Bali Tourists Impacted By Major Change To Visa Rules Effective Immediately  

Share The Article

A major set of rule changes to the visa extension processing system has just been issued to tourists and long-stay visitors traveling to Bali and the Indonesian archipelago.

Effective 29th May 2025 all visa applications must begin with online registration, followed by in-person document verification and biometrics at an Immigration Office.

This new hybrid system feels like a return to the old way of visa extensions in Indonesia which required tourists, long-stay visitors, business travelers, and socio-cultural visa holders to visit an Immigration Office three times in order to complete the visa extension process.

In 2024 it became possible for tourist to extend their eVisa on Arrival, and many other visa categories entirely online marking a major shift for Indonesia Immigration towards a fully digitalised system.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi (@ditjen_imigrasi)

However, with Indonesia Immigration noting a sharp rise in the number of foreigners breaking the conditions of their visas and engaging in illegal activities, the Directorate General of Immigration has implemented a new Hybrid Application System which has come into effect immediately.

http://evisa.imigrasi.go.idThe Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman, outlined the policy changes stated in the newly issued Circular Letter Number IMI-417. GR.01.01 Year 2025 which will be effective from May 29, 2025. He confirmed that tourists and long-stay visits in Bali who are seeking to extend their visas and residency permits must first register their application online via the Official Indonesia Immigration website. This is the same website where tourists can make their application for the eVisa on Arrival.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Directorate General of Immigration (@indonesiaimmigration)

Tourists must click ‘extend my visa’ and follow the steps on the screen. The site is available in English and is both mobile and desktop-friendly. When starting the extension application process applicants should have their passport at the ready.

Yusman explained, “The procedure also applies to foreigners who hold a visa on arrival or VoA.” It is also now possible for extension applications to be completed on a walk-in basis, though the same steps apply. At the first walk-in visit to an Immigration Office applicants will be required to fill out the extension registration form and will be called back to the immigration office a maximum of two working days after the registration. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Directorate General of Immigration (@indonesiaimmigration)

Similarly, once the online form has been completed, applicants will be called to their closest immigration office a maximum of two working days after online registration. These new rules are applicable to all immigration offices in Indonesia and all extendable visa categories. 

Yusman told reporters that a priority service will be on offer for applicants who are elderly, disabled, pregnant, breastfeeding women, or those in an emergency situation. The entire process can be completed on a walk-in basis, and within the priority service, the whole process can be completed with additional assistance from immigration officers, including the registration form and biometrics, in one visit.

Indonesia Immigration has revealed the key reason for the sudden changes in visa extension policy.

Between January and April 2024, Indonesia Immigration processed 1,610 immigration enforcement cases. In the same period in 2025, this has risen to 2,201 cases of immigration enforcement, which is a 36.71% increase. 

During the biometrics and document verification visit, applicants may be asked questions about their intentions for the duration of their visit and the reasons for visiting Indonesia.

While Indonesia Immigration has not stipulated that additional paperwork should be prepared, it is not uncommon for visa extension applicants to be asked about their onward travel plans, place of residence within Indonesia, and, in some cases, proof of financial means of support. 

As Indonesia continues to crack down on foreigners breaking the law and abusing the visa system, more changes could be on the horizon. The most appropriate visas for holidaymakers traveling to Bali are the VoA and eVoA.

The VoA can be applied for prior to arrival in Bali, and the VoA can be acquired at Bali Airport. The visa costs IDR 500,000 is valid for 30 days, and can be extended once for 30 days following the new Hybrid Application System.