Indonesia Bridging Visa: Complete Guide and How to Get It!

If you’re in Indonesia and your current visa is about to expire, it’s natural to feel worried about whether you’ll have to leave the country or risk overstaying. Questions like “Can I stay in Indonesia while waiting for my new visa to be approved?” are common among expats and long-term travelers. This is where the Indonesia bridging visa comes in as the solution. This temporary permit is designed to cover the transition period, allowing you to remain in Indonesia legally and stay longer without the hassle of leaving and re-entering the country just to extend your visa status. The bridging visa is only valid while you remain within Indonesian territory. In other countries, bridging visas also serve as interim solutions, providing legal stay during visa transitions, though the rules and types may differ.

To make things clearer, this article will explain in detail what a bridging visa is, who usually needs one, and how the process works from start to finish. In Indonesia, the bridging visa is governed by immigration law, and compliance with legal requirements is essential. That way, you’ll know exactly what steps to take and avoid mistakes that could cause unnecessary problems. So, make sure to read until the end to fully understand its benefits and how you can apply with ease.

What is an Indonesia Bridging Visa?

An Indonesia bridging visa is a temporary stay permit that works as a bridge when your current visa is about to expire, while your new visa application is still being processed. This means you don’t need to worry about leaving Indonesia just because your new documents aren’t ready yet. While the bridging visa is active, your stay remains legal, helping you maintain your residence status and extending your legal stay until your new visa is granted.

Although the term “bridging visa” is not officially listed in Indonesia’s immigration system, the government has introduced a similar mechanism that provides legal protection for foreign nationals. This permit is generally valid for a short term and is only meant to cover the transition between visas. This system is often referred to as a transitional stay permit. Its role is very important for expats, foreign workers, and long-term travelers who don’t want their plans disrupted by administrative procedures.

In most cases, a bridging visa in Indonesia is valid for up to 60 days and cannot be extended. It is a short term solution and is not meant to replace your main visa, but only to cover the gap and protect you from overstaying. The bridging visa is not a substantive visa, but a temporary permit granted during the processing of a substantive visa application.

Some examples include:

• You arrive in Indonesia on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and later apply for a KITAS, but your VOA is about to expire before your KITAS is approved.
• You already hold a KITAS, but it can no longer be extended, and you want to apply for a new residence permit without having to leave Indonesia. Those with previous residence permits that have expired may still be eligible for a bridging visa if they meet the requirements.

Who Needs an Indonesia Bridging Visa?

Not every foreigner will need a bridging visa, but there are several groups who often use it for practical reasons. There are various visa options available to different groups, and understanding which one applies to your situation is crucial. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Long-term tourists
  Many travelers initially plan to stay for a short time, for example 30 days on a Visa on Arrival (VOA). But after exploring Bali, Lombok, or Raja Ampat, they often want to extend their stay. Instead of leaving the country for a “visa run” just to renew their permit, the Indonesia bridging visa offers a more practical option. With this permit, they can remain in Indonesia legally while waiting for a long-term tourist visa or other stay permit to be approved.
• Digital nomads
  Indonesia, especially Bali, has become a global hotspot for digital nomads. Many remote workers arrive on a tourist visa or VOA, then switch to a more suitable permit like a KITAS. Since this process can take weeks, the bridging visa ensures they stay legal and avoid the risk of overstay.
• Expats applying for a KITAS
  Quite a few foreign workers first come with a tourist visa, then later secure a contract with a local company. To work legally, they must apply for a KITAS and work permit. Because these documents take time to process, the bridging visa protects them so they can remain legally in Indonesia until their KITAS is officially issued.
• Business owners and investors
  Indonesia is very attractive for foreign investors in sectors like property, tourism, and business. Most of them apply for an Investor KITAS or ITAS, but the process often takes time—company paperwork, proof of capital, and government approvals are all required.

