The Department of Immigration in Indonesia has confirmed that they are cutting visa processing times. As requested by President Joko Widodo, visa extension processing times have been cut with immediate effect. It is hoped that this will make extending and renewing visas easier for travelers and long-term international residents.
The visa extension process in Indonesia has long been acknowledged as too lengthy. The latest update cuts visa extension processing times down to 2-4 days after completing all relevant steps to the application, rather than 14-days.
Reports from the Department of Immigration confirmed that the processing time cuts are for KITAS and extensions for visas on arrivals. Processing times are changing as of this week for new extension applications. Those applications already in the pipeline will be processed according to the rules when they were submitted.
The policy updates have been outlined in the lengthily titled document ‘Circular (SE) of the Director General of Immigration regarding Immigration Policies to Simplify the Bureaucracy, Simplify and Accelerate Residence Permit Services to Support Policies to Increase Foreign Investment in the Country’.
The policy updates affect both visas on arrival and immigration residence permits (KITAS). The 2-4 day processing time starts once payment for the visa has been completed and the biometrics and photos have been uploaded onto the Immigration Management Information System.
Regarding the Immigration Stay Permits (like visa on arrival), as reported within Indonesia, the policy document confirms: ‘The stages of data identification and verification as well as photo and fingerprint biometric data collection are carried out within a maximum period of 2 working days from the date of payment of immigration fees in accordance with statutory regulations’.
The document confirms that ‘in the event that biometrics and identity verification are not required, the permit processing will be completed within 2-days’.
In terms of the Immigration Residence Permit (KITAS), the process is slightly different, as the application requires approval from the Director General of Immigration, but the new processing time remains 2-4 days with a confirmation of application success or rejection on day five after the process begins. This news comes as a relief to many KITAS holders for whom the process of application, extension, and reapplication is often complex.
The policy continues ‘Sending the application letter for approval from the Director General of Immigration electronically through the Immigration Management Information System is carried out on the same day as the identification and verification of data as well as photo and fingerprint biometric data collection.’ If no biometrics are required, the process will take 2-3 days.
‘Completion of the application for immigration stay permit services is carried out within a maximum period of 1 working day from the date the decision of the Director General of Immigration is received electronically through the Immigration Management Information System in the Immigration Office stage flow’.
It remains the case that citizens from 86 countries can pay for their visa on arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The visa costs IDR 500,000 and is valid for 30-days. This visa can be extended one time for a further 30-days, with a processing time of 2-4 days.
Travelers are welcome to complete the visa extension process themselves, though it still requires three visits to Immigration, just over a shorter period of time. If travelers seek the support of a legitimate visa agent, they may only be required to visit Immigration in person one time.
The B211a socio-cultural ‘digital nomad’ visa must be applied for online via the Indonesian Immigration website from outside Indonesia. The visa is valid for 60 or 180-days. The 60-day visa can be extended in the country until 180-days are fulfilled. The processing time for the B211a visa is also 2-4 days.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Wayan Bo
Saturday 24th of September 2022
Anyway, more visitors can be expected after Indonesia is becoming a visa free country.
Firechef
Monday 26th of September 2022
@Wayan Bo, would be the logical way to go, charge the fee when entering Bali and don't limit the time staying. Would encourage more expats and their money to make Bali their permanent home.
Iwan setiawan
Saturday 24th of September 2022
I hope dat immigration can do it ,coz as I know ,theres rats around .
Exp
Saturday 24th of September 2022
In summary appears the procedure has not been made easier. Still required with 3 visits to immigration office.
They have just compressed the processing time. Shorter processing is good for VoA, but for KITAS it does not matter much.
The visa application process should be simplified and modernized so the applicant can manage and not having to rely on rather expensive agents.