Everything You Need to Know About Indonesia’s New Bridging Visa

Good news: Indonesia recently introduced the Bridging Visa (also called Transition Visa), a new policy from the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. The bridging visa policy is a new initiative in Indonesia that allows foreigners to remain in the country while their resident permits, including permanent stay permits, are being processed. This visa aims to provide convenience for tourists and foreign nationals already in Indonesia, allowing them to extend their stay without leaving the country. This is especially useful for those needing extra time to complete personal or professional matters.

What is the Bridging Visa?

A Bridging Visa helps non-citizens stay legally in Indonesia while waiting for a new visa decision or transitioning between visa types. It serves two main purposes: 🔹 Extending Your Stay – This visa allows foreigners to legally remain in Indonesia for up to 60 days after their current visa expires, without needing to leave the country. 🔹 Changing Visa Types – If you’re switching to a different visa, a Bridging Visa lets you stay in Indonesia while your new visa is being processed, avoiding the need to travel abroad for changes. By providing this temporary legal stay, the Bridging Visa helps ensure a smooth transition for foreigners navigating visa processes in Indonesia.

Who Can Apply for the Bridging Visa?

The Bridging Visa is available to foreigners holding various types of existing stay permits, including: • Visa on Arrival: After the initial 30-day visa and its 30-day extension, you can apply for a Bridging Visa for an additional 60 days. • C1 Single Entry Visa (previously called B211A or 211A visa): After using up to two possible extensions, you can apply for a Bridging Visa if you need more time due to health concerns, business license processing, or personal matters like marriage. • Spouse ITAS/KITAS Holders: If you’re transitioning to an Investor KITAS or another visa type, the Bridging Visa allows you to remain in the country during the change.

How Long is the Application Process, and What Does It Cost?

Obtaining a Bridging Visa is similar to applying for a new social or business visa. The key details are: • Processing Time: The visa takes 5-7 working days to process. • Application Window: You can apply up to 2 weeks before your current stay permit expires but no later than 3 days before your current residence permit expires to ensure the application process proceeds smoothly. • Cost: The fee is equivalent to a C1 Single-Entry visa (previously called 211A or B211A visa).

Documents Required for a Bridging Visa Application

To apply for a Bridging Visa, you’ll need the following documents: • Color Copy of Passport ID Page: A clear scan is recommended, but if you take a photo, ensure that all corners are visible and that no fingers are in the frame. The text must be legible. • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months • Current Stay Permit (the last extension permit): Proof of a valid stay permit •Statement Letter: Describing the reason for the bridging visa on the Form E-02.

Indonesia’s Bridging Visa is a solution many tourists and expatriates have been waiting for a long time. By simplifying visa procedures and providing flexibility, this visa can make an extended stay much more manageable, whether for business, personal, or health reasons.

Benefits of the Bridging Visa

The Bridging Visa offers numerous benefits to foreign nationals residing in Indonesia. One of the primary advantages is that it allows individuals to extend their stay in the country without needing to leave. This eliminates the need for international travel, providing a convenient and efficient process for foreigners who need to update their residence status. Another significant benefit of the Bridging Visa is that it provides flexibility and peace of mind during transitional periods. Foreign nationals can continue to reside in Indonesia while their new residence permit application is being processed, ensuring that they can maintain their daily activities and routines without interruption. Additionally, the Bridging Visa helps to avoid overstays, saving time and money for foreign nationals. By applying for the Bridging Visa, individuals can ensure that they are complying with Indonesian immigration regulations, avoiding any potential penalties or fines associated with overstaying.

Restrictions and Limitations

While the Bridging Visa offers many benefits, there are some restrictions and limitations that foreign nationals should be aware of. One of the primary limitations is that the Bridging Visa is only valid for 60 days. This means that foreign nationals must ensure that they apply for the Bridging Visa in a timely manner to avoid any gaps in their residence status. Another restriction is that the Bridging Visa can only be obtained within Indonesian territory. If a foreign national leaves Indonesia, the Bridging Visa is no longer valid. This means that individuals must carefully plan their travel arrangements to ensure that they do not inadvertently invalidate their Bridging Visa. Furthermore, the Bridging Visa is intended solely as a transitional permit. It cannot be used for work, and it only facilitates the transition to a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS). Foreign nationals holding this visa are limited to applying for a temporary stay permit or ITAS (Limited Stay Permit).

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Applying for an Indonesia Bridging Visa is not always a straightforward process. If the purpose is merely to wait for a new visa approval, applicants are generally required to leave Indonesia unless there is an urgent situation. While the system indicates that processing takes approximately 5-7 business days, in reality, approvals can take weeks. To ensure a smooth application process for the Bridging Visa, foreign nationals should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements. It is essential to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted in a timely manner to avoid any delays or complications. Additionally, foreign nationals should apply for the Bridging Visa at least 3 days before their current visa expires to avoid any issues. It is also recommended that individuals seek the assistance of a reputable immigration service provider to ensure that their application is processed efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bridging Visa is a valuable option for foreign nationals residing in Indonesia. It provides flexibility and peace of mind during transitional periods, allowing individuals to extend their stay in the country without needing to leave. While there are some restrictions and limitations, the benefits of the Bridging Visa far outweigh the drawbacks. By carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria and application requirements, foreign nationals can ensure a smooth application process and take advantage of the many benefits that the Bridging Visa has to offer.