Indonesia Suspends Fully Online Visa Renewals, Requires In-Person Visits

Indonesia has suspended its fully online visa renewal system for foreign nationals, shifting to a hybrid model that now requires an in-person visit to immigration offices across the country. The move, announced by the Directorate General of Immigration, affects all types of visa extensions, including Visa on Arrival (VoA), electronic VoA (e-VoA), and Temporary Residence Permits (KITAS). Effective immediately, foreign nationals seeking to renew their stay must first submit applications online and then appear in person for biometric data collection and a short interview.

The decision is part of a broader effort by Indonesian authorities to tighten immigration procedures and improve oversight of foreigners living or traveling in the country. According to government data, there has been a sharp increase in immigration violations this year, prompting stricter enforcement and more thorough vetting processes. From January to April 2025, Indonesia recorded 2,201 immigration violations—a 36.7 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024. Among these were over 500 documented cases of permit misuse, often involving illegal employment or misrepresentation of sponsorship information. Authorities also revoked the licenses of more than 200 companies found to have been complicit in fraudulent visa sponsorship schemes.

Previously, foreigners could complete the visa extension process entirely online, using the country’s official portal, evisa.imigrasi.go.id. This streamlined system was especially popular in tourist hubs such as Bali, where thousands of digital nomads, long-stay tourists, and expatriates frequently extend their visas. However, the convenience of a fully digital process also led to loopholes that some individuals exploited to bypass immigration rules.

The new hybrid procedure requires all applicants to first submit their visa extension application online, uploading necessary documents and paying the applicable fees. Once the application is submitted and processed, applicants are given an appointment at a designated immigration office where they must appear in person. During this visit, officials will take biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial photos—and conduct a brief interview to confirm the applicant’s intentions and legal status in the country.

This additional step is aimed at reducing identity fraud and increasing accountability among foreign nationals. By verifying physical presence, immigration officials hope to ensure that those renewing their stay in Indonesia are doing so legally and transparently.

To mitigate the inconvenience of the new system, Indonesia has made accommodations for vulnerable individuals who may find it difficult to appear in person. These include elderly foreigners, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Additionally, those facing emergency situations may receive special assistance at immigration offices. For these groups, immigration staff will provide on-site help with registration, document verification, and payments, eliminating the need for prior appointments.

The new requirement comes at a time when Indonesia is experiencing a surge in foreign arrivals, particularly to popular destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta. The change is expected to affect both short-term tourists and long-term residents, including remote workers and retirees who often rely on visa renewals to maintain their legal stay in the country.

Officials have advised travelers to plan ahead, as the requirement for in-person appearances may lead to increased wait times at immigration offices, especially during peak tourist seasons. Scheduling an appointment promptly after submitting the online application will be essential to avoid overstaying penalties or last-minute visa issues.

While some in the expatriate community have expressed frustration over the added bureaucracy, others understand the government’s rationale. Critics argue that the sudden transition may create confusion, particularly for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with the Indonesian immigration system. However, immigration officials have stated that the change was necessary to maintain the integrity of the visa system and ensure national security.

Travel agencies and immigration consultants in Indonesia are now advising clients to allocate more time and budget for visa-related matters. Some agencies are even offering in-person support services to help clients navigate the new hybrid process.

Despite the extra steps, the government maintains that the hybrid model strikes a balance between convenience and control. The online application remains in place to simplify document submission and reduce paperwork, while the in-person visit serves as a necessary checkpoint to validate the applicant’s identity and intentions.

Foreign nationals currently residing in Indonesia or planning an extended visit are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated procedure by visiting the official immigration website. Those unsure about their visa status or renewal eligibility should seek assistance well before their current permit expires to avoid legal complications.

Indonesia’s immigration authorities have reiterated their commitment to welcoming foreign nationals who respect local laws and contribute positively to society. The new visa renewal process, they say, is not meant to discourage visitors but to ensure that the country remains a safe and well-regulated destination for all.