Applying for a visa without leaving the country used to be a hallmark of the “digital nomad” lifestyle in Bali. During the pandemic, travelers grew accustomed to simply logging into a portal and renewing their stay indefinitely. However, the current landscape has shifted dramatically, catching many long-term visitors off guard. The old “online onshore” loophole has been closed, replaced by strict visa regulations that demand precise planning.
For those already in Bali, the anxiety of a looming expiry date is compounded by confusing information about what is actually possible. Attempting to convert a tourist visa to a residency permit without understanding the new visa regulations can lead to immediate rejection. The risk of overstaying while waiting for an approval that may never come is a nightmare scenario, often resulting in hefty daily fines of IDR 1,000,000 and potential blacklisting.
Fortunately, pathways still exist for those who know how to navigate them. The introduction of the Bridging Visa offers a critical safety net, allowing foreigners to transition between permits legally under the current visa regulations. This guide breaks down the essential legal framework, the specific mechanisms for changing your status (Alih Status) onshore, and the step-by-step processes required to ensure your stay remains compliant in 2026. For official applications, always utilize the Directorate General of Immigration portal.
Table of Contents
- The New Onshore Legal Framework
- Understanding Alih Status (Status Changes)
- The Bridging Visa Safety Net
- Practical Workflows: Visitor to KITAS
- Real Story: Sarah’s Transition in Seminyak
- From VoA to Long-Term Residency
- Processing Times and Fee Structures
- Critical Risks: Overstay and Misconceptions
- FAQ's about Indonesia Onshore Visas
The New Onshore Legal Framework
The foundation of Indonesia’s immigration policy in 2026 is built upon Permenkumham 22/2023 and its subsequent amendment, Permenkumham 11/2024. These visa regulations have fundamentally redefined how foreigners can extend their stay or change their permit type while inside the country. The era of the “online onshore” visit visa, popularized during the pandemic via the molina.go.id system, is definitively over. It was shut down in July 2023, signaling a return to pre-pandemic norms where most new visit visas must be applied for from abroad.
Under the current visa regulations, onshore options are now centered almost exclusively on “Alih Status” (Change of Status) and the newly introduced Bridging Visa (Izin Tinggal Peralihan). This shift means that simply applying for a new B211 tourist visa while sitting in a Canggu cafe is no longer a valid legal path for expats in Bali. Instead, foreigners must now navigate a formal conversion process, moving from a Visit Stay Permit (ITK) to a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) under specific conditions.
Understanding Alih Status (Status Changes)
“Alih Status” is the technical term for converting one type of stay permit to another without leaving Indonesia. For many expats in Bali, this is the primary mechanism to upgrade from a temporary visit to a more stable residency. Immigration practice confirms that an ITK obtained from many Type C and D visas can be converted to an ITAS onshore, provided the foreigner meets the specific visa regulations regarding sponsorship.
However, not all permits are created equal. Immigration offices have clarified that an ITK derived from a standard Visa on Arrival (VoA) or a visa-exemption cannot be directly converted via Alih Status in a single step. This restriction catches many travelers by surprise. The process now requires an intermediate step, often involving the Bridging Visa, to legally bridge the gap between a short-term tourist entry and a long-term residency application in compliance with visa regulations.
The Bridging Visa Safety Net
The Bridging Visa, or Izin Tinggal Peralihan, is a crucial addition introduced by Permenkumham 11/2024. It serves as a transitional stay permit that allows foreigners already in Bali to move from one status to another without having to exit the country or fall into an illegal overstay. This is available to holders of ITK, KITAS, or ITAP who are in the process of obtaining a new permit, such as moving from a visit visa to a working KITAS.
This permit grants a legal stay of 60 days while the new application is being processed. To utilize this safety net under the updated visa regulations, the application must be submitted and the immigration fee paid no later than 3 days before the current permit expires. If done correctly, any days spent in Indonesia after the original permit expires but within the Bridging period are not counted as an overstay. This mechanism provides vital breathing room for complex onshore applications in Bali.
Practical Workflows: Visitor to KITAS
For those holding a valid Type C or D visit visa, the path to an onshore KITAS conversion is structured but strict. The process should ideally begin when there are at least 31 days remaining on the current ITK. The first step is to secure a valid sponsor for the desired KITAS type, whether it be for investment, work, or family unification. Without a committed sponsor, the Alih Status conversion is impossible.
