B211A visa extension

[zxcv1001]

Hi all. I have a B211a visa which I received in London from the Indo embassy there.
I have a physical visa document glued to my passport. Image below.

I've looked and looked online but cannot figure out how I can get this extended. (Also, most of the info seems to be Bali based, but I'm in Jakarta.) There is lots of info on applying for the B211a visa, but practically nothing on how to go about extending it. I'm living in Jakarta and will probably go to the "Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasie" office in Kuningan to ask them for advice. However, I don't speak any Bihasa.
Has anyone extended their B211a here in Jakarta? What documents do I need? Do I need to use an agent?
Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS - although I have a B211a visa I did NOT have to have a sponsor when I applied for this. Not sure how that works. In my research I've discovered that there is a '211a' visa which is like the B211a but doesn't require a sponsor. It's all very un-necessarily complicated. Apparently I have the "211 (Visa Kunjungan)" Visa type.

 

[jstar]

Hmm. Contrary to what you believe, I think for a B211A there is always a sponsor involved?! If it’s not an Indonesian citizen (for a family visit or so) it should be a travel agency or hotel. And they carry also a responsibility for you during your stay….

That guarantor or sponsor should visit the Immigration office…

 

[zxcv1001]

Sure, but I believe the same thing as you stated - I got my visa from the Indonesian Embassy in London, directly, and without any agent or sponsor. The passport clearly shows I have a B211a visa - so i think maybe the embassy made a mistake and gave me a B211a instead of a 211a visa which does NOT require a sponsor.

 

[Samoerai]

Not sure how that works. In my research I've discovered that there is a '211a' visa which is like the B211a but doesn't require a sponsor.

As far as I know a 211A (before: B211A) visa needs a sponsor: agency, company, wni ... In your case the embassy likely. To extend this visa, for sure you need a sponsor, which could be an visa-agent.

 

[pantaiema]

Hi all. I have a B211a visa which I received in London from the Indo embassy there.
I have a physical visa document glued to my passport. Image below.

I've looked and looked online but cannot figure out how I can get this extended. (Also, most of the info seems to be Bali based, but I'm in Jakarta.) There is lots of info on applying for the B211a visa, but practically nothing on how to go about extending it. I'm living in Jakarta and will probably go to the "Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasie" office in Kuningan to ask them for advice. However, I don't speak any Bihasa.
Has anyone extended their B211a here in Jakarta? What documents do I need? Do I need to use an agent?
Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS - although I have a B211a visa I did NOT have to have a sponsor when I applied for this. Not sure how that works. In my research I've discovered that there is a '211a' visa which is like the B211a but doesn't require a sponsor. It's all very un-necessarily complicated. Apparently I have the "211 (Visa Kunjungan)" Visa type.


View attachment 4244

I have seen a few cases reported where people managed to get a B211A visa without a guarantor or sponsor. However, the problem arises when they try to extend it without a guarantor. It makes sense since the B211A visa is used for activities related to temporary visits, Social-Cultural Visa, charity work, humanitarian aid, business meetings, etc. To extend it, you need a reason for staying longer, such as a letter from an event organizer, charity, etc that will act as your guarantor/sponsor. I might be wrong, but as far as I know, the single-entry 211A visa has been gradually replaced and split into several B211? new visa indexes to identify, to make it more specific of the purpose on staying for 60 days or more.

But It is widely known that an immigration agent could work as your guarantor/sponsor. So, try to contact them to see whether they could solve your problem with the extension. I am not suggesting this, so it is for you to decide by your self.

 

[pantaiema]

This is another recent case confirming what have been said before, that a guarantor/sponsor is necessary to extend a 60-day visa like the B211A. While some people might be lucky to get approved without a guarantor, it is not worth taking the risk if you leave it until close to expiry date of your visa, it is better to secure a guarantor or sponsor beforehand.

Alternatively, if you can't find a guarantor, an agent can usually act as your guarantor or sponsor.

 

[zxcv1001]

Hi all. Okay, further to the above, my 2-month B211A visa expired around 24-Sep-24, so rather than extend it (via an agent/guarantor), I took the alternative route : I applied for an e-VoA whilst still in Jakarta, and received it very quickly. So, on 22-Sep, I left Indonesia, and went to Malaysia for a few days. I have now returned to Jakarta on my e-VoA. This expires around 24-Oct-24 and I will extend this online for another 30 days. So, that would mean that I have spent a total of around 4 months in Indo this year.