Read more: Visa Concierge Service Bali: A Practical Solution for a Stress-Free Vacation

Benefits of an Indonesia Bridging Visa

Applying for an Indonesia bridging visa is not just about “adding more time to stay.” It also comes with practical benefits that many people often overlook. Without it, many foreigners worry about the risk of overstaying, paying daily fines, or even having to leave and re-enter the country just to wait for their next visa. Here are the main advantages:

• Avoiding the risk of overstayOverstaying in Indonesia can be very costly. The fine is Rp 1,000,000 per day, which quickly adds up if the delay lasts for weeks. In more serious cases, it can even lead to deportation or being banned from re-entering Indonesia. A bridging visa protects you from this risk by keeping your stay fully legal.
• Staying legal while waiting for a new visaApplications for new visas, such as a Work KITAS, Business Visa, or Investor Permit, can take several weeks or even longer. The bridging visa ensures you don’t fall into a “gap” in your stay permit during this waiting period, particularly when your permit expires and a new application is pending. This means you can continue your daily life without worrying about your legal status.
• Saving money and energy from unnecessary travelWithout a bridging visa, many foreigners resort to doing “visa runs,” leaving the country for a short time (usually to nearby countries) and coming back just to reset their stay. This is not only tiring but also expensive, with flight costs, accommodation, and wasted time.
• Extra time to prepare documentsEach type of visa has its own set of requirements—company documents for investors, work contracts for employees, or financial records for certain permits. A bridging visa gives you extra time to collect and organize all the necessary paperwork calmly, without the stress of your old visa running out.

Validity of an Indonesia Bridging Visa

The validity of an Indonesia bridging visa does not stand alone like a tourist visa or a KITAS. It’s better described as a transitional stay permit that follows the process of your new visa application. In other words, the duration of a bridging visa depends on the type of permit you are applying for.

In many cases, immigration will grant a temporary stay permit while you wait for a decision. For example, when you are applying for an extension of a tourist visa, or when your ITAS/KITAS application is still in process. Generally, this transitional stay permit is valid for up to 60 days and cannot be extended. The bridging visa is designed purely to cover the gap between your expiring visa and the approval of your new one.

What you need to keep in mind is that you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires and pay the required fees as part of the process. Do not wait until the last day. Once your old visa has expired and you haven’t submitted a new application, your stay will immediately be considered illegal. The consequences can be serious, ranging from daily fines to deportation. Also, you cannot obtain a bridging visa if you are outside Indonesia at the time of application, similar to how bridging visas are not available outside Australia.

In short, the bridging visa gives you legal certainty while waiting, but you must still be disciplined. You must obtain the bridging visa before your old visa runs out, and make sure all the required documents are ready. The bridging visa is only valid if you are in Indonesia at the time of application.

How to Apply for an Indonesia Bridging Visa

Applying for an Indonesia bridging visa isn’t necessarily complicated, but it does require accuracy and planning to avoid falling into overstay. Remember, overstaying in Indonesia can be very costly—Rp 1,000,000 per day—and if it goes on too long, it can even result in deportation. In some cases, you may need to submit a separate application for the bridging visa, especially if it is not automatically granted with your substantive visa application. That’s why it’s so important to understand the steps properly and ensure you are completing all requirements to be eligible. Here’s a detailed guide:

Check the validity of your current visa

• Look at your passport or stay permit and note the expiry date.
  Don’t wait until the last day, because immigration needs time to process your request. If you apply too late, your stay could be considered illegal.
• Ideally, start your application at least 7–10 days before your visa expires. This gives you extra time in case immigration requests additional documents or there are system delays.
• Consult with the immigration office or a licensed visa agent
• Visit the nearest immigration office to ask which option suits your situation best—whether to extend your current visa or switch to a KITAS.
• If you’d prefer not to deal with the paperwork yourself, you can use a trusted visa agent. They are familiar with the process, know what documents are required, and can help you avoid delays.

Apply for a new visa onshore

• “Onshore” means applying from inside Indonesia without leaving the country. This is the process that automatically gives you bridging visa status.
• Example: switching from a B211A Tourist Visa or Visa on Arrival (VOA) directly to a Work KITAS, Investor KITAS, or Family KITAS.
• As soon as your application is lodged in the immigration system, you are no longer at risk of overstay, since your stay is covered by the transitional permit.

Prepare the required documents for your new visa

• Each type of visa requires different paperwork:
  • Work KITAS → work contract, work permit (RPTKA/IMTA), and company sponsorship.
  • Investor KITAS → company deed, NIB, proof of paid-up capital, and other legal documents.
  • Family KITAS → marriage certificate, spouse’s passport, and spouse’s Indonesian ID card (KTP and KK).
• Make sure your documents are complete, valid, and in the right format (both hard copies and digital). Missing or incorrect documents can cause serious delays or even rejection.

