Visa on Arrival Extension in Indonesia: Complete Guide for Travelers

If you’re planning to enjoy a longer stay in Indonesia beyond your initial 30 days, understanding how to extend your Visa on Arrival (VOA) is crucial. Whether you’re spending time in Bali or traveling through other parts of Indonesia, proper visa compliance is key to avoiding legal trouble and ensuring a smooth stay.

At The Bali Lawyer, a professional law service based in Bali, we specialize in providing reliable visa assistance and legal guidance for foreigners. This comprehensive page will walk you through everything you need to know about extending your Visa on Arrival in Indonesia, the legal steps involved, and how to do it right the first time.

What Is a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Indonesia?

The Visa on Arrival is available for tourists and business visitors from eligible countries who want to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days. It can be obtained upon arrival at designated airports and seaports in Indonesia, including Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Unlike some tourist visas, the VOA can be extended once, giving travelers an additional 30 days of legal stay, making the total duration 60 days.

Who Is Eligible for a Visa on Arrival?

Citizens of more than 80 countries can apply for a VOA upon entry to Indonesia. This visa is intended for:

  • Tourists visiting for holidays

  • Business visitors attending meetings or conferences

  • People visiting family or friends

The VOA cannot be used for employment or long-term residency purposes. Those planning to work or reside in Indonesia must apply for the appropriate visa or permit, such as a KITAS or a business visa.

Where Can You Extend a Visa on Arrival?

VOA extensions must be processed at the immigration office located in the region where you’re staying. For visitors in Bali, this would be one of the immigration offices in Denpasar, Jimbaran, or Singaraja.

Using the services of a registered law or visa agency such as The Bali Lawyer makes this process significantly faster and less stressful. Our team handles the paperwork, communication with immigration, and all technical requirements on your behalf.

Timeline for Visa Extension in Indonesia

You should start your extension process at least 7 to 10 days before your visa expires. The process typically takes around 7 working days, depending on your location and the workload of the immigration office.

If you miss the deadline and overstay your visa, you may be fined or penalized. Staying in Indonesia without a valid visa can lead to:

  • Daily overstay fines

  • Detention and deportation

  • Possible travel bans

Avoid these issues by working with a trusted legal service like The Bali Lawyer to manage your visa timeline properly.

Step-by-Step Process for VOA Extension

Here’s how the Visa on Arrival extension process works in Indonesia:

  1. Document Submission
    You or your legal representative submit your passport and visa documents to the local immigration office.

  2. Payment and Administration
    After submission, the immigration office will generate a payment slip. Once the payment is completed, your extension application will be processed.

  3. Biometrics Appointment
    You must attend a scheduled appointment for fingerprinting and photo capture at the immigration office.

  4. Visa Extension Issuance
    After approval, your passport will be stamped with the extended visa. This grants you a further 30-day stay from the date your initial VOA expired.

Required Documents for Visa on Arrival Extension

To extend your VOA, you’ll need:

  • Original passport with at least 6 months validity

  • Initial Visa on Arrival stamp or e-VOA proof

  • Completed extension application form

  • Sponsor letter (if applicable)

  • Return or onward flight ticket (sometimes requested)

At The Bali Lawyer, we handle all these administrative steps for you, ensuring nothing is missed or delayed.

Can You Extend a Visa on Arrival Online?

Indonesia has introduced an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) system. If you entered the country using an e-VOA, your extension can also be submitted online. However, technical issues and delays are common on the platform, and many travelers prefer to use local agents or lawyers who are familiar with immigration processes.

What Happens If You Overstay?

Overstaying your Visa on Arrival comes with serious consequences. Indonesia charges daily overstay fines and reserves the right to detain or deport travelers who violate visa rules.

The longer you overstay, the more complicated and expensive the situation becomes. Working with a legal team ensures you never miss a deadline.

Why Work With The Bali Lawyer?

Navigating Indonesian visa regulations can be confusing, especially with changes in immigration policy and the potential for miscommunication due to language barriers. At The Bali Lawyer, we provide:

  • Full handling of the VOA extension process

  • Personalized legal support for all visa matters

  • Direct coordination with immigration authorities

  • Fast, reliable processing of all required documents

We understand the local legal system, the immigration landscape, and what it takes to keep your stay in Bali stress-free and legally compliant.

Important Notes for VOA Holders

  • The VOA is a single-entry visa. If you leave Indonesia before your extension, the visa becomes invalid.

  • Once extended, it cannot be extended again. You must leave the country or apply for a different visa type if you wish to stay longer.

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Indonesia.

  • You cannot engage in employment or paid activities on a VOA.

Who Should Not Use a VOA?

If you plan to:

  • Stay in Indonesia for more than 60 days

  • Set up a business or work

  • Frequently travel in and out of the country

  • Bring family members on a dependent visa

Then a different visa category—such as a business visa, social visa, or KITAS—would be more suitable. The Bali Lawyer can assist you with choosing and applying for the right visa based on your long-term plans.

Can You Convert a VOA into Another Visa Type?

VOA holders cannot convert their visa into another type while in Indonesia. If you wish to apply for a different visa, you must leave the country and re-enter with the new visa once it has been approved.

This is why it’s essential to plan your visa type before arriving in Indonesia. If you’re unsure which visa suits your stay, our legal experts at The Bali Lawyer can guide you based on your travel goals and timeline.

Get Expert Help with Your Visa on Arrival Extension in Bali

The rules for visa extensions in Indonesia may seem simple, but delays, paperwork errors, and bureaucratic processes can easily complicate things. That’s where The Bali Lawyer comes in.

Based in Bali, we specialize in:

  • Visa on Arrival extensions

  • Social and business visa services

  • KITAS and KITAP processing

  • Company setup and legal consultation for expats

  • Land ownership and legal property support

With our assistance, you can stay focused on enjoying your time in Bali, knowing your legal status is properly managed.

Contact The Bali Lawyer Today

If you need help extending your Visa on Arrival or have questions about your visa options in Indonesia, reach out to The Bali Lawyer. Our experienced team will guide you through every step and ensure your time in Bali is safe, legal, and hassle-free.

Let us take care of your visa, so you can fully enjoy all that Bali and Indonesia have to offer.