Most common questions for getting the social visa in Bali

I frequently get asked various questions about applying for the social visa, so I thought I would make a compilation of the most common questions. If you still have a question, feel free to ask it in the comments.

What is the social visa for?

The social visa is intended for people to visit family or friends in Indonesia. The reality is many people use it as a way to stay for extended periods of time in Indonesia.

How long does the visa last for?

The visa is initially given for 60 days (and sometimes 30 days) which you can then extend each month, four times for a maximum stay of 6 months.

Where can I apply for the visa?

You can apply for a visa at any Indonesian embassy or consulate (outside of Indonesia of course).

Can I do it myself or should I use an agent to apply?

Singapore has some agencies that will apply for the visa on your behalf, such as Ismail Visa service. In all other places you will need to apply in person.

What do I need for the visa?

To apply for the visa, you will need a passport photo, completed application form (which you can get at the embassy or consulate and is not needed if you use an agent), sponsor letter and a copy of your sponsor’s KTP (identity card).

What needs to be written in the sponsor letter?

Here is a sample:

Just copy and paste the text into your favorite word processing program and add your own details to it. Don’t forget to get your sponsor’s signature.

====================================================

Br ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S BANJAR
Desa ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S DESA
Bali
Indonesia

ADD ADDRESS OF THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE TO WHICH YOU WILL BE APPLYING, FOR EXAMPLE

Kepada Yth
Bapak Pimpinan Imigrasi
Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia
Di Bangkok, Thailand

OR

Kepada Yth
Bapak Pimpinan Imigrasi
Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia
Di Singapura

21 December 2009 ADD CURRENT DATE

Dengan Hormat

Yang bertanda tangan dibawah ini saya

Nama : ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S NAME
Umur : ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S AGE (Kelahiran: ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S PLACE & DATE OF BIRTH)
Alamat : ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S ADDRESS
Pekerjaan : ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S OCCUPATION
Nomor KTP : ADD YOUR SPONSOR’S KTP NUMBER

Dengan ini menyatakan bahwa,

Nama : ADD YOUR NAME
Kebangsaan : ADD YOUR NAME NATIONALITY
Normor paspor : ADD YOUR PASSPORT NUMBER
Tempat – Tgl lahir : ADD YOUR DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH AS IN YOUR PASSPORT
Pekerjaan : ADD YOUR YOUR PROFESSION

Adalah kenalan saya yang akan ke Indonesia untuk mengadakan kunjungan kepada keluarga saya.
ADD YOUR NAME AS IT APPEARS IN YOUR PASSPORT, sejak lama kenal sebagai orang yang berkelakuan baik dan tidak pernah tersangkut urusan Kepolisian Republik Indonesia. Selama kunjungannya kepada saya, ia akan menjadi tanggung jawab dan dibawah pengawasan saya.
Demikian pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sejujur-jujurnya, agar menjadi perhatian Bapak seperlunya.
Untuk itu saya mengucapkan banyak terima kasih.

Hormat saya

======================================

Do I need a return ticket?

When I have applied in Singapore or Malaysia for a social visa, I have never had to show an airplane ticket. In Australia however, I have heard that you need a return ticket. Some airlines will also demand to see a ticket at least out of Indonesia. It is possible also for immigration to ask for this when enter the country. The shortest international flight out of Indonesia is from Medan in North Sumatra to Penang in Malaysia.

Where do I apply for an extension to my social visa?

You generally need to apply for the extension at the closest immigration office to your sponsor’s address. So it is important to choose a sponsor that lives close to where you want to live. There is an immigration office in Denpasar just up from the main post office in Renon, one close to the airport and one in Singaraja, on the main road heading towards Lovina. The cost is about 250,000 rupiah for each extension.

An extension can take three visits to the immigration office to complete, one time to apply, the next to pay the fee and the third to pick up the visa.

What about using an agent?

Having an agent handle this for you makes life easy, but you can pay double or triple the usual fee. Don’t rely on agents however to remind you when to do the renewals. Some agents recommend applying for your extension two weeks before your current one ends.

Here is a list of visa agents in Bali.

Can I work on the social visa?

Definitely not and this includes both paid and unpaid work. If you want to work, you will need to obtain a working visa.

Is there any limit to how many social visas you can have?

There is no specific rule or law, but immigration may start wondering how you are making your income in Bali.

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