For years, expatriates in Bali faced the costly and stressful “visa run”—a mandatory flight out of the country just to change their permit status. This bureaucratic hurdle often meant disrupting work, spending exorbitant amounts on last-minute flights, and fearing re-entry denial. Fortunately, the regulatory landscape has shifted in 2026 to favor onshore transitions, significantly reducing the risk of accidental overstay for those staying onshore.
The introduction of the Bridging Visa Indonesia (officially Izin Tinggal Peralihan) marks a significant turning point for foreign residents. This new policy allows you to remain legally onshore within the country while your new Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP) is processed. It effectively eliminates the “limbo” period that previously forced many into illegal status or overstay penalties while waiting for an ITAS.
Navigating this new system requires precise timing and adherence to digital protocols. This guide explores exactly how this transitional stay card works, who is eligible, and the strict deadlines you must meet to secure your stay in Bali. For official applications, always use the Directorate General of Immigration portal.
Table of Contents
- What is the New Bridging Stay Permit?
- Who Qualifies for This Transition?
- Validity and Core Limitations
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Real Story: The Digital Nomad in Ubud
- Cost and Payment Deadlines
- Comparing Bridging vs. Visa Runs
- Common Pitfalls and Overstay Risks
- FAQ's about Bridging Visa Indonesia
What is the New Bridging Stay Permit?
The Bridging Visa Indonesia, legally defined as Izin Tinggal Peralihan under Permenkumham No. 11 of 2024, is a solution for the administrative gap between permits. Previously, the time between the expiry of an old permit and the issuance of a new one created a legal grey area. Foreigners often had to leave Bali to reset their status or face daily overstay fines while waiting for approval.
This permit acts as a temporary onshore shield. It is not a standalone visa for tourism or work but rather an in-country transition permit. It ensures that foreigners remain compliant with immigration laws while their substantive application—whether it be a change from a Visit Visa to an ITAS or an extension of an existing permit—is being adjudicated by the authorities, preventing any lapse into overstay.
Who Qualifies for This Transition?
Not everyone can apply for this status bridge permit. The primary requirement is that the applicant must already be onshore (physically inside Indonesia). It is specifically designed for holders of Visit Stay Permits (Izin Tinggal Kunjungan) in Bali and elsewhere who wish to convert to a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS), such as an investor or working ITAS.
Additionally, it serves current ITAS or ITAP holders who are no longer eligible for a standard extension but wish to apply for a new permit without repatriating. For example, if you are living in Bali and switching from a working ITAS to a spouse permit, this Izin Tinggal Peralihan allows you to process the change without the disruption of an international exit.
Validity and Core Limitations
The transitional stay card grants a stay period of 60 days from the date of issuance. This two-month window is generally sufficient for the immigration office to process and approve a new substantive ITAS. However, it is crucial to understand that this validity is finite; it cannot be extended beyond the 60-day limit, and staying longer will result in immediate overstay.
A critical limitation is its onshore nature. If you hold this permit and decide to leave Bali for a holiday or business trip, the permit is automatically voided. You cannot use it to re-enter Indonesia. It is strictly a “waiting room” permit intended to keep you legal while you are physically present onshore in the archipelago waiting for your ITAS.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application flow for this status bridge permit is time-sensitive. You must submit your request through the official immigration website no later than three days before your current stay permit expires. Missing this window renders you ineligible, instantly forcing you into the standard overstay penalty regime.
Once you log in, you will select the “Izin Tinggal Peralihan” option linked to your new visa application. You must upload your passport, your valid current stay permit, and the required documents for the new ITAS you are pursuing. The system checks your location to ensure you are onshore before allowing the submission to proceed.
Real Story: The Digital Nomad in Ubud
Meet Marcus, a 34-year-old software developer from Germany living in Ubud, Bali. He entered on a B211A Visit Visa to explore the island and eventually secured a remote contract that allowed him to apply for the Remote Worker ITAS (E33G).
In the past, Marcus would have had to fly to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to process his new telex. However, with his Visit Visa expiring in 5 days, he applied for the Peralihan stay permit. He uploaded his documents on Tuesday, paid the fee on Wednesday, and received his bridging permit on Thursday—two days before his expiry. He remained onshore in his villa in Ubud, working uninterrupted, and received his new ITAS approval three weeks later without ever packing a suitcase or risking overstay.
Cost and Payment Deadlines
The financial aspect of this transitional stay card is tied strictly to the immigration billing system (Simponi). Once your onshore application is submitted, you will receive a billing code. You must pay this fee immediately. The regulation explicitly states that payment must be completed no later than three days before your old permit expires to avoid an overstay trigger.
If you fail to pay on time, the application lapses. If your old permit expires during this lapse, you are technically overstaying in Bali. While waiting for your new status, you might be organizing your long-term living arrangements. If you need assistance securing a property that matches your new visa duration, a trusted villa management company can help structure your lease to align with your legal stay.
Comparing Bridging vs. Visa Runs
The primary advantage of the Bridging Visa Indonesia is cost and convenience. A typical visa run from Bali involves return flights (often inflated due to last-minute booking), accommodation abroad, and transport costs, easily exceeding IDR 5-7 million. By contrast, the bridging permit fee is a fraction of this cost and requires zero travel time, keeping you onshore.
Furthermore, it reduces the risk of rejection at the border. Re-entering Indonesia repeatedly on different visas can sometimes raise red flags with immigration officers at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. Utilizing this status bridge permit demonstrates to authorities that you are following the correct legal channels for ITAS conversion without risking an accidental overstay.
Common Pitfalls and Overstay Risks
Despite its benefits, the Peralihan stay permit carries risks if mishandled. The most common mistake is applying too late. Agencies in Bali often recommend starting the process 7-14 days before expiry to ensure the 3-day deadline is met comfortably. If you apply on the day of expiry, you will be rejected and flagged for overstay.
Another risk is assuming that holding a bridging permit guarantees the approval of your new ITAS. It does not. If your substantive visa application is refused, your bridging status ends after 60 days, and you must depart. Always ensure your underlying documents for the new ITAS are flawless to avoid being stranded onshore illegally.
FAQ's about Bridging Visa Indonesia
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Can I apply for the Bridging Visa Indonesia from abroad?
No, this permit is exclusively for foreigners who are already physically present onshore in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia.
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What happens if I leave Indonesia while holding this visa?
The permit becomes invalid immediately upon departure. You will need to apply for a new visa from abroad to re-enter.
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Does the transitional stay card allow me to work?
No, the bridging permit itself does not grant work rights. It only legalizes your stay. You must wait for your work ITAS to be issued before commencing employment.
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What is the penalty if I miss the application deadline?
If you miss the 3-day cutoff, you cannot use the bridging scheme. You will likely face daily overstay fines (IDR 1,000,000 per day) if your current permit expires.
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Can I extend the Bridging Visa beyond 60 days?
No, it is a one-time non-renewable permit. You must obtain your new ITAS or leave Bali before the 60 days run out to avoid overstay.
