Exit Re-Entry Permit (ERP) Indonesia: A Guide for Foreigners with KITAS or KITAP

What Is an Exit Re‑Entry Permit (ERP) in Indonesia?

An Exit Re‑Entry Permit (ERP), also called Izin Keluar–Masuk Kembali / Izin Masuk Kembali (IMK), is an official immigration permit issued by Indonesian authorities to foreign nationals holding a valid stay permit (KITAS or KITAP) who want to leave Indonesia temporarily and re‑enter back into Indonesia without jeopardising their existing stay permit.

• ERP preserves the validity of your current stay permit while you travel.
• Without an ERP, leaving Indonesia will automatically cancel or invalidate certain residence permits, including KITAS and KITAP, making re‑entry under that permit impossible.

Who Needs an ERP?

ERP is required for:

• KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) holders: including work, dependent, spouse, student, investor, retirement, etc.
• KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) holders: long‑term residency.

These holders need ERP if they plan to leave Indonesia and then return under the same permit.

ERP is NOT required for:

• Tourist visa holders (B211A, VOA): as long as the visa is valid and you exit before expiry.
• Individuals leaving Indonesia permanently and not planning to return under the same residence permit: in this case, you instead apply for an Exit Permit Only (EPO).

Types of ERP

Single Exit Re‑Entry Permit

• Valid for one exit and one return to Indonesia.
• If used once to re‑enter, it expires.

Multiple Exit Re‑Entry Permit (MERP) / IMK

• Allows multiple exits and returns during the validity period of your stay permit.
• Often issued for 6 months – 1 year or aligned with your KITAS/KITAP expiry.

Key Requirements for ERP

Although requirements can vary slightly per local Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi), typical documents include:

• Valid passport (minimum validity recommended 6+ months).
• Copy of KITAS or KITAP (current and valid).
• Completed ERP application form.
• Travel itinerary / flight tickets showing exit and return plans.
• Sponsor/Guarantor letter (company, spouse, or family).
• Proof of compliance with immigration (no violations).

Optional or additional docs depending on case:

• Financial statements.
• Employer letter (for work KITAS).
• Evidence of ongoing status (contract, school enrolment, investment).

Validity & Timing

• ERP validity is typically tied to your KITAS/KITAP’s remaining validity.
• Single vs. Multiple validity: Single ERP allows one trip out/in; Multiple ERP allows frequent travel within its validity.
• Application timing: Apply before leaving Indonesia (ideally several weeks prior). If you’ve already left without it but plan to return, you must apply ERP from abroad before re‑entry.

ERP vs. EPO (Exit Permit Only)

Consequences of Not Using ERP Properly

If you exit Indonesia without a valid ERP and your stay permit expires before your planned return, you may be treated as an overstay. Immigration may refuse re‑entry or impose administrative penalties.

Hence applying ERP is not optional for maintaining your legal stay if your intention is to come back on the same permit.

Where to Apply ERP

You can apply ERP on the local Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi) in the region where your sponsor/you reside.