Foreign ITAP and ITAS Holders Can Now Use Immigration Autogates
JAKARTA — In a significant improvement to Indonesia’s immigration process, foreign nationals holding Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP) and Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) are now eligible to use the autogate system at Soekarno-Hatta and Ngurah Rai airports. This change is part of the government’s broader initiative to streamline immigration services for frequent travelers and enhance efficiency at border checkpoints.
Previously, the autogate service was available only to foreigners with e-Visas or Visit Visa-Free (BVK) status. With the new policy, ITAP and ITAS holders can now pass through the automated gate system, reducing wait times and creating a smoother travel experience.
“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.
Between January and September 2024, the autogate system processed entries and exits for 3,518,963 foreign nationals, averaging nearly 390,000 travelers per month. With a processing time of just 15-25 seconds per person, the autogate technology facilitates a faster immigration inspection, which has led to increased usage. Currently, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport operates 78 autogates, while I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali has 90.
In recent years, the Directorate General of Immigration has focused on digitizing services, with the issuance of 134,037 limited stay permits and 3,648 permanent stay permits by September 2024 alone. This focus on digital optimization aims to make immigration procedures more accessible and user-friendly, especially for ITAP and ITAS holders.
“The digitalization of immigration services starts from online visa applications on the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website. Biometric data collection can now be completed independently on this site, eliminating the need for visits to the immigration office. Similarly, extensions for stay permits can be managed digitally,” Godam explained.
Security remains a priority alongside convenience. Facial recognition technology integrated into the autogate system ensures that individuals passing through are cross-checked against security databases, preventing anyone flagged on blacklists or international red notices from entry.
The Directorate General of Immigration emphasized that these improvements aim to attract high-quality foreign nationals to Indonesia, contributing positively to the nation’s economy. “Our visa and stay permit policies act as a filter while facilitating access simultaneously,” concluded Godam.
