Starting June 1, 2025, foreigners in Bali seeking to extend their stay permits or switch visa types must now attend an in-person appointment at a local immigration office. The Indonesian immigration authority has reinstated the requirement for biometric scans and interviews, marking a return to procedures last seen in 2023.
This change affects both short- and long-term visitors across various visa categories, and is part of a broader initiative to tighten oversight of foreign nationals residing on the island.
What Changed in the Visa Extension Process?
According to Circular Letter No. IMI-417.GR.01.01/2025, immigration offices across Bali will require biometric data collection and interviews for all visa-related extensions and stay permit transitions. This includes those holding a Visa on Arrival (VoA), B211A, or anyone applying through Altus/onshore switching.
Previously handled online through the eVisa portal, these applications must now be completed through a hybrid process, with the final step requiring a physical appearance at the immigration office.
The shift comes as part of a broader policy aimed at preventing abuse of stay permits and ensuring proper sponsor accountability. It reflects an evolving landscape for foreigners seeking to remain in Bali beyond their initial visa terms.
Those staying longer under remote work or long-visit permits can explore options covered in our digital nomad visa guide for Bali.
Who Is Affected by This Rule?
The updated regulation impacts all foreign nationals currently residing in Bali under any of the following visa categories:
- Tourist visa holders, including those on Visa on Arrival.
- Individuals with social-cultural visas.
- Holders of B211A visas, often used by short-term business travelers or remote workers.
- Residents with a KITAS looking to extend or switch to another visa type.
- Foreigners using Altus/onshore mechanisms to change their immigration status while staying in-country.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a long-term tourist, or an entrepreneur managing property investments in Bali, the requirement to visit a local immigration office now applies across the board.
Appointments are typically scheduled through the eVisa portal, and physical presence is non-negotiable. This change places increased importance on understanding your visa timelines and preparing documentation well in advance.
Step-by-Step Process for Extending Your Stay in Bali (Effective June 2025)
If you’re planning to stay longer in Bali, here’s what the updated extension process looks like under the new biometric regulation:
- Submit your application via the official eVisa immigration website or apply directly at the nearest immigration office in Bali.
- Wait for your biometric appointment schedule, which is typically issued within three working days if all required documents are submitted correctly.
- Visit the designated immigration office in person for your biometric scan and a short interview with an officer.
- Receive your updated stay permit digitally, issued through the eVisa portal a few days after your appointment is completed.
This structured flow applies to both visa extensions and visa category changes, including popular setups like the B211A visa, VoA extensions, and Altus-based onshore transitions.
If you’re extending your stay due to property-related interests, see our full guide on buying property in Bali — which also outlines visa implications for investors.
Common Concerns: How Long Does the Appointment Take?
Wait times at immigration offices across Bali and Indonesia vary, with user experiences highlighting both convenience and frustration. Here’s what recent feedback reveals:
- Jimbaran and Nusa Dua offices in Bali report processing times ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours — depending on the daily queue and staff efficiency.
- Jakarta-based applicants generally experience shorter sessions, averaging 30 minutes, but this can extend significantly during peak periods.
- Some users have reported unexpected delays, such as system outages or documentation errors, which can result in half-day waits or return visits.
- There are also persistent concerns about informal “priority” handling, where queue skipping via unofficial payments to agents continues to be a problem in high-traffic areas.
These uncertainties make it critical to arrive early, verify your documents beforehand, and be prepared for extended wait times, especially in Bali’s more crowded immigration centers.
Why This Policy Was Reinstated: Inside the Immigration Department’s Reasoning
The reintroduction of mandatory biometric and interview steps stems from rising concerns within the Indonesian immigration authority over widespread abuse of stay permits, particularly in high-tourism zones like Bali.
According to official figures from the Directorate General of Immigration:
- A total of 2,201 foreign nationals (WNA) were found violating immigration rules between January and April 2025, up from 1,610 during the same period in 2024.
- In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 546 individuals were detained or fined for misusing their visa status or providing false information during renewal.
- Investigations also uncovered 215 fraudulent or shell companies, many of which acted as sponsors for foreign nationals while lacking operational legitimacy.
Authorities cite these issues as the main drivers behind stricter enforcement measures aimed at restoring control, eliminating exploitation of sponsorship loopholes, and maintaining lawful residency standards across Bali and other hotspots.
Broader immigration policy shifts, such as the 12% VAT on real estate investments in Indonesia, are shaping how foreigners live and invest here.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes — while the new policy applies broadly, certain vulnerable groups are allowed to complete the visa extension process through on-site walk-in appointments, without having to navigate the standard online procedure.
The exception categories include:
- Elderly individuals who may struggle with digital platforms or mobility.
- Pregnant women or those in postnatal conditions.
- People with disabilities, especially where accessibility is an issue.
- Applicants facing urgent humanitarian or medical situations.
In these cases, the biometric scan, interview, document submission, and payment can all be done directly at the immigration office, with officer assistance provided throughout the process.
Tips for Smooth Processing at Indonesian Immigration Offices
Navigating immigration in Bali can be straightforward — if you’re prepared. Here are practical tips to avoid common delays or frustrations:
- Schedule your appointment as early as possible, especially if your current visa is close to expiry.
- Only work with trusted visa agents, and avoid unofficial services that promise faster processing through questionable channels.
- Double-check all required documents before your appointment — incomplete submissions are a common reason for processing delays or missed schedules.
Having clarity on which immigration office to visit — such as Nusa Dua or Jimbaran for most Bali-based foreigners — can also help reduce travel stress on the day of your appointment.
Community Reactions: Frustration and Systemic Criticism
The policy update has sparked vocal reactions, particularly from Bali’s expatriate and digital nomad communities who frequently interact with local immigration offices.
Across online forums and social media platforms, public sentiment reflects growing frustration over:
- Inconsistent enforcement and administrative delays, with reports of applicants waiting hours or having to return due to technical errors.
- Bribery and informal queue-skipping, which many feel undermines fairness for those following the rules.
- Concerns over Bali’s reputation, as cumbersome immigration processes may deter long-stay tourists or foreign professionals.
This shift comes at a time when Bali is trying to balance tourism growth with stricter enforcement — a dynamic that may reshape long-term travel behavior and investment appeal.
Learn more about how residents navigate this evolving environment in our guide on living in Bali.