Wait while staying legally in Indonesia

• Once your documents are submitted, immigration will give you proof of application or a receipt. Keep this safe, as it serves as your legal guarantee while waiting.
• Even if your old visa has expired, you are still considered legal during this waiting period.
• Follow all instructions from immigration or your visa agent, such as scheduling biometrics (photo and fingerprints), interviews, or paying official fees. Missing an appointment can slow down the process.

Requirements and Documents for an Indonesia Bridging Visa

Before applying for an Indonesia bridging visa, you must make sure that all the basic documents are ready. These documents are what immigration uses to process your application. If anything is missing, your application may be delayed or even rejected. Here are the documents that are usually required:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
  Your passport is your main identity document. Immigration will not process a new visa application if your passport is close to expiring. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six more months. If it’s not, renew it at your embassy or consulate before applying for a bridging visa.
• Proof of your previous visa or stay permit
  This could be a copy of your VOA (Visa on Arrival), B211A Visit Visa, or an active ITAS/KITAS. This document shows that you were already staying legally in Indonesia. Without this, your application will be considered incomplete and cannot be processed.
• Proof of new visa application
  Since the bridging visa is a transitional permit, you must already be in the process of applying for a new visa—such as a Work Visa, Investor Visa, or KITAP. Proof usually comes in the form of an official receipt from the immigration system or confirmation from the agent handling your application.
• Completed application form
  Immigration requires an official form, which you can download from the e-Visa system or collect directly at the immigration office. Fill it out carefully—small mistakes can slow down the process.
• Recent passport-size photos
  Photos are usually required with a plain (often white) background and must follow passport standards. Make sure they are recent, clear, and meet immigration requirements. It’s a good idea to prepare several extra copies just in case.

Important Tips Before Applying for an Indonesia Bridging Visa

Applying for an Indonesia bridging visa might seem straightforward, but you still need to be careful. Small mistakes—like applying too late or submitting incomplete documents—can lead to big problems such as overstay fines or even deportation. To stay safe, here are some important tips:

• Apply early, don’t wait until the last day
  Many people wait until their visa is about to expire, which is very risky. Ideally, apply 7–10 days before your visa expires. This gives you enough time to fix any missing documents or deal with delays in the immigration system.
• Stay updated with the latest immigration rules and law
  Visa regulations in Indonesia can change from time to time, and they are governed by Indonesian immigration law. Always check the official imigration website. Or ask directly at the immigration office to make sure you have the latest information and are complying with the law.
• Be aware of your personal circumstances
  Certain circumstances, such as changes in your employment, family status, or other personal situations, can affect your eligibility for a bridging visa or the conditions attached to it. Always inform immigration if your circumstances change.
• Keep all receipts and official communication
  Always keep proof of application, payment receipts, and confirmation emails from immigration or your visa agent. These documents are important in case immigration officers need to verify your status.
• Use a visa concierge service for extra convenience
  If you’re staying in Bali, there’s an easier option: a visa concierge service in Bali. With this service, everything from document checks, application submission, to follow-ups will be handled by professionals. One trusted provider is Bali Premium Trip, which offers a premium visa concierge service. With their experienced team, you can feel confident knowing all the details are managed properly according to Indonesian immigration rules.

Read more: Visa Free Entry to Indonesia 2025: The Complete Guide You Need to Know!

Apply for a Hassle-Free Visa with Bali Premium Trip!

Handling an Indonesia bridging visa is often essential for foreigners whose current stay permit is about to expire while their new visa is still being processed. With a bridging visa, you don’t need to worry about the risk of overstay—which can lead to fines of up to Rp 1,000,000 per day. This transitional permit also allows you to remain legally in Indonesia without leaving and re-entering the country just to handle paperwork. On top of that, it gives you extra time to complete documents or wait for approval, so you can continue your daily activities without stress.

For many people, however, the visa process can feel overwhelming—different requirements for each visa type, filling out forms correctly, and dealing with frequent changes in immigration rules. This is exactly where Bali Premium Trip comes in with our visa concierge services in Bali. Our experienced team assists with everything: checking your documents, submitting official applications, and guiding you through biometrics at immigration. Every detail is handled carefully so you don’t have to worry about mistakes or waste valuable time.

Want to stay in Indonesia without hassle? Leave your bridging visa and immigration needs to Bali Premium Trip. Contact our team today and enjoy a professional, safe, and stress-free visa concierge service!