Indonesian Border Reopened: Conditions for Expired eVisa Holders to Enter Indonesia
The Indonesian government has taken significant steps towards reopening its borders. On September 15, 2021, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna H. Laoly, announced a new immigration policy with the issuance of Regulation Number 34 of 2021. This regulation pertains to the Granting of Immigration Visas and Residence Permits during the period of managing the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting national economic recovery. This new policy effectively lifts previous entry restrictions imposed on foreigners under the earlier regulation, Number 27 of 2021.
Arya Pradhana Anggakara, the Head of Public Relations and General Affairs at the Directorate General of Immigration, emphasized that the new regulation allows entry for foreigners holding valid visas or residence permits. Meanwhile, offshore visa services, which were temporarily suspended, have now reopened, enabling applications based on the individual’s activities in accordance with existing laws.
Adjustment to Visa Entry Regulations
With the introduction of Permenkumham No. 34 of 2021, the Directorate General of Immigration has adjusted the procedures for granting entry permits to foreigners. Technical rules regarding the issuance of visas and residence permits during the COVID-19 management phase were also published on September 17, 2021.
Expired eVisas: What You Need to Know
Achmad Nur Saleh, head of the Sub-Division of Public Relations at the Directorate General of Immigration, noted that many foreigners obtained eVisas but were unable to enter Indonesia due to entry restrictions during the Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM). Consequently, a significant number of these eVisas expired prior to their holders’ arrival in the country.
Fortunately, foreigners who possess visit visas or limited stay visas issued between April 22, 2021, and July 18, 2021, are allowed to enter Indonesia through specific Immigration Checkpoints (TPI). Visa holders whose visas expired within this timeframe will be granted access to enter Indonesia until at least October 15, 2021.
Simple eVisa Reactivation Process
The reactivation of eVisas is now streamlined through the Immigration Management Information System (SIMKIM), utilizing advanced information technology. This means foreign guarantors no longer need to file for new eVisas; instead, they will automatically receive a new eVisa sent to both the sponsor’s and the foreigner’s email.
Achmad explained, “Soon, we will automatically send a new eVisa to the guarantor and sponsor’s email. With this renewed eVisa, foreigners can quickly enter Indonesia without further delay.”
Designated Immigration Checkpoints (TPI)
According to the Decree of the Minister of Law and Human Rights dated September 17, 2021, the airports designated as Immigration Checkpoints for entry include:
- Kualanamu (Medan)
- Hang Nadim (Batam)
- Soekarno-Hatta (Tangerang)
- Halim Perdanakusuma (DKI Jakarta)
- Juanda (Surabaya)
- Sam Ratulangi (Manado)
- I Gusti Ngurah Rai (Denpasar)
Specific Conditions for Entry
Notably, foreigners entering Indonesia as Expert Workers (TKA) are specifically allowed through Soekarno-Hatta and Sam Ratulangi Airports. For those still outside Indonesia with visas issued before April 22, 2021, a new visa application is necessary. Offshore visa services are now back online but come with certain restrictions. Visitation visa approval is limited primarily to business, medical, and humanitarian purposes.
Humanitarian reasons encompass situations where an individual needs to care for nuclear family members undergoing medical treatment or attending to the necessities related to a recently deceased family member.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can expired eVisa holders enter Indonesia?
Yes, foreigners with visit or limited stay visas issued between April 22, 2021, and July 18, 2021, can enter Indonesia until October 15, 2021.
2. How can I reactivate my expired eVisa?
Expired eVisas can be reactivated automatically through the Immigration Management Information System (SIMKIM) without the need for a new application.
3. Which airports are designated Immigration Checkpoints for entry into Indonesia?
The designated airports include Soekarno-Hatta, Kualanamu, Hang Nadim, and I Gusti Ngurah Rai, among others.
4. What are the restrictions for applying for a new visa?
Applications for new visas are currently open but are restricted to specific purposes such as business, medical, and humanitarian reasons.
5. How do I contact VisaStation.id for visa assistance?
You can reach out for assistance by clicking here.
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