Indonesia tightens stay-permit extensions with in-person visits required from May 29

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has revised the stay-permit extension process for foreign nationals. As of 29 May 2025, all visa-extension applicants are now required to appear in person at an Indonesian immigration office to complete their applications.

This marks the end of a fully online process that allowed extensions to be completed without a visit. The new requirement is outlined in Circular IMI-417.GR.01.01.

Who Is Affected by the New Rule?

The rule applies to all foreign nationals currently living or visiting in Indonesia, regardless of visa type. This includes:

• Holders of the Visa on Arrival (VoA) and e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA).

• Those in possession of a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS), obtained for purposes such as employment, family reunification, retirement, investment, or study.

The updated process—now hybrid, combining online steps with an in-person appearance—applies equally to short-term tourists using a Visa on Arrival and long-term residents.

The revised extension process

The updated visa-extension process includes the following steps:

1. Submit the application online via evisa.imigrasi.go.id or through an established agency.

2. Upload required documents with the online submission.

3. Appear in person at the immigration office for a mandatory photo and in-person interview. Authorities emphasize that both the photo and interview are non-negotiable requirements.

Why the Change?

Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that this procedural update follows a thorough review and is a response to a rise in immigration violations. The policy aims to enhance control, reduce misuse of stay permits, maintain orderly immigration administration, and supervise the role of foreign sponsors. Speaking to persistent issues, Yusman cited ongoing high levels of unauthorized use of stay permits and sponsors failing in their duties. The changes are intended to curb abuse, increase sponsor accountability, and strengthen the immigration-tracking system.

Indonesian authorities provided the following statistics in support of the decision:

• Between January and April 2025, 2,201 foreigners committed immigration-related administrative offences—an increase of 36.71% compared with 1,610 recorded in the same four-month period in 2024.

• A joint investigation with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) during Q1 2025 also uncovered:r>

  • 546 cases of foreigners misusing their stay permits.

  • 215 company licenses revoked—some suspected of being fictitious or problematic entities.

In short, the measures could be loosened if compliance figures revert to previous norms.

Assistance for Vulnerable Applicants

Mindful that the in-person requirement may pose difficulties for certain groups, the Directorate General of Immigration has introduced assistance measures for vulnerable applicants. These individuals may complete the entire process—request submission, document upload, and payment—on site during the in-person interview, without a prior appointment and with staff support. Eligible groups include:

• Elderly persons (lanjut usia).

• Persons with disabilities (penyandang disabilitas).

• Pregnant women (ibu hamil).

• Breastfeeding mothers (ibu menyusui).

• Foreigners in urgent situations (sedang dalam kondisi mendesak).