Bali Visa AdvisorIndonesia’s immigration landscape has changed significantly in recent years, with new visa categories, online systems, and updated regulations designed to support foreign visitors, professionals, and investors. One of the most important updates is the introduction of the Bridging Visa, officially known as Izin Tinggal Peralihan.
Launched in 2024, this visa was created to make the transition between visas smoother and to prevent foreigners from overstaying while their new permits are still being processed.
If you are planning to stay longer in Indonesia, switch visa types, or apply for a residence permit, understanding the Bridging Visa is essential. This article provides a complete, easy-to-understand guide covering its background, functions, procedures, and key benefits.
What Is a Bridging Visa in Indonesia?
The Bridging Visa is a temporary stay permit granted to foreign nationals whose visa or stay permit applications are still in process at the Indonesian immigration system.
Instead of being a separate visa type that you apply for, the Bridging Visa works as an automatic legal status that activates when a foreigner submits a new visa or permit application while their current stay permit is still valid.
In simple terms, it acts as a “legal buffer” so you can stay in Indonesia while waiting for your new visa or stay permit to be approved.
Why Was the Bridging Visa Introduced?
The Bridging Visa was introduced as part of Permenkumham (Minister Regulation) No. 11 of 2024, which came into effect on 1 April 2024. Practical implementation began in May 2024, following coordination between the Directorate General of Immigration and immigration offices across Indonesia.
The main reasons behind the launch:
To Prevent Overstay Cases
Before this regulation, many foreigners unintentionally became overstayers because their visa extension or conversion was delayed.
The new bridging mechanism ensures foreigners remain legally staying, even when processing takes longer.
To Avoid Unnecessary Travel
Previously, foreigners often had to leave Indonesia (‘visa run’) to apply for a new visa or while waiting for their permit to be processed.
The Bridging Visa eliminates this need for many cases, saving both time and money.
To Support Long-Term Visa and Investment Programs
With the introduction of new visa categories such as the Golden Visa, Indonesia needed a transition mechanism that allowed applicants to stay legally while their long-term permits were processed.
To Improve Administrative Efficiency
The immigration system is shifting to become faster, clearer, and more predictable. The Bridging Visa helps reduce administrative congestion and provides legal certainty during transitions.
How the Bridging Visa Works
The Bridging Visa is activated automatically — there is no separate registration or form needed.
You will automatically receive a Bridging Visa when:
- You submit a new visa or stay permit application through evisa.imigrasi.go.id, and
- Your current visa or stay permit is still valid at the time of submission.
Once the application is logged into the system and the payment is made, your Bridging Visa status becomes active.
Valid for 60 Days
The Bridging Visa provides 60 days of legal stay in Indonesia while waiting for the new permit to be granted.
Important: You Cannot Exit Indonesia
If you leave the country during the bridging period, the Bridging Visa is canceled, and your application may be terminated. It is strictly an onshore-only stay permit.
Functions of the Bridging Visa
The Bridging Visa serves several important functions that benefit foreigners and the immigration system:
Maintaining Legal Stay
It prevents foreigners from becoming overstayers while waiting for their new visa or permit.
Supporting Visa Type Changes
Foreigners can smoothly transition from one type of visa to another.
Extending Time for Immigration Processing
If immigration needs additional time for verification, documents, or background checks, the Bridging Visa ensures the applicant stays legally.
Reducing Stress for Applicants
Foreigners don’t have to rush, leave Indonesia, or worry about visa expiration while waiting for their new permit.
Procedure to Obtain a Bridging Visa
Because the Bridging Visa is tied to the application process, obtaining it is straightforward — but the timing is crucial.
Steps:
- Prepare documents for your new visa or stay permit.
- Submit the application online via evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
- Make the payment before the current visa expires.
- Once accepted into the system, your Bridging Visa status begins automatically.
- Wait for the final approval of your new visa or stay permit.
- The Bridging Visa ends once the new permit is issued.
Key Notes:
- Application must be submitted before your current permit expires.
- You cannot travel outside Indonesia during the bridging period.
- The Bridging Visa itself cannot be extended.
- If the new visa is rejected, the bridging period ends immediately.
Who Can Use the Bridging Visa?
The Bridging Visa is helpful for foreigners who are:
- Extending their visit visa
- Converting a Visit Visa to an ITAS
- Applying for a Working, Investor, Family, or Retirement ITAS
Benefits of the Bridging Visa
✔ Prevents Overstay Fines
You legally remain in Indonesia even if immigration processing takes longer than expected.
✔ No Need to Exit Indonesia
Your stay becomes smoother, without border runs or additional travel costs.
✔ Peace of Mind
You stay legally, officially, and safely recorded in the immigration database.
✔ Smoother Immigration Transition
Perfect for switching visa classes without disrupting your stay.
✔ Supports Business and Investment
Foreign investors and professionals can focus on their activities while waiting for permit approvals.
Conclusion
The Bridging Visa is one of the most practical and foreigner-friendly updates in Indonesia’s immigration system. Since its introduction in 2024, it has helped simplify the visa transition process, reduce the risk of overstaying, and support long-term foreign residents, professionals, and investors.
For anyone planning to stay longer or change their visa category, understanding the Bridging Visa is key to ensuring a smooth, legal, and stress-free immigration experience.
If you need help with:
- Visa applications
- ITAS/ITAP
- Company setup
- Business licenses
- Investor documentation
Bali Visa Advisor is ready to assist with professional support and clear guidance.