Traveling can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life, offering opportunities for family visits, adventures, and business ventures. However, it’s important to stay within the guidelines of your visa to avoid unnecessary complications. Nobody wants to overstay their welcome and face consequences like fines, blacklisting, or deportation. If you love your time in Indonesia and wish to return in the future, it’s vital to understand the implications of a visa overstay.

Visa Overstay – What Is It?

A visa overstay occurs when a traveler remains in a country beyond the expiration date of their visa. The repercussions for overstaying vary widely from country to country. For example, in the United States, overstaying for more than 180 days results in a three-year ban from re-entry, and a year-long overstay can escalate this penalty to ten years!

In India, the consequences are similarly severe; those caught overstaying may face fines ranging from $300 to $500, potential imprisonment of up to five years, and a ban on re-entering the country.

What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, overstaying your visa (unless you have an e-Visa) qualifies as a permit violation. According to Presidential Regulation Number 28 of 2019 and Immigration Law No.6/2011 under Article 78, the penalties for overstaying are substantial:

If you overstay for fewer than 60 days, you’ll be liable for a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day. For instance, if you remain in Indonesia for an additional 30 days, your total fine would add up to IDR 30,000,000. That’s quite a hefty amount!

Failing to pay the penalty or overstaying for more than 60 days can lead to immediate deportation and a ban from reentering Indonesia.

If You Wish to Stay Longer in Indonesia, Consider the Right Visa for Your Needs

It’s always a good idea to consult an expert when selecting the right visa for your travel purposes in Indonesia. A business visa is often the most flexible option, which comes in two types. The single-entry visa allows for a 60-day stay, which is extendable up to four times, with each extension granting an additional 30 days. On the other hand, the multiple-entry visa is valid for 12 months, offering a 60-day stay with the option of extensions as well.

The multiple-entry visa is particularly convenient if you plan to visit Indonesia frequently within a year. Understanding the pros and cons of each visa type can help you avoid overstaying.

You might be interested to read Types of Visas to Consider Before Traveling to Indonesia

Extend Your Visa Before It Is Too Late or Leave Before Your Visa Expires!

No matter how short your overstay may be, it can raise red flags for immigration officers during your next visit. Don’t give them a reason to doubt your intentions. If you find yourself unable to extend your visa due to circumstances beyond your control, it’s better to leave the country on time than risk a visa overstay. Not only will you incur hefty penalties, but you could also jeopardize your chance of enjoying Indonesia’s beauty in the future. Protect your ability to travel by adhering to your visa’s time limits!