New Immigration Rules in Indonesia: In-Person Visit Now Required to Extend Visa or ITAS

by: Visa Agency
On: May 22,2025

Starting in May 2025, new immigration rules take effect in Indonesia. According to Circular Letter No. IMI-417.GR.01.01 issued by the Directorate General of Immigration, all foreign nationals are now required to visit an immigration office in person to extend their stay.

Download the official circular (PDF)

When Do the New Rules Take Effect?

The circular was signed on May 15, 2025, and becomes effective on May 28, 2025 (14 days after issuance).

Who Is Affected?

These changes apply to:

Foreigners holding a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS / KITAS)
Tourists and short-term visitors on Visit Stay Permits (ITK)

What Is Now Required?

All foreign nationals must:

Appear in person at the immigration office
Undergo photo capture and fingerprinting
Answer questions from immigration officers
Verify their current address matches the one submitted in the application

Why Were These Changes Introduced?

The Indonesian government states that the new process is designed to:

Reduce visa violations
Track the location and activities of foreign nationals across regions
Ensure transparency in the processing of stay permits
Strengthen national security and improve immigration oversight

The circular officially cancels previous relaxed regulations that allowed remote or proxy-based visa extensions.

What You Need to Know

In-person visits are now mandatory even for the renewal of existing visas or ITAS
Processing times may increase
Exceptions are still available for elderly individuals, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and emergency cases
Make sure to check which immigration office you need to visit — it depends on your residential address in Indonesia.

In Bali, biometric procedures (photo and fingerprint capture) are conducted based on your location:

At the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office — for southern areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua
At the Denpasar Immigration Office — for central and eastern areas such as Ubud, Sanur, and Gianyar
At the Singaraja Immigration Office — for the northern part of Bali including Lovina, Bedugul, Kubutambahan, and nearby areas