Travelers visiting Indonesia often want to spend longer than their visas or visa-exempt entry allows. But it is not always clear if you can get an Indonesia visa extension.
There are different rules for different types of visas. Some travelers can apply for an Indonesia eVisa, while others need to get a visa at an embassy before their trip.
The concise guide explains how to get a tourist visa extension for Indonesia, which visas can be extended, and the penalty for overstaying a visa.
Can You Extend an Indonesia Visa?
Different conditions of entry apply to different nationalities. Depending on the traveler’s passport, they can get one of the following types of Indonesian visas:
- Free visa stamp (visa exemption)
- Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA)
- Electronic Visitor Visa
Nationals of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste are exempt from visa requirements. They simply receive a free visa stamp when passing through border control. This allows them to stay for up to 30 days. This cannot be extended.
Many other nationalities can take advantage of the online e-VOA and Tourist Visitor Visa Both the Electronic Indonesia Visa On Arrival and the Tourist Visitor Visa can be extended. More information below.
How Can I Stay in Indonesia for More Than 30 days?
There are 2 types of electronic short-stay visas for Indonesia.
The electronic Indonesia Visa On Arrival is initially valid for 30 days. It can be extended while in the country for another 30 days using the procedure detailed below. This makes the total possible stay with the e-VOA up to 60 days, provided the extension is approved.
However, if you know before you travel that your stay will be longer than 30 days, you should get a 60-day Tourist Visitor Visa. It can be extended twice for up to 60 days each time, for a total stay of up to 180 days.
How to Extend an Indonesia eVisa (B-211 visa)
You can extend your Indonesian eVisa by contacting the Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi). Note that an extension is not guaranteed. You need to apply for the extension and pay the extension fees.
If you need an extension, you should apply at least a week before your visa expires. The earliest you can extend your visa is 14 days before the expiration date.
If you applied for your visa online, you also have the option of extending your visa electronically.
Requirements for an Indonesia visa extension
To apply for your visa extension, you need to take your passport with the original visa. It should be valid for at least 6 more months.
If the type of visa requires a sponsor (such as with a Social or Cultural Visa), a photocopy of their identity card is also required.
You’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork, present the required documents, and pay a fee. The Indonesia visa extension varies depending on the type of visa and length of the extension.
The same requirements apply if you’re applying for an extension online.
New eVisa: alternative to an Indonesia visa extension
You can apply for a new eVisa instead of extending your existing visa if you will leave the country and return later.
Simply fill out a new Indonesia eVisa application form online to be issued a new 30 or 60-day tourist visa.
You can apply for a new visa as soon as you leave Indonesia. This is a good option if you are planning to visit nearby countries.
Is It Hard to Get a Visa Extension for Indonesia?
Getting a visa extension can be difficult if there is no immigration office close to where the visitor is staying.
There are also certain things to bear in mind when applying for an extension in Indonesia.
Firstly, processing visa extension requests can take some time. It is advisable to start the process at least a week (or better 10 days) before the current visa expires.
It may also take multiple trips to the immigration office to obtain the forms, submit the application, and collect the extended visa.
If possible, you may find it more convenient to extend your visa online.
Indonesia's Tourists Overstay Penalty
Visitors who overstay their Indonesian visa without extending it must pay a penalty of Rp 1,000,000 (around USD$70) per day.
If a foreign national overstays by more than 60 days without a visa, they may be prosecuted. The sentence can include a maximum of 5 years in prison or a fine of up to Rp 500,000,000 (Around USD$34,640).
How to avoid overstaying your Indonesian visa
Avoid accidentally overstaying your Indonesian eVisa with these 3 pieces of advice.
- Know how long you can stay
Before entering Indonesia, make sure you know exactly how many days you can stay. Different types of visas have different durations. You can find this information on your approved eVisa.
- Plan your trip within your travel dates
There’s lots to see and do in Indonesia. Plan your trip so that it fits within your travel dates. Making an itinerary is advisable to help you stay within your allowance.
- Extend your visa if necessary
If you wish to stay in Indonesia longer than your visa allows, apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires following the process explained on this page.
Remember, you also have the option of applying for a new eVisa from outside Indonesia.
Can I Extend my Visa in Bali?
The rules for getting an Indonesia visa extension are the same in Bali as in the rest of the country.
Those who meet the Indonesia eVisa requirements are also able to get a visa for Bali through the new electronic application system.
It is possible to extend eVoAs and B-211 Visas, but not Multiple Entry Visas or free visa stamps. Extending a visa means going to an immigration office in Bali.
