Starting May 29, 2025, foreign nationals in Indonesia will be required to appear in person at an immigration office to renew their stay permits. This new regulation also applies to travelers holding a Visa on Arrival (VoA).
Previously, the extension process could be completed entirely online. However, renewing a Stay Permit in Indonesia will now require the applicant to be physically present at an immigration office.
Like foreigners holding a “KITAS” temporary residence permit (work, family, retirement, investor, student, etc.), travelers entering Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) must also undergo this new formality to extend their visa.
Indonesia: new online and in-person procedure for Stay Permit extensions
In a press release issued today, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration announced a new regulation governing the management of Stay Permits for foreign nationals in the country.
“Referring to Circular Letter Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 Year 2025, which will be effective starting May 29, 2025, foreign nationals in Indonesia are required to undergo photo capture and an interview at the immigration office when applying for a stay permit extension,” stated the immigration authority.
Authorities clarified that before visiting the immigration office, foreign nationals must submit their extension application and upload the required documents online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
“This procedure also applies to foreign nationals holding a visa on arrival (VoA),” the agency added.
“Minimize the potential for misuse of stay permits” in Indonesia
Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, said that this policy aims to “minimize the potential for misuse of stay permits, maintain orderly immigration administration, and supervise the role of foreign guarantors.”
He emphasized that the decision was based on a comprehensive review that revealed a high rate of permit abuse and guarantor negligence.
“We initiated this adjustment to the stay permit extension procedure by thoroughly evaluating the results of a comprehensive assessment by the Directorate General of Immigration. We found that the number of stay permit abuses and guarantors who did not fulfill their responsibilities was still high,” Yusman said.
Data supporting the new policy
Data from the Directorate General of Immigration shows a significant rise in Stay Permit violations. Between January and April 2025, 2,201 foreign nationals were involved in administrative violations, compared to 1,610 during the same period in 2024 — a 36.71% increase.
In joint operations with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) in the first quarter of 2025, 546 foreigners were found to be misusing their Stay Permits, and 215 fraudulent or problematic companies had their licenses revoked.
The immigration authority reminded that guarantors are legally responsible for the whereabouts and activities of the foreign nationals they sponsor in Indonesia. They are also required to report any changes in civil status, immigration status, or address.
Support measures for vulnerable groups
In its announcement, the Directorate General of Immigration stated that individuals belonging to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those in emergency situations, may complete their application, document submission, and payment directly during the interview at the immigration office. No appointment is needed, and staff will be available to assist.
Yuldi Yusman also urged all foreign nationals undergoing the permit renewal process to provide accurate information during their interviews with immigration officers to avoid potential issues later. “We remind foreign nationals to provide accurate information to officers to avoid future problems,” he warned.
Agus Andrianto, Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, stated that with this policy in place, “the Directorate General of Immigration hopes to strengthen the supervision system over the presence and activities of foreign nationals in Indonesia, and ensure that all immigration processes comply with applicable legal provisions.”
