🅿️You entered Bali with a VOA (Visa on Arrival), planning to enjoy a few weeks in paradise—but plans change. Now you’re in Sumatra, Lombok, or Java, and suddenly you’re wondering: “Do I have to fly back to Bali just to extend my visa?”
🅰️It feels confusing and frustrating. You’re running out of time, and immigration rules seem like a maze. Google offers conflicting answers. And worst of all, you don’t want to risk overstaying your visa—or spending money flying back to Bali just to show your face at the immigration office.
🆂 If you’re still in Indonesia, the good news is: you can extend your VOA from another island—as long as you follow the updated biometric rules introduced in June 2025. This article breaks down exactly how the process works, what address rules matter, and how to update your details if needed.
🆃 “I was staying in Kuta, Bali when I first entered, but I moved to Medan two weeks later. Thanks to this guide, I managed to update my address and extend my VOA without flying back to Bali!” — Alex, UK traveller
🅴 For example, if you originally registered your VOA with a Bali address but are now staying in Java, you can still visit the local immigration office in your current city—as long as you’ve updated your registered address and completed the online extension process correctly.
🅰️So if you’re exploring beyond Bali and want to stay longer legally, don’t panic. Just follow the step-by-step guide below to extend your VOA smoothly from wherever you are in Indonesia. 🗺️✍️ Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Can You Extend a VOA If You’ve Left Bali? 🌍
- 2025 Biometric Rules: What’s New for VOA Extensions 🧬
- Which Immigration Office Should You Visit? (Not Always Bali) 🏢
- Do You Need to Update Your VOA Address When Changing Islands? 🏠
- Real Story #1: “I Moved to Sumatra After Entering Bali—Here’s How I Got My VOA Extended” ✈️
- How to Apply for a VOA Extension Online in Indonesia 💻
- Required Documents for Biometric at a New Immigration Office 📑
- What If You Don’t Extend on Time? Overstay Penalties & Options ⚠️
- FAQs About VOA Extensions from Outside Bali ❓
Can You Extend a VOA If You’ve Left Bali? 🌍
Yes, you can! Many travellers think they must return to Bali to extend their VOA (Visa on Arrival), especially if they entered Indonesia through Ngurah Rai Airport.
But as of June 2025, Indonesian immigration allows you to do the biometric process at another island’s immigration office — if done correctly.
So if you’re in Sumatra, Java, or even Flores, you don’t necessarily have to fly back to Bali. The key is making sure your online application is linked to your current location and that you inform the local immigration office.
2025 Biometric Rules: What’s New for VOA Extensions 🧬
Starting from June 2025, everyone who wants to extend their VOA must visit an immigration office in person for a biometric session. This includes fingerprint scans and a photo. You must do this within 30 days of arrival in Indonesia.
Even if you apply online, you’re still required to complete the biometric step. If you skip it, your extension will not be processed.
So while the online system saves time, it doesn’t skip this essential in-person step!
Which Immigration Office Should You Visit? (Not Always Bali) 🏢
You should go to the immigration office nearest to where you’re staying now—not necessarily where you first arrived.
For example, if you landed in Bali but then traveled to Medan, North Sumatra, you can complete your biometric step at the Medan immigration office.
But here’s the catch: your registered address must match your current location. So, you’ll likely need to update your address (we’ll explain how in the next section!).
Do You Need to Update Your VOA Address When Changing Islands? 🏠
Yes, you do. The immigration office you go to will check your registered address. If you registered a Kuta, Bali address when you entered, but you’re now in Yogyakarta, you must update your stay address.
Some immigration offices may ask for a local “surat domisili” (residence letter) from your hotel, guesthouse, or landlord.
It’s a simple document that confirms you’re staying there. Bring this letter and show it at the immigration office where you plan to do your biometric.
Real Story #1: “I Moved to Sumatra After Entering Bali—Here’s How I Got My VOA Extended” ✈️
“I arrived in Bali in May 2025,” says Julia, a 34-year-old traveler from Germany 🇩🇪. “I had planned to stay in Ubud, but a week later I flew to Bukittinggi in West Sumatra to visit a friend 🛫.
I totally forgot about extending my VOA, and panicked when I realized it was only 10 days before expiry! 😱”
Julia went to the immigration office in Padang, but they told her she couldn’t do the biometric process because her registered address was still in Bali. “Luckily, the homestay in Bukittinggi helped me get a Surat Domisili (proof of address). It cost 600,000 IDR.”
After updating her address at immigration, she paid the VOA extension fee online. The next day, she successfully booked a biometric appointment. “Once I had all the documents in order, the process was quick and easy.”
Later, she learned from a friend that she could’ve skipped the Surat Domisili by using a visa agency—though it would’ve cost extra 💼.
So yes, even if you leave Bali, it’s still possible to extend your VOA—just make sure your documents are properly updated! ✅
How to Apply for a VOA Extension Online in Indonesia 💻
You can apply for your VOA extension online through the official immigration website: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/. You need to create an account, upload a copy of your passport and VOA stamp, and pay the fee.
The cost is usually around IDR 500,000. After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation and be prompted to schedule your biometric visit at your selected immigration office. Don’t wait until the last few days! Start your online application at least one week before your VOA expires.
Required Documents for Biometric at a New Immigration Office 📑
Here’s what you need to bring:
- Your original passport 📚
- A printout or screenshot of your online extension confirmation 🔧
- A “Surat Domisili” (residence letter) if your current address is different from your VOA registration 📍
- Proof of payment for your VOA extension 💳
- Sometimes, a copy of your flight ticket out of Indonesia 🛋
Double-check with the immigration office you’ll visit. Some offices have slightly different document requirements.
What If You Don’t Extend on Time? Overstay Penalties & Options ⚠️
- Stay in capsule hostels or guesthouses (Asakusa, Ueno, or Kanda areas are cheapest)
- Use IC cards like Pasmo/Suica to get train discounts and faster access
- Eat at konbini (7-Eleven/Lawson/FamilyMart) for delicious meals under ¥500
- Visit during off-peak seasons (Jan–Feb or Oct–Nov) for flight and stay deals
- Look for “free day” schedules at museums and attractions
- Carry a reusable water bottle—tap water is clean and drinkable
FAQs About VOA Extensions from Outside Bali ❓
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Can I extend my VOA if I’m in a different province than where I landed?
Yes, but make sure to update your address and follow the biometric process in the new location.
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Do I need to fly back to Bali?
No. You can complete the extension from any island, as long as your documents are correct.
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Is the biometric appointment required even if I apply online?
Yes, it's mandatory for all applicants as of June 2025.
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What if I miss the deadline?
You’ll be fined IDR 1,000,000 per day. Don’t delay your extension!
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How early can I apply?
You can apply as soon as your VOA is active. It's best to apply at least 7–10 days before expiration.
