🅿️ Extending your stay in Indonesia just got a little more complicated for 2025. Whether you’re living on a KITAS or visiting with a short-term visa, the return of mandatory biometrics might catch you off guard.
🅰️ Many foreigners got used to the convenience of remote visa extensions—but that’s no longer an option. Now, you’ll need to personally show up at the immigration office, submit your fingerprints, and answer questions. Skip this step, and your visa extension could be delayed or rejected.
🆂 The solution? Be prepared. From May 28, 2025, Indonesia is enforcing biometric data collection (again!) for all visa extension applications. If you understand the process ahead of time, you’ll avoid surprises and save hours of stress.
🆃 “I thought I could renew my KITAS online like last year,” says David from Germany. “But after I read about the new rules, I scheduled my biometric appointment early—and it went smoothly.”
🅴 For example, if you live in Bali or Jakarta, you’ll need to visit your local immigration office in person—no exceptions. Tourists, expats, and retirees are all included. You’ll be asked to provide fingerprints, a new photo, and possibly an interview.
🅰️ If your visa is due for renewal soon, don’t wait! Read this guide to understand exactly how the biometric visa extension process works in 2025—and how to prepare so nothing gets in your way.
Table of Contents
- What Are the New Biometric Rules for 2025 Visa Extensions 🛂
- Who Needs to Go to Immigration for Fingerprints and Photos 📸
- Can You Still Extend a Visa Online in Indonesia? 💻
- Step-by-Step Process for Visa Extension With Biometrics 📋
- What to Expect at the Immigration Office in Bali or Jakarta 🏢
- Tips to Avoid Delays With Indonesia’s Visa Requirements ⏳
- Why Indonesia Reintroduced Mandatory Biometrics for Visas 🔁
- FAQs About Long-Term Stay Permits in Bali for Foreigners ❓
- FAQs About Biometric Visa Extensions in Indonesia ❓
What Are the New Biometric Rules for 2025 Visa Extensions 🛂
Starting May 28, 2025, all foreigners applying for visa extensions in Indonesia must complete mandatory biometric data collection. This includes fingerprints, photographs, and sometimes an interview at your local immigration office.
Previously, many digital nomads and KITAS holders got used to online or agent-handled renewals.
But now, physical presence is required again. If you try to skip the biometric step, your visa extension can be delayed, denied, or canceled. 😰
The rule applies whether you’re holding a tourist visa (B211A), a retirement visa, or a KITAS. So, before your visa expires, make sure you plan time to visit immigration and complete the process. No more shortcuts! 🚫✈️
Who Needs to Go to Immigration for Fingerprints and Photos 📸
If you’re staying in Indonesia on any type of visa that’s being extended—yes, you’ll need to go. This rule applies to:
Digital nomads with B211A or D1 visas
Retirees on retirement KITAS 🧓
Workers and investors on KITAS
Students with study permits
Tourists extending their visit
Even children and elderly expats may be required, depending on local office policies. The biometric rule is nationwide, so whether you’re in Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, or Lombok—be ready to show up in person. 🚶♂️📍
Plan ahead, especially if you’re staying in a remote area or have limited transportation options. Being unprepared could lead to visa overstays or rejection. 🛑
Can You Still Extend a Visa Online in Indonesia? 💻
Short answer: Partially. You may still be able to start the extension process online through an agent or via immigration’s website, but you’ll need to appear in person to complete the biometric step. 🙋
Here’s how it works:
Your agent can submit your paperwork and book an appointment.
You’ll receive a notification with the time and date to appear.
You must go to immigration to take fingerprints and photos.
So no, you can’t just do it all from your villa anymore—even with a paid agent. Your physical presence is a required part of the process in 2025. 📅✅
Step-by-Step Process for Visa Extension With Biometrics 📋
Start Early: Begin 2–3 weeks before your visa expires.
Contact Your Agent (or apply directly online).
Get Scheduled: Receive an appointment slot at immigration.
Visit Immigration: Bring all your documents and show up on time.
Submit Biometrics: Fingerprints, a new photo, and a short interview. 📸
Wait for Processing: Usually 5–7 business days.
Collect Your Passport with the updated visa sticker inside.
Extensions used to be quick and quiet. But with biometrics back, give yourself extra buffer time in case of crowds, technical issues, or document errors. ⏳
What to Expect at the Immigration Office in Bali or Jakarta 🏢
Each immigration office has slightly different procedures, but here’s what’s standard:
Wait in line: Even with an appointment, expect a queue.
Biometric Room: You’ll be guided to a booth for prints and photos.
Brief Questions: They might ask about your reason for staying.
Dress politely: No need for formalwear, but avoid beach clothes. 👔
In Bali, offices like Jimbaran or Denpasar can get busy—especially during tourist season. Bring a water bottle, your documents, and patience. If you’re polite and prepared, the process usually goes smoothly. 🙌
Tips to Avoid Delays With Indonesia’s Visa Requirements ⏳
✅ Start early—last-minute applicants often get stuck.
✅ Double-check your documents before your appointment.
✅ Use a visa agent if you’re confused or new to the process.
✅ Avoid weekends or holidays, when offices are closed or crowded.
✅ Dress appropriately—looking respectful can speed things up.
Skipping your appointment or submitting incomplete forms can lead to costly fines or travel restrictions. And remember—overstaying even 1 day can result in a Rp 1,000,000/day fine. 😓
Why Indonesia Reintroduced Mandatory Biometrics for Visas 🔁
Indonesia paused biometric enforcement during the pandemic to reduce crowding and allow remote processing. But as tourism and immigration pick back up, the government wants to tighten security and improve visa tracking. 🔐
Biometric data helps prevent:
Visa fraud or identity swapping
Multiple visa applications under different names
Overstays and illegal work
It’s part of a wider effort to digitize and monitor foreign visitors more closely, especially as the number of digital nomads and retirees rises. 📈
While it may feel inconvenient, it’s here to stay—so it’s better to adjust now and stay compliant. ✅
What Documents to Bring for Your Visa Extension Appointment 📑
Here’s your basic checklist:
🛂 Passport (original + color photocopy)
📄 Sponsor letter (if using an agent or sponsor)
📷 Recent passport photo (some offices take it on-site)
📄 Visa application form (online or provided by agent)
🧾 Proof of payment or visa fee receipt
📅 Appointment confirmation (if you booked ahead)
Some offices might also ask for:
Copy of previous visa
Bank statements or proof of funds
Return ticket or travel plans
Bring everything neatly organized in a folder. It shows you’re serious and helps avoid return visits. 🗂️
FAQs About Biometric Visa Extensions in Indonesia ❓
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Does this apply to everyone?
Yes—all foreign visa holders who want to extend must do biometrics.
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Can I skip it and just pay a fine?
No. Skipping can mean visa rejection or being blacklisted. 😬
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What if I already gave fingerprints last year?
You’ll likely need to do it again for 2025. It’s per extension cycle.
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Can my agent go instead of me?
No. Personal appearance is required. Agents can’t substitute you.
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How long does it take?
Usually 30–60 minutes at the office, then 5–7 days to finalize.
