Jakarta: Unlike the regular Visa on Arrival (VOA) extension procedure at the immigration office, foreigners can extend their Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online through the website molina.imigrasi.go.idSimply with a smartphone and an internet network, foreign nationals who use e-VOA can apply for stay permit extensions anytime and anywhere in Indonesia.

"For extensions, it is more practical if foreigners use e-VOA. Access molina.imigrasi.go.id, fill in the form provided, and proceed to the payment page. Payment can be made using any credit or debit card with Visa, Mastercard, or JCB logo on it," explained the Public Relations Sub-coordinator of the Directorate General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh, on Wednesday (15/02/2023).

Foreign nationals using e-VOA do not need to show their entry permit stamp affixed to their passports at the Immigration Control (TPI) in airports, seaports, or land border cross. The immigration system automatically records foreigners' data.

"We need to advise that foreigners can only extend e-VOA if they have entered Indonesian territory, and also not recommended to extend it while foreigners have just entered Indonesia. We say this because we received many questions on the communication channels for this information and public complaints," he added.

At the same time, the regular Visa on Arrival service for foreigners at the VOA counter at the arrival area of the airports/seaports is still available. This service is intended to facilitate foreign nationals who urgently or unexpectedly have to come to Indonesia and internet network access is unavailable.

Foreigners using regular VOA who want to extend their stay permit must prepare a copy of their entry sign in their passport and present a ticket to leave Indonesia; they must apply for the visa extension at the immigration office. Foreigners can extend their VOA at any immigration office throughout Indonesia.

Reporter: Ajeng Rahma Safitri
Editor: Achmad Nur Saleh