Mandatory Biometrics for Visa Extension Returns on May 28
All foreigners will be required to personally visit the immigration office to extend their stay in the country. This applies to those with a temporary residence permit (ITAS/KITAS) and those who entered with short-term visas (ITK).
Tourists and expats will once again need to:
personally answer questions from immigration officers;
submit fingerprints;
take photographs.
The changes are enshrined in the new circular from the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-417.GR.01.01 from 2025. This document cancels previous regulations allowing remote visa extensions.
While these changes will require more time from tourists and expats, the government emphasizes their importance for national security, transparency, and effective immigration control.
The return of mandatory biometrics aims to:
reduce visa violations;
track the distribution and activity of foreigners by region;
ensure transparency in permit processing;
enhance administrative control efficiency.
Therefore, we recommend not delaying document submission and being prepared for longer processing times. When submitting documents independently, make sure to check which Immigration Office you need to contact, as it depends on your residence address in Indonesia.
For individual consultation, contact our specialists.
