Overview of the visa application process in Indonesia
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in various aspects of life, including travel and immigration procedures.
Since 2021, Indonesian Immigration has issued several additional regulations regarding visas and residence permits for foreigners willing to enter the country. An online visa application scheme was released to accommodate the easy process of getting a visa to Indonesia.
However, recent developments indicate that some services might undergo massive amendments.
This article discusses the recent updates about upcoming visa regulations coming around the middle starter of 2023.
Visa Online Onshore Disablement
Visa Onshore is a way of applying for a visa that serves as a residence permit for foreigners already in Indonesian territory.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the concept of visa online onshore application did not exist in Indonesia. These measures were to respond to the lockdown regulation, allowing individuals to apply for visas within Indonesia to repress international traffic in and out of the country.
However, with the pandemic situation gradually improving and restrictions revoked, the immigration authorities have decided to deactivate the online process for the onshore visa application process.
Immigration proposes to abolish the online onshore visa application policy that would require foreigners to continue the visa application process in their respective countries (offshore). Despite the changes in visa regulations, the option to change the status from B211A (visitor visa) to ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) will still be available.
This process existed even before the pandemic and will continue to be a viable option for individuals who wish to extend their stay in Indonesia.
Free Visas are unavailable for these 159 countries
Visa exemption regulation in Indonesia refers to the policy that allows citizens of certain countries to enter and stay in Indonesia for a specified period without the need to obtain a visa beforehand. Under this regulation, eligible countries are granted a visa exemption and are permitted to engage in various activities such as tourism, business meetings, or attending conferences and seminars.
During the pandemic, Visa exemption (Free Visa) in Indonesia has undergone a temporary suspension for a total of 169 countries. This temporary suspension reflects the Indonesian government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and visitors.
The following list shows a total of 159 countries which are still suspended from using the Free Visa scheme based on the new Circular Letter M.HH-01.GR.01.07 Year 2023:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Chile
- Commonwealth of Dominica
- Comoros
- Costa Rica
- Cote D’Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong SAR
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau SAR
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Palestine
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Island
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and Grenadines
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tonga
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- USA
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Changes in Visa Health Requirements
As we are slightly surpassing the pandemic situation, the need to provide additional documents such as vaccination certificates and health insurance is proposed to no longer be mandatory for visa applications.
When will the regulations become effective?
While the regulations have been proposed, it may take some time for the immigration authorities to update the other regulations accordingly.
There may be a new circular issued by the immigration authorities in the near future. This circular could provide further guidance and updates on visa regulations, including any changes to the visa application process or requirements.
Therefore, it is important to keep updated and stay on top of the Indonesian visa regulations. Check out our articles to understand the latest visa updates in Indonesia.
Want to know more? Then check out our useful guides below by clicking the links:
Company Establishment in Indonesia – Your questions answered
Registering a Trademark in Indonesia – How to protect your business
Business Establishment – The Process and Requirements
How to Establish a PT PMA in Indonesia: 5 Tips to Own A Foreign-owned Company At Ease
