Indonesian Immigration has issued updated guidance for tourists traveling to the country, including popular destinations such as Bali.
As volcanic activity increases across Indonesia, and as emergencies and accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, tourists are encouraged to be informed about Indonesia’s visa rules, including the Emergency Stay Permit.
All tourists entering Indonesia require a visa or to register for a visa exemption. Indonesia has updated its visa exemption list, which now allows tourists from 15 countries to enter the country for up to 30 days for tourism and a limited number of business activities without a visa.
The countries now on the visa exemption list for Indonesia are Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar, Laos, Timor-Leste, Suriname, Colombia, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Brazil.
Tourists from more than 90 other countries must apply for an eVisa on Arrival, or Visa on Arrival, in order to enjoy a vacation in Bali. The eVisa on Arrival, or Visa on Arrival, costs IDR 500,000, is valid for 30 days, and can be extended one time only for a further 30 days via the new Hybrid Application System.
With the Indonesian Immigration, especially the immigration teams in Bali, seriously cracking down on visa violations, tourists traveling to Bali must be aware of the conditions of their eVisa on Arrival, or Visa on Arrival, and be mindful of the expiry date.
Nevertheless, emergencies can still occur; natural disasters are a far too common occurrence in Indonesia, and even if tourists have all the plans in place to depart from Indonesia before their visa expires, the unexpected is just around the corner.
If onward or return travel is cancelled, delayed, or disrupted at the last minute, or if a natural disaster or pandemic prevents travel, or if an emergency of any kind occurs, tourists can apply for an Emergency Stay Permit.
Indonesia Immigration shared, “Ready to go…but forced to return [stay] in Indonesia? No worries, if you’re a foreigner, Indonesia Immigration has a solution for you to make sure you’re not illegal.”
Indonesia Immigration continues, “We understand your concern. Indonesia Immigration provides a solution. The Emergency Stay Permit.” However, there are only certain situations where an emergency stay permit may be granted; specific criteria must be met, and documents provided to immigration officers.
In the event of a delayed or canceled departure after the individual has been stamped out of Indonesia and is awaiting a flight at the airport, Indonesia Immigration explains, “the officer at the immigration checkpoint will cancel your departure stamp either manually or within the system.”
The second step is to “immediately apply for a post-stay permit by coordinating with the officer at the immigration checkpoint, then come to the nearest immigration office [after] attaching an official certificate or written declaration from the aviation civil authority, airline, or local airport authority.”
In the case of Bali, this would be either the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office or the Denpasar Immigration Office. The Emergency Stay Permit is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended for a further 30 days if the emergency situation persists.
Foreigners who have been issued an Emergency Stay Permit will not be charged overstay fees for the period that the Emergency Stay Permit is valid, and the Emergency Stay Permit is issued at no cost.
Tourists traveling to Bali, or Indonesia more broadly, are highly recommended to follow the Indonesia Immigration Instagram account, where updates, guidance, and advice to navigate the immigration system are issued on a regular basis.
Indonesia Immigration is implementing a wave of new policy changes, many of which are announced with only 1-2 days’ notice. No matter how quickly immigration changes come into effect, it is the responsibility of the foreign national to obey all immigration laws throughout their day in Indonesia, even if those laws change or update after they arrive.
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