Indonesia’s immigration authorities have confirmed that they are speeding up visa processing times. At the request of President Joko Widodo, the processing time for the visa extension has been shortened and will take effect immediately. It will facilitate the extension and renewal of visas for travellers and long-term residents.
It has long been recognized that the visa extension process in Indonesia is too lengthy. The latest update reduces the processing time for a visa extension to 2-4 days for the travellers instead of 14 days after completing all the steps related to the application.
The policy update affects both Visas on Arrival and Immigrant Residence Permits (KITAS). Once your visa payment is complete and your biometrics and photo are uploaded to the immigration information system, a 2-4 day processing time begins.
Visa on Arrival
Citizens from 86 countries can pay for their visas upon arrival at the international airport. The visa costs IDR 500,000 and is valid for 30 days. This visa has a processing time of 2-4 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. The new policy document confirms: Within 2 working days from the date of the payment of immigration fees in accordance with legal regulations. If biometric authentication or identity verification is not required, the approval process will be completed within 2 days.
Electronic entry through the Immigration Information System takes place on the same day as the identification and verification of data and the collection of biometrics through photographs and fingerprints. If no biometrics are required, the process will take 2-3 days.
KITAS
Regarding the Immigration Residence Permit (KITAS), the process is slightly different as the application requires the approval of the Director of Immigration, but the new processing time is 2-4 days and confirmation of the success or rejection of the application is 5 days after the process has started. This news is a relief to many of her KITAS owners, whose application, extension and reapplication processes are often complex.
A report from the Immigration Department has confirmed that the reduced KITAS processing time and visa on arrival extension will soon apply. Starting this week, the processing time for new extension requests will change. Those applications which are already in the pipeline are processed according to the rules on the submission time.
Digital Nomad Visa
The B211a socio-cultural “digital nomad” visa must be applied for online from outside Indonesia through the website of the Indonesian Immigration Service. Visas are valid for 60 or 180 days. A 60-day visa can be extended within the country until the 180 days expire. B211a visa processing time is also 2-4 days.
It’s all easier to enter Indonesia now! However, if you still have some questions or difficulties, feel free to reach out to Let’s Move Indonesia for your reliable and friendly assistance!
