Following the recent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, the Indonesian immigration office in Labuan Bajo has issued a firm reminder. All foreign nationals, including expats and tourists, are urged to ensure their visa and stay permits remain valid.
The volcano’s alert level was raised to Level IV (Awas)—the highest warning—on June 17, 2025. Since then, ash clouds have disrupted regional air travel. At least 12 flights have been grounded at Komodo Airport. Many visitors who had planned to leave the area are now stranded.
A Surge in Visa Extensions
With outbound travel on hold, the Labuan Bajo Immigration Office has reported a 100% increase in visa-on-arrival extension requests. While immigration officials are applying a humanitarian approach due to the force majeure situation, they stress that all foreigners are still required to follow official visa procedures.
“We understand that this situation is beyond everyone’s control,” said local immigration head Alberth Sihite, “but the responsibility to maintain a valid stay permit remains.”
What Expats and Tourists Need to Know About Visa Rules
Expats, tourists, and their local sponsors are being urged to:
- Apply for visa extensions at least 14 days before expiry
- Use Indonesia’s official e-visa platform whenever possible
- Visit the Labuan Bajo immigration office directly if digital access is limited
Those on visa-on-arrival (VoA) permits, which are typically valid for 30 days, must extend their stay in a timely manner to avoid overstaying fines or immigration issues.
“We encourage sponsors to help their foreign guests during this period,” added Sihite. “Communication and early coordination are key.”
Immigration’s Humanitarian Response to Visa Issues
Despite the bureaucratic requirements, immigration is treating the incident as a force majeure event. This means there may be some flexibility and expedited processing—but this doesn’t replace the need to initiate the extension process formally.
If you’re currently in Flores or planning to travel to the region, stay informed. Monitor immigration updates and volcano activity alerts. Be sure to use official channels for the most accurate information.
Bottom Line for Expats: If you’re stuck due to the eruption or know someone who is, now’s the time to act. Don’t wait for your visa to expire—get your extension in early to avoid stress, fines, or complications.
Sources: Antara, Detik. Featured Image.
