The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various sectors worldwide, including travel and immigration. Indonesia, like many other countries, has undergone changes in its visa and residency permit regulations since 2021. However, recent developments suggest that further adjustments due to cancellation COVID-19 Pandemic Status in the country. This article will explore the latest updates regarding Indonesian immigration policies and their implications for foreign visitors and residents.
Effective from July 2023, the Indonesian government has decided to completely halt the onshore application for the Single Entry Visa (B211) through the Immigration website. The Single Entry Visa allowed foreigners to apply for a visa while already present within Indonesian territory. This measure was implemented as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak, minimizing international travel and ensuring a smoother visa application process.
With the substantial improvement in the pandemic situation, the Indonesian immigration authorities have deemed it appropriate to discontinue the online process for onshore visa applications. The move signifies a gradual return to pre-pandemic immigration practices, which involved applying for visas from outside the country before entering Indonesia.
The decision to halt the onshore Single Entry Visa application process was officially communicated through Surat Berita № 19 2023. This announcement declared the cancellation of a previous regulation (Minister of Law and Human Rights № 34 2021), which governed the issuance of visas and residency permits during the Coronavirus period and the subsequent national economic recovery since 2019.
Despite the changes in visa laws, individuals will still have the opportunity to switch from a B211A (visitor visa) to an ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) within the country. The option to obtain a visa onshore existed before the pandemic and will continue to be available for those who wish to extend their stay in Indonesia beyond the scope of a visitor visa.
Offshore eVisa B211 is also still available for application as before
