The extension of Indonesia's Visa on Arrival (VoA) now requires verification by the immigration office corresponding to the foreign national's (WNA) domicile during their stay in Indonesia. However, the application for VoA extension can still be submitted online through the website evisa.imigrasi.go.id.

"Applications for extending the visa on arrival can be made online, whether the WNA uses an electronic VoA (e-VoA) or a sticker VoA obtained at the immigration counter in the airport arrival area. Once the VoA extension application is submitted into the system, officers at the immigration office will first check the WNA's data before the VoA extension is issued," said the Director of Immigration Traffic, Felucia Sengky Ratna.

Meanwhile, WNAs holding a visit visa (valid for 60 days) who wish to apply for an extension need to be guaranteed or sponsored by an Indonesian citizen. "Therefore, WNAs need to assess their needs first. If they plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 60 days, it's advisable to have a guarantor from the start. If they plan to stay for less than 60 days, they can apply for a visit visa without a guarantor," Sengky advised.

The provisions regarding immigration office verification in VoA and visit visa extensions are stipulated in the Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation (Permenkumham) No. 11 of 2024, Article 97, which amends Permenkumham No. 22 of 2023. This article also explains that WNAs will not be subject to overstay penalties if the application and payment for VoA or visit visa extensions are made before the visa's validity expires. The provisions regarding the role of guarantors in visa extensions are detailed in Article 98 of Permenkumham No. 22 of 2023.

To apply for a VoA or visit visa extension through evisa.imigrasi.go.id, click the "Extend My Visa" button on the website's homepage. Enter your passport number, country of origin, and date of birth. If the data is correct, you will be directed to fill out the visa extension form. Next, proceed with the payment using a Visa/Mastercard debit or credit card.

For WNAs who obtained their VoA at the airport immigration counter and wish to apply for an extension online, click the "Services" menu at the top right of the e-visa website. Then, under number 2, click the "Find Existing Stay Permit" button. Enter the WNA's passport number, nationality, and date of birth. The WNA's VoA information will appear and can be used to apply for a VoA extension.

"The Directorate General of Immigration implements digital-based services to facilitate the public, including WNAs. This convenience must be balanced with procedures that filter to ensure that WNAs in Indonesia stay in accordance with applicable regulations," Sengky concluded.