Certainly! Here’s a professionally written article about the new immigration regulations in Indonesia regarding visa extension procedures as of May 29, 2025:
New Immigration Regulation in Indonesia: In-Person Visa Extensions Now Required
Starting May 29, 2025, Indonesia has officially implemented new procedures for extending visas and stay permits for foreign nationals. These changes mark a significant shift in immigration policy, aiming to enhance security, enforce compliance, and improve the transparency of foreign residency in the country.
What’s Changed?
Previously, visa extensions could be handled entirely online, providing convenience for tourists, digital nomads, and expatriates. However, with the new regulation issued by the Directorate General of Immigration, in-person attendance is now mandatory for all extension applicants.
This update applies to:
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ITAS/KITAS (Temporary Stay Permits),
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ITK (Short-Term Visitor Visas),
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Visa on Arrival (VoA) and Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) holders.
New Extension Process – Step by Step
To extend a visa under the new rules, applicants must now:
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Submit the extension application online via the immigration system.
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Upload all required documents as per visa type.
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Visit the appropriate immigration office in person, based on your registered address.
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Undergo biometric verification, including:
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Fingerprint scanning
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Photograph session
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Answer standard questions posed by the immigration staff during the verification stage.
It’s crucial to check which local immigration office you should report to, as your place of residence determines jurisdiction.
Why the Change?
The Indonesian government cites security improvements and more effective monitoring of foreign visitors as key reasons for the update. By incorporating biometric verification and face-to-face interaction, authorities aim to:
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Reduce visa misuse and overstay violations,
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Improve the accuracy of foreigner data collection,
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Support national immigration policy enforcement.
What Foreigners Should Do
✔ Be proactive: Know your visa’s expiration date and apply for an extension early.
✔ Prepare all required documents before your immigration office visit.
✔ Stay informed on your local immigration office’s address, operating hours, and requirements.
✔ Follow official channels only — avoid unofficial agents or shortcuts that may risk your legal stay.
Conclusion
These new procedures represent a more structured and secure immigration process. While they may require more effort from travelers and expatriates, the long-term goal is to ensure a fair, safe, and transparent system for everyone residing or visiting Indonesia.
If you’re unsure about your visa status or need help navigating these new regulations, feel free to contact Lombok Visas. Our team is ready to assist you through every step of your extension process — with clarity, professionalism, and compliance.