Getting Indonesia’s Visa and Limited Stay Permit (ITAS)
To study in Indonesia as an international student, there are a few essential documents that you must obtain to ensure you are legally allowed to stay in the country for the duration of your studies. These documents are necessary for your entry, stay, and the completion of your academic program:
Limited Stay Permit (ITAS)
The Limited Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Terbatas/ITAS) is an official permit issued by the Indonesian government that allows you to stay in Indonesia for a specified period. The ITAS is crucial for any international student planning to study in Indonesia, as it serves as your legal authorization to remain in the country for the duration of your academic program. Please note that the validity of your ITAS will typically align with the duration of your study permit.
Starting on January 9, 2024, the process for obtaining the ITAS will undergo a significant change. Previously, the ITAS application was processed at the Indonesian Immigration Office; however, under the new regulations, the ITAS application will no longer be processed at the immigration office. Instead, the process will take place at Indonesia’s points of entry upon your arrival in the country.
Upon arrival in Indonesia, you will need to report directly to the immigration checkpoint at the airport. Here, you will undergo a biometric procedure which involves having your photograph taken, as well as your fingerprints. This biometric data is required to complete your ITAS registration.
Once the biometric procedure is complete, you will receive an arrival sticker in your passport. However, your ITAS and Re-entry Permit (IMK) documents will not be provided immediately. These documents will be sent electronically to the email address of your sponsor, who will then forward them to you.
You should print your ITAS and IMK documents once you receive them. Keep these documents with you at all times, along with your passport, whenever you travel within Indonesia or abroad. The ITAS and IMK documents are essential for your legal stay in Indonesia and should be carried whenever you are traveling to avoid any complications with immigration.
Re-entry Permit (IMK): The Re-entry Permit allows you to leave and re-enter Indonesia without the need to apply for a new visa each time you leave the country. As long as your ITAS and IMK are valid, you are allowed to leave and return to Indonesia multiple times without any additional visa procedures.
The following table provides a summary of the available immigration documents for international students, along with their corresponding durations, re-entry permits, and associated fees:
Type of Immigration Document | Duration of Legal Stay | Re-entry Permit (IMK – Izin Masuk Kembali) | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Visa for Study Purposes | Maximum 30 days | No, only single entry | USD 150 |
ITAS (12 months) | Up to 12 months | Yes, multiple entry | IDR 2,500,000 |
ITAS (24 months) | Up to 24 months | Yes, multiple entry | IDR 3,750,000 |
- Visa for Study Purposes: This visa is typically issued for short-term studies or research and is valid for up to 30 days. This visa allows for only a single entry and is generally the first step before applying for the ITAS.
- ITAS (12 months): This is the most common type of Limited Stay Permit for international students. It is valid for up to 12 months and includes a Re-entry Permit (IMK), which allows you to leave and re-enter Indonesia as many times as necessary during its validity.
- ITAS (24 months): For students who are enrolled in longer academic programs, such as full-degree studies, the ITAS can be issued for up to 24 months. Like the 12-month ITAS, it also includes a Re-entry Permit (IMK) for multiple entries.
Extension of ITAS
Your ITAS is initially issued for a specific period based on the duration of your academic program. However, if your ITAS is about to expire before you finish your studies, you can apply for an extension.
As long as you are still an active student at BINUS University, you are eligible to extend your ITAS. It is your responsibility to track the expiration date of your ITAS and start the extension process in a timely manner. You should aim to contact the BINUS International Mobility Operations Team at least six weeks before your ITAS expires to begin the extension process. The team will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure that your ITAS remains valid for the duration of your studies.
To request an extension of your ITAS, you will need to submit the following documents:
- STM (Surat Tanda Melapor):
This is a police report stating that you are residing in Indonesia. You need to visit the local police station to report your stay in the country. This is a standard requirement for all foreigners staying in Indonesia for an extended period. - SKTT (Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal):
This is a certificate from the local registry office confirming your address in Indonesia. The SKTT serves as proof that you are residing at a registered accommodation in the country. You will need to submit this certificate along with the other required documents to begin the extension process.
Once the necessary documents are submitted and your extension request is processed, you will receive a renewed ITAS, allowing you to continue your studies in Indonesia without interruption.
Important Reminders:
- Always monitor the expiration date of your ITAS and allow enough time for processing the extension.
- Ensure that you have a valid Re-entry Permit (IMK) if you plan to leave and return to Indonesia during your studies.
- Carry your ITAS and passport with you whenever traveling, as you may need to show them to immigration authorities both within and outside of Indonesia.
In summary, to study in Indonesia, you need to obtain the appropriate visas and permits, such as the Study Permit (IB), Visa for Study Purposes, and the Limited Stay Permit (ITAS). The ITAS process has changed as of January 9, 2024, with biometric procedures now taking place upon arrival at Indonesian points of entry. It is also your responsibility to track the expiration of your ITAS and apply for an extension if necessary. By following the required steps and ensuring that you have the proper documentation, you can enjoy a smooth academic experience in Indonesia.
If you have any questions or require assistance regarding the visa and ITAS application process, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact Ms. Mery at meriyah@binus.edu or Ms. Ocha at rozalina.octavia@binus.edu for further clarification and support.
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