Exit Permit Only: A Guide for Foreigners Leaving Indonesia

If you’re a foreign national (WNA) living in Indonesia with a temporary or permanent stay permit like a KITAS or KITAP, there’s one important thing you need to take care of before you leave the country for good: exit permit only (EPO). This isn’t just another piece of paperwork—it’s a legal requirement from Indonesian Immigration to ensure your departure is properly recorded and that you won’t run into problems later on.

If your work contract is ending, you’re moving to another country, or you don’t plan to return under the same permit, applying for an exit permit only is a crucial step. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about EPO—who needs it, when to apply, and how the process works. Make sure you read until the end so you don’t miss anything that could cause trouble when it’s time to leave Indonesia.

What is Exit Permit Only (EPO) in Indonesia?

Exit Permit Only (EPO) is an official document issued by Indonesia’s Immigration Office. It serves as a legal clearance for foreigners who plan to leave the country permanently, with no intention of returning under the same stay permit.

You’re required to apply for an EPO if you hold a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) or KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) and decide to end your stay in Indonesia. This could be due to a completed work contract, moving to another country, or personal reasons like returning to your home country.

It’s important to note that EPO is not the same as an Exit Re-Entry Permit. An EPO is for those who are leaving for good, while an Exit Re-Entry Permit is for those who are leaving temporarily but plan to return and continue using their current stay permit.

So, if you’re planning to leave and not come back anytime soon, EPO is something you must arrange to make sure your immigration record is officially closed and doesn’t leave you with unexpected legal issues later.

Why is an Exit Permit Only Important?

Applying for an exit permit only is more than just following a formal procedure—it’s a key part of staying compliant with Indonesia’s immigration laws. If you skip this process and leave the country without an EPO, the consequences can be serious, both for you and for the sponsor or company that supported your stay. Without an EPO, your departure won’t be recorded properly in the immigration system. That can lead to issues like:

• Overstay fines, even if you physically left on time
• Blacklisting, making it hard to re-enter Indonesia in the future
• Visa rejections for any future travel to Indonesia
• Administrative penalties for your employer or sponsor, who might be seen as neglecting their immigration duties

In short, EPO is your official “goodbye” to Indonesia. It ensures you leave legally, with your immigration record clean and closed. So before you pack your bags, make sure this document is handled properly—it saves you from a lot of trouble down the road.

When Should You Apply for an Exit Permit Only?

If you’re planning to leave Indonesia for good—whether it’s because your job contract ended, you’re relocating to another country, or for any personal reason—then the exit permit only is something you must apply for before you go.

Timing is very important. Ideally, you should start the EPO process at least 7 to 14 working days before your departure. Why so early? Because the process involves document checks, approval from immigration officers, and the return of your KITAS or KITAP. If you apply too close to your flight, there’s a chance the process won’t finish on time and it could disrupt your travel plans.

Some common reasons to apply for an EPO include:

• Your employment contract in Indonesia has ended and you’re not renewing it
• You’re moving to another country—for work, study, or family
• Your sponsorship or relationship with your current sponsor has ended
• You’re switching to a different visa type and need to leave the country first

In general, if you’re leaving Indonesia without plans to return under the same permit, you must apply for an exit permit only. It’s not just a formality—it’s part of your responsibility as a legal stay permit holder in Indonesia.

Who Needs to Apply for an Exit Permit Only?

Not every foreigner in Indonesia is required to apply for an EPO. This requirement only applies to those with specific types of stay permits and who are leaving Indonesia permanently.

You must apply for an EPO if you hold:

• A KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit)
• A KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit)

You’re also required to apply for an EPO if:

• You’re leaving Indonesia and don’t plan to return in the near future
• Your work contract or sponsorship has ended
• You’re switching sponsors or visa types, such as from a work visa to a tourist visa

If you’re only staying in Indonesia on a tourist visa, like Visa on Arrival or B211A, and your visa is still valid, then you do not need to apply for an EPO. Just make sure you leave the country before your visa expires to avoid any overstay fines.

Before making any travel plans, it’s always good to double-check what type of visa or permit you have and whether you’re required to apply for an EPO. It could save you from unnecessary complications.

Read more: Indonesia Transit Visa: A Complete Guide Every Traveler Should Know

Required Documents for Exit Permit Only

To apply for an exit permit only, you’ll need to prepare a few key documents. Having everything ready before you go to the immigration office will make the process much smoother. Here’s what you typically need:

• Original and copy of your passport
  Make sure your passport is still valid and not damaged. Copy the ID page and the page with your latest entry stamp.
• Original and copy of your KITAS or KITAP
  This proves your legal residence status in Indonesia. Ensure the copy is clear and readable.
• Sponsor letter
  This is a letter from your company, school, or family member who acted as your sponsor in Indonesia. It should include a signature, reason for leaving, and a request for EPO.
• EPO application form
  This can be picked up at the immigration office or downloaded from their website. Fill it out carefully and accurately.
• Flight ticket
  Some immigration offices may ask for a copy of your plane ticket as proof of departure.
• Statement letter (optional)
  In some cases, you may be asked to write a letter stating that you don’t intend to return using the same permit.

