Everything Tourists, Expats, and Long-Stayers Must Know About the New Immigration Rules
Bali’s immigration system has undergone major improvements in 2025. One of the most impactful changes is the shift to a hybrid system: all visa applications must now be initiated online, followed by a mandatory in-person biometric appointment at an immigration office.
This update affects tourists, digital nomads, long-stay visitors, and anyone applying for visa extensions or stay permits (including KITAS/KITAP).
Below is a complete guide to how the new system works and what you must prepare.
Why Indonesia Changed the Visa Process in 2025
Immigration recorded several issues in recent years:
- High volume of applications
- Overcrowding at service offices
- Confusion over manual vs. online processing
- Fraudulent agents and document scams
- Increasing overstays due to slow processing
- Growing digital nomad population
To solve these problems, the government shifted to a system that is more digital, more secure, and more transparent.
Key Changes in the 2025 Visa Application System
1. Online Application Is Now Required for All Visa Types
Every visa must start through the official online platform:
- Visa on Arrival Extension (VoA)
- B211A Visit Visa (Single/Multiple Entry)
- Tourist Visa Extension
- Social/Family Visit Visa Extension
- Business Visa & Investor Visa
- KITAS (Work, Spouse, Student, Retirement)
What must be done online?
- Complete personal data
- Upload scanned passport
- Upload passport-size photo
- Fill purpose of visit
- Pay fees online
- Receive a digital queue code
No more walk-in applications.
Immigration will not accept paper-based submissions without online registration.
2. Mandatory In-Person Biometrics at Immigration Offices
After registering online, applicants must visit an immigration office for:
- Face photo
- Fingerprints
- Document verification
This applies to:
✔ First-time visa holders
✔ Visa extensions
✔ KITAS applicants
✔ Anyone converting visa types
Biometrics must be completed within 7 days after the online application is submitted.
3. More Immigration Offices Available for Biometrics
To reduce long queues, the government opened two new offices:
Tabanan Immigration Office
📍 Jl. Arjuna 2, Delod Peken, Tabanan, Bali 82121
Klungkung Immigration Office
📍 Jl. Kecubung, Semarapura Kelod, Klungkung, Bali 80711
This helps ease pressure on:
- Denpasar Immigration
- Ngurah Rai Immigration
- Singaraja Immigration
Applicants can now choose the closest office to their accommodation.
How the New System Works Step-by-Step (2025)
Step 1: Register Online
You or your agent submit:
- Passport scan
- Visa photo
- Stay address in Bali
- Sponsor letter (if needed)
- Payment
You will receive a QR code or registration number.
Step 2: Choose an Immigration Office
Select a location for biometrics:
- Ngurah Rai
- Denpasar
- Singaraja
- Tabanan
- Klungkung
Step 3: Attend Biometric Appointment
Bring:
- Original passport
- Printed registration form
- Sponsor documents
- Proof of online payment
Immigration captures:
- Fingerprints
- Facial image
- Digital signature
Step 4: Processing & Approval
Processing times vary:
- VoA extension: 3–5 working days
- Visit visa extension: 7–10 working days
- Investor visa (D212/B2): 10–15 days
- KITAS: 2–4 weeks
Step 5: Digital Visa Issued
Approved visas are now mostly digital, sent via email and accessible on the online portal.
No more physical stickers for many categories.
Benefits of the New Visa System
✔ Faster Processing
Online pre-registration cuts down office wait times.
✔ More Transparency
Applicants can track progress through the online portal.
✔ Increased Security
Biometrics prevent:
- Identity fraud
- Misuse of passports
- Duplicate entries
✔ Less Overcrowding
Multiple immigration offices now share the workload.
How This Impacts Tourists and Expats
Tourists
Must start VoA extensions online and book a biometric appointment.
Digital Nomads
B211A and new long-stay visas require more precise data and sponsor verification.
Business Owners
Investor visas now demand clearer documentation and mandatory in-person verification.
Families
Dependents must register their details online and attend biometrics.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid
❌ Applying late (must apply 7–10 days before expiry)
❌ Not attending biometric appointment
❌ Using unregistered agents
❌ Incorrect passport data
❌ Uploading blurry passport photos
Any mistake slows down the process or results in rejection.
Conclusion: The 2025 Visa System Makes Bali More Organized and Efficient
The new mandatory online application and biometric system marks a major step forward for Bali’s immigration services. It provides:
- Faster processing
- Better security
- Clearer regulations
- More organized office visits
For tourists and expats, the key is simple:
Register online early, prepare documents correctly, and complete biometrics on time.