The application is then filed via the local immigration office’s system, attaching the sponsor’s letters and financial documents. If the timeline is tight—specifically if there are fewer than 31 days left on the current visa—the foreigner should apply for a Bridging Visa to ensure they remain legal during the transition. Once the application is approved, the applicant must attend a biometric session for photo and fingerprint capture before the electronic KITAS is issued.
Real Story: Sarah’s Transition in Seminyak
Meet Sarah, a 29-year-old graphic designer from Toronto. Sarah arrived in Bali in early January 2026, intending to spend just two months exploring the island and attending a few design workshops. She quickly fell in love with the vibrant creative community in Seminyak and decided she wanted to stay longer to collaborate with a local fashion brand. However, as March approached and her visa expiration date loomed, she realized the old advice about “just extending online” was dangerously outdated due to the new visa regulations. She felt the panic rising as she sat in a humid coworking space, scrolling through conflicting forum posts about visa runs versus onshore conversions.
Sarah decided to consult a trusted visa service to clarify her options under the current visa regulations. They explained that her best route was to secure a remote worker KITAS, but she needed to act fast. With only 10 days left on her permit, they immediately filed for a Bridging Visa to protect her from overstaying. This bought her the crucial 60 days needed to organize her sponsorship documents and attend her biometric appointment in Jimbaran. The relief she felt when her Bridging Visa was approved allowed her to focus on her design projects in Bali, turning a potential immigration disaster into a stable, legal residency.
From VoA to Long-Term Residency
Converting a Visa on Arrival (VoA) to a long-term residency permit is one of the most common requests, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood processes under current visa regulations. While direct conversion is restricted, the Bridging Visa has opened a viable pathway. A foreigner can apply to convert their VoA to a Bridging Visa, and subsequently apply for a KITAS, all without leaving Bali soil.
This workflow requires precise timing. The application for the Bridging Visa must be lodged via the official portal at least 3 days before the VoA expires. Once the Bridging Visa is active, the applicant has a 60-day window to finalize their KITAS application via the Alih Status rules with a correct sponsor. Despite this possibility, many agencies still advise that for straightforward cases, an offshore application often remains simpler, faster, and cheaper than navigating this complex onshore multi-step process in Bali.
Processing Times and Fee Structures
Understanding the costs and timelines is essential for effective planning. Permenkumham 22/2023 suggests that processes like ITK to KITAS conversion should be completed within 4 working days after fees are received. However, this is a maximum internal standard and not a guaranteed Service Level Agreement (SLA). In the real world of Bali, processing times vary significantly by office workload, so relying on a fixed timeline is risky under the complex visa regulations.
Regarding fees, while regulations confirm that the Bridging Visa incurs a charge, specific public fee tables often do not list the exact IDR amount clearly. Similarly, the updated 2026 tariffs for various onshore KITAS categories are not always fully visible in public documents. Therefore, any concrete figures quoted by agents should be treated as “Not confirmed” unless verified against a current official government tariff list at the time of application.
Critical Risks: Overstay and Misconceptions
The most dangerous mistake foreigners make is assuming that the online onshore B211 system from the pandemic era still exists. Relying on this defunct pathway is a surefire way to end up with an expired visa and no legal recourse under the strict visa regulations. Late applications are another major risk; filing for Alih Status or a Bridging Visa after your permit has expired turns you into an illegal overstayer immediately.
Furthermore, missing a sponsor or using the wrong type of sponsorship can derail the entire process. Onshore conversion is only permitted if the original visa has a valid sponsor that matches the intended KITAS type. Self-sponsored tourists in Bali often find their onshore options severely limited. Finally, staying in Indonesia during processing without a valid Bridging Visa exposes you to the daily fine of IDR 1,000,000, along with the threat of deportation and blacklisting.
FAQ's about Indonesia Onshore Visas
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Can I apply for a new tourist visa without leaving Bali?
No, the "online onshore" tourist visa is no longer available. You must exit the country or use the Bridging Visa for status changes.
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What is the deadline for applying for a Bridging Visa?
Under current visa regulations, you must pay the fee before your current permit expires, ideally 3 days early.
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Can a Visa on Arrival be converted to a KITAS?
Yes, but it requires the intermediate step of a Bridging Visa while the KITAS is processing.
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Does the Bridging Visa allow me to work in Bali?
No, the Bridging Visa is strictly a transitional permit and does not grant work rights.
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What happens if my Bridging Visa expires before my KITAS is approved?
You must leave the country to avoid overstay penalties, as the Bridging Visa is generally not extendable.
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How long does the Bridging Visa stay permit last?
It provides a stay for a maximum of 60 days to complete your status change.
