Key Points
- Indonesia now allows visitors to extend their stay permits twice, permitting stays of up to 180 days within the country.
- In-person verification may be required for specific stay purposes.
- Changes replace prior rules requiring exit and reentry every 60 days.
Overview
Indonesia has revised its regulations for greater flexibility in visitor stay permit extensions. Effective immediately, foreign nationals can now apply for two consecutive 60-day extensions, enabling them to remain in Indonesia for up to 180 days without exiting and re-entering. This represents a significant shift from the previous policy, which required multiple-entry visa holders to leave the country every 60 days even though the visa remained valid for up to a year.
However, not all extensions will be automatically granted without further scrutiny. In-person visits to local immigration offices may be required for certain applicants, particularly if their stated activity or documentation raises concerns during the review process. Activities that often trigger in-person verification include:
- Business visits
- Internships or foreign worker trials
- Machinery installation or after-sales service
- Seminars, short-term training, or auditing activities
By contrast, applicants seeking extensions for tourism or family-related purposes may not be required to appear in person, though immigration officials have discretion over this matter.
This regulatory change streamlines travel planning and facilitates extended professional and personal stays in Indonesia, while ensuring immigration compliance.
Looking Ahead
Employers, travel coordinators, and foreign nationals should plan accordingly for the updated extension framework. Those engaging in professional or technical activities in Indonesia should be prepared for possible in-person verification during the extension process. Companies hosting international staff should review internal processes for supporting permit extensions and ensure compliance with updated Indonesian immigration requirements.
