If you have dual citizenship and want to change your passport while holding a valid KITAS or KITAP in Indonesia, it’s important to understand how this will affect your visa status. For instance, if you currently have a KITAS/KITAP with one citizenship and want to switch it to another, you will need to go through several necessary steps.
Can You Simply Replace the Passport in KITAS/KITAP?
The answer is No. If your citizenship changes (for example, from UK to Irish or from Russian to Turkish), you will need to go through the process of applying for a new KITAS or KITAP based on your new passport and citizenship.
- What Happens When You Acquire a Second Citizenship?
- If you gain dual citizenship, and you wish to use the passport from your new country, you will need to reapply for KITAS/KITAP.
- What Is the Process of Applying for a New KITAS/KITAP When Changing Citizenship?
- Surrender the old KITAS/KITAP: When changing citizenship, you must surrender your current KITAS/KITAP, as it is tied to your original citizenship.
- Submit a new application: After giving up the old KITAS/KITAP, you will need to submit an application for a new KITAS/KITAP with your new passport and citizenship.
- Leaving Indonesia
To apply for a new KITAS or KITAP, you will need to leave Indonesia. The process involves leaving the country, submitting your visa application with your new passport, and returning once your visa is approved. - A Popular Option: EVOA + Bridging Visa
Instead of leaving the country for an extended period, there is now a popular option to use EVOA (Electronic Visa On Arrival) for entry into Indonesia, then convert it to KITAS through a Bridging Visa. This allows you to stay in Indonesia while starting the process of applying for a new KITAS without leaving the country. - Waiting for KITAP
If you plan to eventually apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit), the waiting process for KITAP also starts from scratch, as the new citizenship requires a new application process.
Why Can’t You Just Replace the Passport in KITAS/KITAP?
Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship for foreigners, and visas (KITAS/KITAP) are tied to the citizenship in the passport. Therefore, when changing citizenship, you must go through the procedure of submitting a new application, as the data in the Indonesian immigration system will be updated accordingly.
Conclusion:
If you currently have KITAS or KITAP with one citizenship and want to switch to a passport from another citizenship, you will need to reapply for KITAS/KITAP. This process includes surrendering your old KITAS/KITAP, leaving Indonesia, submitting a new application with the new passport and citizenship, and waiting for the new visa. All previous extensions of your old KITAS or KITAP will be reset.
Key Takeaways:
- If you want to apply for KITAS/KITAP with a passport from another citizenship, you will need to go through the entire process from the beginning.
- Submitting a new KITAS/KITAP requires leaving Indonesia or using EVOA + Bridging Visa.
- Consulting with immigration specialists will help you avoid mistakes in the process.
Need Help?
If you need assistance with applying for a new KITAS or KITAP, or have any immigration-related questions, contact us at Flado Visa Agency. We are here to help you every step of the way!