My question : after my extension of the current e-VoA, can I then apply for an another e-VoA, leave Indo for a few days and return, on the new e-VoA?

How many times can a person keep applying for an e-VoA? Is there an annual limit, like 6 months max stay in the country?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jstar]

I know someone who is doing this for years -obviously not yet online at the time- and has not encountered any problems. That’s a permanent stay in Bali.

 

[marcus]

I have a B211a visa...but cannot figure out how I can get this extended.

Assuming you got a single entry Visit Visa for tourism , you can extend it at any Kantor Imigrasi (city's Immigration Office) and maybe online too at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/web/find-batch .

Note : This is a little late for you but may help others in the future

What documents do I need? Do I need to use an agent? ...

Because your visa didn't require a sponsor , you can request the extension yourself . But you better consider what pantaiema posted above (post no.6) , and ask Kantor Imigrasi if a sponsor is really necessary to extend it (I didn't see this stated in the regulation) .

Note : In my view , (assuming there was no individual error in issuing your visa) technically when Immigration says it is extendable , I think that it means a continuation of the same "type" of stay permit . By requiring a sponsor when a visa doesn't require one , in my view it is a "conversion" process (converting one type to a different type) , not an "extension" process .

I didn't find info on what documents are required for extension , but I guess you just need the ones you used to get the Visa (+ a sponsor & a Guaranty letters if a sponsor is required) .

-----------------------------------

From https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/web/visa-selection :
Tourist Visa - 60 Days
Stay: Up to 60 Days (extendable)
Cost: IDR 1,500,000
You must:

• Be staying in Indonesia for visit purposes only.
• Be financially sufficient during your stay in Indonesia.
• Comply with all visa conditions and Indonesia laws.

Other information

• You can extend this visa or convert it into another visa or stay permit.
• You are prohibited from staying in Indonesia after your stay permit expires..
• You are prohibited from carrying out any profit-making activities in any form.
• You are prohibited from attending events as a speaker.
• Performing prohibited activities, not complying with the terms of your visa, and/or not complying with the laws of Indonesia may result in you paying fines, being deported, and/or other legal charges.

Document Requirement:

• Passport that is valid for at least 6 months (for holders of travel documents other than passports such as emergency passports, documents of identity, etc. must be valid for 12 months.
• A recent color photograph.
• Proof of living expenses at least US$ 2,000 or equivalent;

--------------------------------

Article 95 of PerMen no.11 Year 2024
(1) Extension of Visit Stay Permit may be granted to:
a. Foreigners holding Visit Stay Permits originating from a 1 (one) trip Visit Visa;
...
(3) Extension of a Visit Stay Permit as referred to in paragraph (1) letters a and b is granted for a maximum period of 60 days for each extension calculated from the date of expiry of the Visit Stay Permit with the provision that the total Stay Permit in the Territory of Indonesia is no more than 180 days.

 

[marcus]

My question : after my extension of the current e-VoA, can I then apply for an another e-VoA, leave Indo for a few days and return, on the new e-VoA?

If this new option (that was in the news as the "Bridge Visa" - see below) is already available , it is probably a more adequate option for you than another e-VoA . It is not a Visa but a Stay Permit that you request before your VoA expires , without the need to leave Indonesia .

PerMen no.11 Year 2024 (approved in 01 April 2024)
Article 86A
(1) Visit Stay Permits for foreigners in the context of changing Immigration Stay Permits...are granted for a maximum period of 60 days and cannot be extended.
(2) Foreigners in the context of the Visit Stay Permit as referred to in paragraph (1) may carry out certain activities.
(3) Certain activities as referred to in paragraph (2) are determined by the Director General.

Article 94A
Visiting Stay Permit for foreigners for the purpose of changing Immigration Stay Permits...is granted based on an application submitted by the foreigner, sponsor or responsible person...
(2) The application...may be submitted for:
a. Foreigners holding Visiting Stay Permit originating from a Visit Visa on Arrival/VOA;
b. Foreigners holding Temporary Stay Permits/ITAS; or
c. Foreigners holding Permanent Stay Permits/ITAP.
(3) The application is submitted...by attaching:
a. Valid passport;
b. Visiting Stay Permit originating from a Visit Visa on Arrival, e-ITAS/KITAS, or KITAP;
c. proof of guarantee in the case of having a sponsor; and
d. Information containing the intent and purpose of the application...
(4) The application as referred to in paragraph (1) must be submitted within a maximum period of 3 days before the Stay Permit expires.
(5) The application as referred to in paragraph (4) that has been submitted and immigration fees paid for before the end of the Stay Permit period is not considered an overstay if its settlement exceeds the Stay Permit period.

