Going to Bali? You now have to visit immigration to extend your visa

Dubai: If you're planning to extend your stay in Bali or anywhere in Indonesia beyond your initial visa, get ready for a major change: you now have to show up in person at an immigration office for your visa extension.

Since last month, Indonesia introduced a new hybrid visa extension system that requires both online registration and an in-person visit for document checks, photo capture, and interviews. The new rules apply to all foreign nationals, including UAE residents and tourists holding an eVisa or Visa on Arrival (VoA).

Under the new rules issued by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, all foreign nationals must:

This change reverses the 2024 update that allowed many visa extensions to be completed entirely online. It’s part of a wider crackdown to prevent visa misuse, after authorities saw a 36.7% spike in immigration violations from 2024 to 2025.

Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman, noted in Indonesia Immigration's latest press note that the new policy is aimed at minimizing misuse of stay permits, ensuring better oversight of immigration processes, and improving supervision of guarantors for foreign nationals.

“We introduced this change after a thorough internal review,” Yusman explained. “The number of stay permit violations remains high, and many guarantors are still failing to meet their responsibilities.”

Indonesia reported over 2,200 visa violations between January and April 2025—up sharply from 1,610 cases during the same time in 2024. Many of these involved foreigners overstaying, working illegally, or falsifying information. Immigration officials say the in-person checks will reduce fraud and ensure that travelers are using their visas correctly.

If you're applying to extend your stay in Bali, expect to:

No extra paperwork is officially required, but it helps to have proof of your return flight, a hotel or villa booking, and some financial documents ready, just in case.

Indonesia is offering priority walk-in services at immigration offices for travelers in vulnerable categories, including:

For these groups, immigration officers will assist with everything on the spot, from registration to biometrics—making it a one-stop process.

The Visa on Arrival (VoA) or eVoA remains the easiest option for UAE residents heading to Bali. It costs IDR 500,000 (about AED 120), is valid for 30 days, and now requires in-person processing for an extension to a total stay of 60 days.