in-person steps to extend their stay. This change affects all regions of Indonesia 🇮🇩, including popular destinations like Bali.

Indonesia Implements Hybrid Travel Visa Renewal Process from May 2025

This policy shift comes after a sharp increase in immigration violations and widespread abuse of the online renewal system. According to the Directorate General of Immigration, the goal is to make the process more secure and transparent, protecting the country’s immigration laws and national security.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, residents, sponsors, and the immigration offices themselves.

What Changed and Why?

Who is affected?
All foreign nationals in Indonesia 🇮🇩 who want to renew or extend their visa, including those with Visa on Arrival (VoA), e-VoA, Temporary Residence Permits (KITAS/ITAS), business, student, retiree, and investor visas.

What changed?
The fully online visa renewal system is suspended. Now, everyone must use a hybrid process:
– Step 1: Apply and upload documents online
– Step 2: Attend an in-person appointment for biometrics (photo, fingerprints) and an interview

When did this start?
The new rules took effect on May 29, 2025.

Where does this apply?
Everywhere in Indonesia 🇮🇩, including Bali and all other regions.

Why was this change made?
Between January and April 2025, immigration violations jumped by 36.7% compared to the previous year. There were 2,201 cases, including over 500 cases of fraudulent sponsorship. The Directorate General of Immigration found that some people were abusing the online system to stay in the country illegally or use fake sponsors. In response, the government decided to require in-person checks to help stop these problems.

How does the new process work?
You start your application online, but you must also go to the immigration office in person for further checks.

Step-by-Step: Indonesia’s Hybrid Visa Renewal Process

Here’s how the new hybrid visa renewal process works for all foreign nationals:

1. Online Application

Go to the official e-visa website.
Register or log in to your account.
Fill out the application form and upload all required documents. These usually include:
- Your passport
- Current visa or stay permit
- Recent photo
- Proof of funds or financial support
- Any other documents required for your visa type
Pay the visa extension fee online. For example:
- VoA/e-VoA: IDR 850,000 (about $55)
- Business visa: IDR 2,850,000 (regular, 14 days processing) or IDR 3,300,000 (priority, 7 days processing)

2. In-Person Appointment

Schedule an appointment at the immigration office that matches your registered address. If you are elderly, disabled, pregnant, a nursing mother, or have an emergency, you can use the priority walk-in service without an appointment.
Bring your original documents to the appointment.
At the immigration office, you will:
- Submit your documents for verification
- Have your photo and fingerprints taken (biometric data)
- Attend a short interview with an immigration officer

3. Processing and Collection

After your appointment, wait for a notification—usually within two working days—about the next steps.
Once your renewal is approved, return to the immigration office to collect your passport and new visa or stay permit.

Special Note: Vulnerable groups (elderly, disabled, pregnant, nursing, emergencies) can complete the process in one visit with help from immigration officers.

Why Did Indonesia 🇮🇩 Make This Change?

The main reason for this shift is the sharp rise in immigration violations and abuse of the online system. According to Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration:

“Between January and April 2025 alone, we recorded 2,201 immigration violations, a 36.7% increase compared to the same period last year. We uncovered over 500 cases of misuse and revoked the licenses of 215 companies involved in fraudulent sponsorship practices. We’re asking for full honesty from all parties involved. This is about creating a more secure and transparent system that protects the integrity of Indonesia’s immigration laws.”

The government believes that requiring in-person visits will help catch fake documents, prevent illegal stays, and make sure sponsors are real. This move is also meant to bring Indonesia 🇮🇩 in line with other countries that use both online and in-person checks to control immigration.

Who Is Affected and How?

Foreign Nationals

No more fully online renewals: Everyone must go to the immigration office in person.
Longer processing times: The new process takes 7–14 working days, and possibly longer during busy periods.
Advance planning needed: You should start your renewal early to avoid overstaying.
Use the correct office: You must visit the immigration office that matches your registered address.
Vulnerable groups: Elderly, disabled, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and emergencies get priority service.

Immigration Offices

Increased workload: Staff must now handle more in-person appointments, biometric data collection, and interviews.
Priority lanes: Special help is available for vulnerable applicants.

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Visa on Arrival (VoA) and e-VoA: IDR 850,000
Business visa: IDR 2,850,000 (regular, 14 days) or IDR 3,300,000 (priority, 7 days)
Processing time: Usually 7–14 working days, but it may take longer due to the new in-person requirements

Tip: Always check the official e-visa website for the latest fees and processing times.

What Documents Do You Need?

While the exact documents depend on your visa type, you will usually need:

Valid passport
Current visa or stay permit
Recent passport-sized photo
Proof of funds (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Sponsor’s documents (if required)
Any other documents listed on the official e-visa website

Special Provisions for Vulnerable Groups

Indonesia 🇮🇩 has set up priority walk-in services for:

Elderly applicants
People with disabilities
Pregnant women
Nursing mothers
Emergency cases

These groups can complete the process in one visit, with help from immigration officers. This is meant to make the process easier for those who may have trouble with online systems or multiple visits.