Article 94B
(3) The Visit Residence Permit as referred to in paragraph (1) shall be sent electronically to the foreigner, sponsor or responsible .

 

[pantaiema]

Another poorly thought-out requirement is the specific requirement for the spouse as a guarantor for the spouse-sponsored visa.
Based on Permenkumham _No_36_2021 article 4
The guarantor must "b. have resided in the territory of Indonesia for at least the last 6 (six) months."

So does this mean that a married couple living abroad would have to live apart for at least six months to qualify as a guarantor? And what about the children; would they have to be separated from either their mum or dad for those six months?

Another one that I have mentioned previously is the requirement for 'Indonesian Passport (not KTP)' to act as a guarantor for spouse sponsor VITAS. What about a person who do not have passport living in Indonesia because they do not need it. Also demanding passport to be used In Indonesian territory itself contravene with the other regulations as passport is a travel document, not an ID card.

 

[marcus]

Another poorly thought-out requirement is the specific requirement for the spouse as a guarantor for the spouse-sponsored visa.
Based on Permenkumham _No_36_2021 article 4
The guarantor must "b. have resided in the territory of Indonesia for at least the last 6 (six) months." ...

Assuming you are referring to "sponsored by an Indonesian spouse" , this requirement does not apply because the Indonesian spouse is not considered a "guarantor" .

PP no.40 Year 2023
Article 171A
(1) Certain foreigners who are in Indonesia must have a Guarantor who guarantees their existence.
....
(4) Provisions regarding guarantees do not apply to:
a. foreigners who are legally married to Indonesians;
b. foreign business people who invest in Indonesia ..; and
c. citizens of a country that reciprocally provides a guarantee exemption.

Another one that I have mentioned previously is the requirement for 'Indonesian Passport (not KTP)' to act as a guarantor for spouse sponsor VITAS...

This is not true (see the rule below) .

And in the e-ITAS/KITAS process , the Indonesian spouse's KTP is required .

PerMen no.22 Year 2023 (non-official translation)
Article 43
(1) Application for a temporary stay visa for a foreigner who is unifying his/her family by joining with an Indonesian spouse ... is submitted by the foreigner or the person responsible through an application .. by attaching:
a. a 6 months valid passport;
Poster's Note: passport of the foreigner , not the Indonesian spouse
b. a request letter from the Indonesian spouse;
c. proof of having living expenses for himself/herself and/or his/her family while in Indonesia;
d. recent color photograph; and
e. other document to explain the purpose/objective of the foreigner's arrival.
(2) Other document as referred to in paragraph (1) letter e in the form of proof that the foreigner has legally married, consisting of:
a. proof of reporting or registration at the Representative Office of the Republic of Indonesia or an authorized agency in the field of civil registration, and a marriage certificate that has been translated into Indonesian by a sworn translator except in English, if the marriage was conducted outside the Territory of Indonesia; or
b. a marriage book or marriage certificate issued by a ministry or authorized agency, if the marriage was conducted in the Territory of Indonesia.

 

[Samoerai]

This is not true (see the rule below) .

And in the e-ITAS/KITAS process , the Indonesian spouse's KTP is required .

However, on FB ... I saw a lot of posts of WNAs that they cannot proceed their application in the 'new' imigrasi system because the system asks the WNI to input a passport number .. when making an account.

Ya Allah!

 

[marcus]

However, on FB ... I saw a lot of posts of WNAs that they cannot proceed their application in the 'new' imigrasi system because the system asks the WNI to input a passport number .. when making an account.

I am not sure what was the problem . Maybe because the account is to be the foreigner's account , not the Indonesian spouse's account .

And to ask for the visa at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/web/visa-selection , they inform :

Type of Visa E31A - 2 YEARS (poster chose 2 years , you can choose 1 year instead)
Stay: Up to 1 Year (Extendable), Up to 2 Years (Extendable)
Cost: US$150 + Rp 2,700,000 (Up to 1 year), US$150 + Rp 3.950.000 (Up to 2 years)

With this visa you can

• Carry out employment-related activities or attending education, as long as it has been reported to Immigration (using the multiple activity reporting process).
• Travel to and from Indonesia as many times you want.