Always bring both originals and photocopies. It’s better to bring more documents than necessary than to be asked to return because something’s missing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Exit Permit Only in Indonesia

Once all your documents are prepared, it’s time to go through the application process. Each step needs to be followed carefully because they’re all connected—and skipping one could delay everything. Here’s a complete breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare All Required Documents

Make sure everything is organized before you go—bring both the original and photocopies. Store them neatly in a folder so they’re easy to present when asked. Missing or incomplete documents can delay or cancel the process.

2. Visit the Immigration Office

Go to the immigration office closest to your registered address. It’s best to arrive early and during working hours to avoid long queues. Some offices use online appointment systems, so check their website in advance.

3. Fill Out the EPO Application Form

Once you’re there, you’ll be given an Exit Permit Only application form. You can also download this from the official Immigration website. Fill in all your details carefully, making sure they match your passport and permit.

4. Submit Documents and Attend a Brief Interview

After submitting your documents and form, an officer will verify everything. In some cases, you might be asked for a short interview to explain your reason for leaving. This is usually quick and straightforward, as long as your explanation and documents are clear.

5. Wait for Processing and Approval

After the interview, you just need to wait. The standard processing time is 3–5 working days, depending on your location and the immigration office’s workload. You don’t need to return unless they ask for more documents.

6. Return Your KITAS or KITAP

Once your EPO is approved, you’ll need to hand over your KITAS or KITAP. It will be officially canceled and marked as closed. This means your stay in Indonesia is formally ended.

7. Collect the EPO and Keep It Safe

You’ll receive a printed Exit Permit Only document. This is an official letter that proves you’ve left Indonesia through the correct legal process. Keep it with your travel documents—you’ll need to show it at immigration when you leave the country.

Note:

Procedures may vary slightly between immigration offices. In some cities, you may be required to book online, or they might offer fast-track services (at extra cost). To be safe, apply at least 7 working days before your departure.

Consequences of Not Applying for Exit Permit Only

Skipping the EPO process may not seem like a big deal—but it can have serious consequences. Not only for you, but also for the sponsor who handled your stay in Indonesia. Here’s what might happen if you leave without an Exit Permit Only:

• Daily Overstay Fines
  If the immigration system doesn’t record your departure properly, it may count as overstay—even if you left on time. This means you could be charged IDR 1,000,000 per day until your name is cleared.
• Immigration Blacklist
  Leaving without EPO could get you blacklisted. This means you won’t be allowed to re-enter Indonesia for a period of 6 months to several years. That’s a big problem if you ever plan to return.
• Visa Rejection
  Your immigration history stays on record. If authorities see you left without completing your legal obligations, they may deny your future visa applications, even if you meet all other requirements.
• Sponsor Penalties
  Your employer or sponsor can also face administrative penalties. This might include warnings, fines, or even restrictions on sponsoring other foreigners in the future.

Read more: Work Visa: A Complete Guide to Getting a Legal Work Permit in Indonesia

Practical Tips Before Leaving Indonesia

To make sure everything goes smoothly with your exit permit only, here are some useful tips:

• Apply Early
  Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply at least 7 business days before your flight, just in case there are delays or extra documents needed.
• Coordinate with Your HR or Sponsor
  If you’re employed in Indonesia, talk to your HR department or sponsor. They usually know the process and can help you with required letters and formalities.
• Keep Digital and Physical Copies
  Scan or take photos of all your important documents and back them up online. It’s always good to have copies in case something gets lost.
• Check the Official Immigration Website
  Immigration rules sometimes change. Check the official website or social media of Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi to make sure you’re up to date with the latest policies.
• Use a Visa Concierge Service
  If you don’t want to deal with the paperwork or you’re unsure how to handle the process, consider using a trusted visa concierge. We recommend the Visa Concierge Service from Bali Premium Trip. Our team will assist you throughout the process—from reviewing documents, filling out the application, to coordinating with immigration—so you can focus on preparing for your next journey. It’s a great option if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the steps.

Apply for Exit Permit Only Easily with Bali Premium Trip!

Exit Permit Only (EPO) may seem like a simple administrative step, but it’s actually an essential process that you must complete before permanently leaving Indonesia. Without an EPO, your departure could be delayed and may even affect your future stay permits or visa applications. By understanding the procedure and following the correct steps, you can leave Indonesia legally, smoothly, and without unnecessary immigration issues.

If you want the EPO process to run smoothly without the hassle of handling paperwork on your own, consider using the visa concierge service from Bali Premium Trip. Their professional team will guide you from start to finish—helping with document checks, form completion, coordination with immigration officers, and finalizing everything for you. This service is especially helpful if you’re short on time or not familiar with the local procedures.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact Bali Premium Trip today and let our team assist you in handling your Exit Permit Only quickly, safely, and stress-free!