Sponsors play a key role in the hybrid visa renewal process. They must:

Report any changes in the foreign national’s civil status (such as marriage or divorce), address, or immigration status
Make sure all information is accurate and up to date

If sponsors fail to meet these obligations, both the sponsor and the visa holder can face legal consequences. In 2025 alone, the Directorate General of Immigration revoked the licenses of 215 companies for fraudulent sponsorship.

What Does This Mean for Travelers and Residents?

For Tourists

You must plan your visa extension early and be ready to visit the immigration office in person.
Expect longer wait times, especially during busy travel seasons.

For Long-Term Residents

KITAS/ITAS holders and other long-term visa holders must also follow the new process.
Make sure your sponsor is aware of their new responsibilities.

For Businesses and Investors

Companies sponsoring foreign workers must keep careful records and report any changes quickly.
Using a licensed immigration consultant can help avoid mistakes.

Expert Opinions and Industry Reactions

Government:
Officials say the hybrid process is necessary to stop abuse and protect national security. They believe the new system will make it harder for people to overstay or use fake sponsors.

Travel Industry:
Some travel agents and tour operators worry that the new rules will make it harder for tourists to extend their stay, especially in popular spots like Bali. They are concerned about longer lines and more paperwork.

Legal Experts:
Lawyers point out that the hybrid system matches what many other countries do. However, they warn that there may be confusion and delays as people get used to the new steps.

Immigration Consultants:
Consultants recommend starting the renewal process early, using only licensed agents, and making sure all documents are correct. They also remind sponsors to follow the new reporting rules closely.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the hybrid visa renewal process in Indonesia 🇮🇩 is part of a global trend toward stricter immigration controls, but it may cause some short-term challenges for travelers and businesses.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

2024: Indonesia 🇮🇩 launched a fully online visa extension system. This made it easy for people to renew their visas without visiting an immigration office.
2025: A sharp rise in immigration violations and sponsor fraud led the government to suspend the online-only system.
May 29, 2025: The Directorate General of Immigration issued Circular Letter Number IMI-417.GR.01.01/2025, officially starting the hybrid process.

What’s Next? Future Outlook

Short-term:
Expect longer processing times and some confusion as everyone adjusts to the new system.

Medium-term:
The government may make changes to the process based on feedback from applicants and immigration officers.

Long-term:
Indonesia 🇮🇩 is likely to keep using digital tools, but in-person checks will remain important to stop abuse.

Where to Get Help and More Information

Official e-Visa Portal: evisa.imigrasi.go.id
Directorate General of Immigration: imigrasi.go.id
Local Immigration Offices: Addresses and contact details are available on the official website.
For Updates: Check official press releases and circulars from the Directorate General of Immigration.

Summary Table: Indonesia’s Hybrid Visa Renewal Process

Step	Action Required	Notes
Online Application	Register, upload documents, pay fee	evisa.imigrasi.go.id
In-Person Visit	Biometric data, interview, document verification	At local immigration office (by registered address)
Priority Service	Walk-in, one-visit process for vulnerable groups	Elderly, disabled, pregnant, nursing, emergencies
Sponsor Obligations	Report changes in status/address	Legal consequences for non-compliance
Processing Time	7–14 working days (may be longer)	Plan renewals well in advance

Key Takeaways and Practical Tips

Start early: Begin your visa renewal process well before your current visa expires.
Prepare documents: Make sure all your documents are complete and up to date.
Check fees: Confirm the latest fees on the official e-visa website.
Use the correct office: Go to the immigration office that matches your registered address.
Sponsors must report changes: Keep your sponsor informed and make sure they report any changes quickly.
Vulnerable groups get help: If you qualify, use the priority walk-in service for faster processing.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the Directorate General of Immigration’s official website.

Indonesia’s 🇮🇩 new hybrid visa renewal process is a big change for everyone involved. While it may take some time to get used to the new steps, the goal is to make the system safer and more reliable for all. By planning ahead and following the new rules, you can help make your visa renewal as smooth as possible.

Learn Today

Hybrid visa renewal process → A procedure combining online application steps with mandatory in-person biometric and interview verification at immigration offices.
Visa on Arrival (VoA) → A visa type granted at the point of entry allowing short-term travel without prior approval.
Biometric data → Unique physical characteristics like fingerprints and photographs used for identity verification in immigration.
Sponsorship → A legal obligation by an individual or company to support and report a foreign national’s migration status.
Directorate General of Immigration → Indonesian government agency responsible for immigration control, visa issuance, and enforcement policies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Indonesia replaced its fully online visa renewal with a hybrid system as of May 29, 2025. This aims to reduce fraud by requiring applicants to appear in person for biometrics and interviews, strengthening national security while continuing digital document submissions to streamline processing nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com