Conducting activities related to tourism, and visiting friends or family

You must

• Be financially sufficient during your stay in Indonesia.
• Comply with all visa conditions and Indonesia laws.
• Respect local customs, culture, and wisdom

Other information

• If you meet the conditions, you will automatically obtain the Electronic Limited Stay Permit (e-ITAS) and the Re-Entry Permit upon arrival at the Immigration Checkpoint (you do not need to go to the immigration office to obtain a Limited Stay Permit and Re-Entry Permit).
• Staying in Indonesia over the period of your stay permit, engaging in prohibited activities, not complying with visa conditions, and/or not complying with Indonesian laws may result in you paying fines, being deported, and/or other legal charges.
• In addition to the electronic limited stay permit, the limited stay permit also has a physical card available at the immigration office.
• You are prohibited from selling goods or services.
• You are prohibited from working by receiving compensation, wages, or any similar from individuals or companies in Indonesia, unless reported to immigration (using the multiple activity reporting process).

Document Requirement
a. Valid Nationality Passport at least 6 (six) months.
b. Proof of living expenses of at least US$2000 or equivalent.
c. Latest color photograph.
d. Curriculum Vitae.
e. Travel Itinerary.
f. Application from husband or wife (Indonesian citizen).
Poster's Note : I think that the "Application" above is the request letter from the Indonesian spouse.
g. Evidence that the foreigner has lawfully married such as:
1. if the marriage is conducted outside the Indonesian Territory:
proof of reporting or registration at the Indonesian Mission or at the authorized agency in Indonesia, and a marriage certificate that has been translated into Bahasa Indonesia by a sworn translator except written in English; or
2. if the marriage is conducted in the Indonesian Territory:
marriage book or marriage certificate issued by an authorized ministry or institution.

 

[Samoerai]

I am not sure what was the problem . Maybe because the account is to be the foreigner's account , not the Indonesian spouse's account .

I think the programmers who write the code don't fully understand the PerMen no.22 Year 2023 Article 43 ...

Some recent FB posts.

 

[marcus]

I think the programmers who write the code don't fully understand the PerMen no.22 Year 2023 Article 43 ... FB posts : 1) ... registering for guarantor...need to have Indonesian passport... 2) The local need his own passport...to open a sponsor account...

Yes, it was probably someone's mistake when coding the software . May still use the KTP by opening the account at Kantor Imigrasi .

Note : I think the Indonesian who will "sponsor" his/her spouse does not need to open this Guarantor account , according to PP no.40 Year 2023 (see post no.12 above).

The subject of the 2 FB's posts is related to PerMen no.36 Year 2021 , not PerMen no.22 Year 2023 (see below) .
So assuming the Article 6 of the Regulation below was not revised yet , KTP or passport should be accepted .

PerMen no.36 Year 2021 (non-official translation)
Article 6
(1) The Guarantor Registration .. is submitted .. through an application.
(2) The application .. is made electronically or non-electronically by filling in the data and attaching the following :
a. application letter;
b. statement of willingness to be responsible
for the existence and activities of the foreigner being guaranteed and repatriation to the country of origin if the
foreigner violates the provisions of laws and regulations;
c. valid KTP or passport of the Republic of Indonesia;
d. taxpayer identification number;
e. proof of bank statement, savings book, or deposit for the last 3 (three) months in the name of the Guarantor of at least Rp100 million; and
f. latest color photograph with white background.

 

[pantaiema]

I am not sure what was the problem . Maybe because the account is to be the foreigner's account , not the Indonesian spouse's account .

And to ask for the visa at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/web/visa-selection , they inform :

Type of Visa E31A - 2 YEARS (poster chose 2 years , you can choose 1 year instead)
Stay: Up to 1 Year (Extendable), Up to 2 Years (Extendable)
Cost: US$150 + Rp 2,700,000 (Up to 1 year), US$150 + Rp 3.950.000 (Up to 2 years)

With this visa you can

• Carry out employment-related activities or attending education, as long as it has been reported to Immigration (using the multiple activity reporting process).
• Travel to and from Indonesia as many times you want.

