JAKARTA, THEIMAGE.ID – Foreign nationals holding Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP) and Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) can now use the immigration autogate at Soekarno-Hatta and Ngurah Rai airports.
Previously, the autogate was available to foreigners holding e-Visas or Visit Visa-Free (BVK).
“The integration of the visa and stay permit issuance system with the autogate system enhances immigration services at border crossings. Previously, foreigners holding ITAP/ITAS were required to go through immigration checks at counters by officers, although there was a dedicated counter. Now, the experience is more streamlined, enjoyable, and highly efficient,” said Acting Director General of Immigration, Saffar M. Godam.
From January to September 2024, a total of 3,518,963 foreign nationals entered and exited Indonesia via the autogate, averaging around 390,000 foreigners per month. The autogate process, which takes only 15-25 seconds per person, facilitates the immigration inspection flow, leading to a constant increase in users. Currently, there are 78 operational autogates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and 90 at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The Directorate General of Immigration issued 134,037 limited stay permits and 3,648 permanent stay permits up to September 2024. By enhancing public services through system digitization, particularly the optimization of the autogate, the Directorate General of Immigration has made it easier for ITAP/ITAS holders, who are also frequent travelers.
“Digitalization of immigration services for foreigners is implemented, starting from online visa applications through the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website. In addition, biometric data collection can now be done independently through this website, so applicants no longer need to visit the immigration office. Likewise, for stay permit extensions, everything is conducted digitally,” said Godam.
The convenience provided to ITAP/ITAS holders does not compromise security, as face recognition technology on the autogate ensures that all individuals passing through are not on the blacklist or red notice.
“We continue to encourage efforts to attract high-quality foreigners to Indonesia, so the country benefits positively, especially economically. Our visa and stay permit policies act as a filter while facilitating access simultaneously,” concluded Godam.***
