New Visa Extension Rules for Tourists Visiting Bali: In-Person Immigration Visit Now Mandatory
Dubai, July 15, 2025 — Visitors planning to extend their stay in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia face a new requirement: an in-person visit to an immigration office as part of the visa extension process. This change, effective since last month, marks a shift from the fully online extension system introduced earlier this year.
Hybrid Extension System Introduced
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has implemented a hybrid visa extension system that combines online registration with mandatory physical appearances. While travelers must first apply online, all foreign nationals—including UAE residents and tourists holding an eVisa or Visa on Arrival (VoA)—are now required to visit an immigration office personally within two working days. During this visit, immigration officials will conduct document verification, capture biometric data such as photos and fingerprints, and conduct short interviews.
This policy reverses the 2024 update that allowed many visa extensions to be processed entirely online. Authorities have cited a significant rise in immigration violations as the primary reason for reinstating in-person procedures.
What UAE Travelers Need to Know
Those wishing to extend their stay must follow these steps:
- Register online via the official portal: evisa.imigrasi.go.id
- Upload all required documents and complete the submission form
- Visit the nearest immigration office within two working days to provide biometrics and attend an interview
Travelers are advised to carry their passports, current visa documents, and supporting paperwork such as return flight tickets, accommodation confirmations, and proof of financial means, as officers may request these during the interview.
Reasons Behind the Policy Shift
Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that the policy adjustment aims to curb misuse of stay permits and enhance supervision of foreign nationals and their guarantors. “We introduced this change after a thorough internal review,” Yusman stated. “The number of stay permit violations remains high, and many guarantors are still failing to meet their responsibilities.”
Between January and April 2025, Indonesia recorded over 2,200 visa violations, a sharp increase from 1,610 during the same period in 2024. Violations have included overstaying, illegal employment, and submission of false information. Immigration officials believe that requiring in-person presence for extensions will significantly reduce fraud and misuse.
What to Expect at the Immigration Office
Visitors seeking extensions should be prepared to:
- Present their passports and visa documents
- Answer questions about their travel plans, accommodation, and financial status
- Explain the reasons for their extended stay in Indonesia
No additional paperwork is officially mandated; however, having relevant documents ready can facilitate the process.
Special Priority Services for Vulnerable Travelers
Recognizing that some travelers may face difficulties visiting immigration offices, Indonesia offers priority walk-in services for:
- Elderly visitors
- Pregnant women
- People with disabilities
- Nursing mothers
- Individuals in emergency situations
These travelers can complete registration, biometrics, and interviews in a single visit with assistance from immigration personnel.
Visa Options for UAE Tourists
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) or electronic VoA (eVoA) remains the most convenient option for UAE residents traveling to Bali. This visa costs 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately AED 120) and is valid for an initial 30-day stay. With the new rules, extending this visa to a total of 60 days requires the in-person extension process outlined above.
Travelers planning to visit Bali should familiarize themselves with these new procedures to ensure a smooth travel experience. Staying informed and preparing documentation in advance will help avoid complications with visa extensions amid Indonesia’s recent regulatory changes.
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