Conducting activities related to tourism, and visiting friends or family

You must

• Be financially sufficient during your stay in Indonesia.
• Comply with all visa conditions and Indonesia laws.
• Respect local customs, culture, and wisdom

Other information

• If you meet the conditions, you will automatically obtain the Electronic Limited Stay Permit (e-ITAS) and the Re-Entry Permit upon arrival at the Immigration Checkpoint (you do not need to go to the immigration office to obtain a Limited Stay Permit and Re-Entry Permit).
• Staying in Indonesia over the period of your stay permit, engaging in prohibited activities, not complying with visa conditions, and/or not complying with Indonesian laws may result in you paying fines, being deported, and/or other legal charges.
• In addition to the electronic limited stay permit, the limited stay permit also has a physical card available at the immigration office.
• You are prohibited from selling goods or services.
• You are prohibited from working by receiving compensation, wages, or any similar from individuals or companies in Indonesia, unless reported to immigration (using the multiple activity reporting process).

Document Requirement
a. Valid Nationality Passport at least 6 (six) months.
b. Proof of living expenses of at least US$2000 or equivalent.
c. Latest color photograph.
d. Curriculum Vitae.
e. Travel Itinerary.
f. Application from husband or wife (Indonesian citizen).
Poster's Note : I think that the "Application" above is the request letter from the Indonesian spouse.
g. Evidence that the foreigner has lawfully married such as:
1. if the marriage is conducted outside the Indonesian Territory:
proof of reporting or registration at the Indonesian Mission or at the authorized agency in Indonesia, and a marriage certificate that has been translated into Bahasa Indonesia by a sworn translator except written in English; or
2. if the marriage is conducted in the Indonesian Territory:
marriage book or marriage certificate issued by an authorized ministry or institution.

There are two terms here that are sometimes used interchangeably: Sponsor and Guarantor (penjamin). A Guarantor carries significant responsibilities, including reporting, supervision, covering living expenses, repatriation costs, and return travel expenses if the individual cannot afford them. I haven't found the explanation of the term "sponsor" in immigration law, but it appears that a sponsor functions more like an event organizer, charity, NGO, or educational institution, and does not bear financial obligations.

It is already well known and discussed here that spouse-sponsored visas. where the spouse is a guarantor, they are exempt from financial liability.

E21A chaos

In my opinion, if you are using an agent, you are already dependent on th My agent had no objection to me changing my sponsor from her to my wife and ended my previous kitas. Imigrasi seems to have had no issies either. They said my leaving was perfect as I could then enter on a new visa (E31A)...

www.expatindo.org

But reality on the ground is different. For the New E31A Visa (which replaced C317), the wni spouse were asked by immigration for a guarantor letter (see the wording on the attachment on post#34).

Similarly the requirement for Passport to become sponsor/guarantor for E31A visa. They are asking for passport, not KTP. I have read the case like this multiple times on the FB group where people are sharing their personal experience.

e vitas for spouse sponsored KITAS 2024

I'm out of Indo at present & my KITAS has expired. I got an ETK before I left & now me & the wife who is in Indo are in the process of applying for e vitas. The part of the online application which requires the sponsors details shows they have to upload a current passport & immigration confirms...

www.expatindo.org

 

[marcus]

... But reality on the ground is different. For the New E31A Visa (which replaced C317), the wni spouse were asked by immigration for a guarantor letter...

Yes , from my own experience , the guarantor letter has been requested from me since my first KITAS C317 in 2010 , but I see it as a minor thing .

Similarly the requirement for Passport to become sponsor/guarantor for E31A visa ...

It was not requested from me for my 2 e-ITAS (2023 & 2024) sponsored by my Indonesian wife , but if this is really happening for the new e-Visa E31A we should complain to Immigration because the Regulations and common sense would clearly support us .

 

[macvert]

However, on FB ... I saw a lot of posts of WNAs that they cannot proceed their application in the 'new' imigrasi system because the system asks the WNI to input a passport number .. when making an account.

Ya Allah!

This happened to us, my wife was trying to apply for my evisa & in short was consistently led to a page which would not let her upload her KTP & seemed to be asking for a passport.

I am not sure what was the problem . Maybe because the account is to be the foreigner's account , not the Indonesian spouse's account .

This seems to be the case

When I applied myself, voila, it took me to a different page than my wife was led to & where I could upload all the required documents, including my wife's KTP.