When to Extend Your Visa on Arrival in Indonesia and How to Avoid Overstay

The Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Indonesia is valid for 30 calendar days and can be extended once—for an additional 30 days. The total legal stay allowed is no more than 60 days. Even a one-day overstay is considered a violation—overstay. In this article, we’ll walk you through the optimal time to apply for an extension, how the process works, and the risks of missing your deadline.

Validity and Extension of VoA

Initial Validity

The Visa on Arrival is a short-stay visa that allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 calendar days. The day you enter Indonesia counts as day one, regardless of your arrival time.

Can a VoA Be Extended?

Yes, the Visa on Arrival can be extended once for an additional 30 days. This means you can stay legally in Indonesia for a total of up to 60 days without needing to exit the country or apply for a different visa.

Citizenship Restrictions

The VoA is available to citizens of 97 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and most European nations. The up-to-date list is available on the official immigration portal.

Types of VoA

The VoA is offered in two formats:

• Electronic e-VoA, applied for online in advance at molina.imigrasi.go.id;
• Physical VoA, issued on arrival at the airport (as a stamp or sticker in your passport).

Both formats are eligible for extension—either online by yourself or through a visa agency.

Best Time to Apply for an Extension

Optimal Application Window

It’s recommended to begin the extension process at least 7 business days before your visa expires. However, due to potential bureaucratic delays, national holidays, and queues at immigration, it's best to apply 10–14 days in advance.

Sample calculation:

• You enter Indonesia on December 1; your initial visa is valid until December 30;
• Therefore, try to apply between December 15–18 to avoid issues;
• If you apply after December 23–24, your extension may not be processed in time, especially during the holiday period.

Why Timing Matters

Processing can take between 5 to 10 business days. If you miss the window, the system will record an overstay, and you’ll face penalties. Backdated extensions are not possible.

What Overstay Means and Its Consequences

Overstay refers to staying in Indonesia beyond your visa's validity period. Sanctions begin from the first day of overstay, as per Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011.

Fines and Consequences

• 1 day overstay: fine of 1,000,000 IDR (~65 USD) per day;
• More than 5 days: in addition to the fine, you may be deported and face a temporary re-entry ban;
• More than 30 days: in certain cases, criminal charges may apply (e.g., for working or residing illegally).

Important:

Overstays are recorded automatically by the immigration control system. Personal explanations do not affect the imposition of fines.

Ways to Extend Your Visa in Indonesia

Online Extension for e-VoA

If you have an electronic visa, the extension can be completed via the molina.imigrasi.go.id portal:

1. Log in using your passport number;
2. Select “Request visa extension” from the menu;
3. Upload required documents: passport, photo, current e-VoA;
4. Pay the fee (500,000 IDR);
5. Wait for confirmation by email.

Extension via Agency (as of December 2025)

If you’re on Bali or another tourist area, visa agencies can assist you. This is especially useful if you prefer to avoid dealing with bureaucracy:

• The agency collects your passport;
• Registers the application with immigration;
• Schedules and coordinates your photo and fingerprint appointment;
• Returns your documents within 7–10 business days (faster with express service).

Service cost: ranges from 850,000 to 1,200,000 IDR, including government fee. These rates are approximate as of December 2025 and may vary by region.

Note: Some agencies offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Always verify that the agency is officially licensed.

Practical Tips for Tourists and Expats

• The 30-day count begins on the day of arrival, not the day after;
• Watch out for local holidays: in Indonesia, holidays are often announced shortly before the date;
• Avoid booking domestic flights during your extension period—your passport will be with immigration;
• All confirmations and receipts are sent via email—check your “Spam” folder regularly.

Summary and Recommendations

Extending your Visa on Arrival is a straightforward yet crucial process that should not be postponed. Missing the deadline will result in overstay—penalties can include steep fines, visa cancellation, and re-entry bans. Therefore:

• Plan your extension at least one week before your VoA expires;
• Track your stay on a calendar—30 calendar days including the arrival date;
• If needed, consider using an agent—particularly helpful during peak travel seasons.

Want to learn more about visas in Indonesia, Permanent Residency/KITAP on Bali, or other legalization options? Explore more content on our blog.