Important Updates for Bali Tourists Extending Visas Over Christmas and New Year
As the holiday season approaches, tourists visiting Bali and planning to extend their visas or stay permits during Christmas and New Year must be aware of important updates regarding immigration office operations. With both Christmas and New Year recognized as public holidays in Indonesia, Bali’s immigration services will observe closures which impact both in-person and online applications.
Immigration Office Closures During the Festive Period
The Denpasar Immigration Office has officially announced that it will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 25th and 26th, 2025, in observance of Christmas Day. The office is scheduled to resume normal operations on Monday, December 29th, 2025. Tourists are strongly advised to plan their visa extensions accordingly and ensure all applications are filed well before their current permits expire.
Additionally, Indonesian immigration services will be unavailable on several other key dates during this period. These include the weekend days of December 27th and 28th, and January 1st, 2026, which marks New Year’s Day and is also a public holiday. Following this, the first weekend of the year on January 3rd and 4th will see further closures. Since immigration offices do not operate on weekends, the window for submitting paperwork is restricted in these final days of the year.
Key Advice for Visa Extension Applicants
Tourists and long-stay visitors intending to extend their visas should submit their applications well in advance. While it is technically permissible to lodge extensions on the day before a visa expires, this is ill-advised due to potential delays, errors, and the limited availability of immigration services during the holiday break.
Since May 2025, a new Hybrid Application System has been implemented for visa extension submissions. This system involves an initial online submission, followed by an in-person appointment at the nearest immigration office for biometric verification and document checks. Despite being in operation for over six months, some travelers have continued to encounter difficulties and mistakes under the new system. Bali immigration authorities emphasize that there should be no excuse for application errors at this stage.
Common Mistakes and Penalties
Indonesia Immigration officials report the most frequent errors made by travelers include:
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Applying too late, which risks incurring fines due to overstaying.
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Failing to update changes in stay status such as new addresses, sponsors, or passport details.
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Submitting incomplete documents resulting in rejected extensions.
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Incomplete or failed payments within the online system.
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Relying heavily on agents despite tourists being legally responsible for their applications.
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Omitting the mandatory online application step required by the Hybrid Application System.
Overstaying in Indonesia carries strict consequences. The immigration agency enforces a zero-tolerance policy with fines of Rp 1,000,000 (approximately USD 70) per day starting from the first day of overstay. Overstays exceeding 60 days may lead to deportation. There is no way to evade these fines, and all visitors must ensure they comply with immigration regulations.
Final Reminders for Tourists
Bali’s festive season brings tremendous joy, but travelers must remain vigilant regarding visa rules and deadlines. To avoid complications:
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Submit visa extension applications at least seven working days before expiration.
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Verify all documents and payment transactions before completing your application.
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Attend scheduled in-person appointments to finalize your extension.
By carefully planning and adhering to these guidelines, tourists can enjoy their Bali holiday with peace of mind, avoiding fines and disruptions to their stay.
For ongoing updates on Bali tourism and immigration matters, visitors are encouraged to monitor official immigration announcements and trusted local news sources.
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