EKONID members who hold Indonesian passports issued in 2021 and are planning to enter Germany are advised to postpone their trip until further notice from the Indonesian or German government on the latest situation.
*Due to the developing nature of the situation, EKONID will be treating this article as a short live service update*
The German Embassy in Indonesia recently announced that Indonesian passports without signature columns cannot be processed for visa applications. The announcement, published on August 11, 2022, stated that the issue was being collaboratively examined by the relevant German and Indonesian authorities.
Based on the latest information obtained by EKONID, the problem affects Indonesian passports, both the electronic and non-electronic versions, issued in 2021 and after.
If there is a change in the situation, the German Embassy in Jakarta will update their with the relevant information. Those affected by the problem are also urged to contact their nearest immigration office for a possible solution.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I apply for a new visa with an Indonesian passport that does not have a signature column?
Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to apply for a Schengen or a German Visa with this passport. Your application will not be accepted. The German Embassy in Jakarta recommends that you to check again with the relevant Indonesian authority on whether you can obtain an Indonesian passport with a signature column for Schengen or German Visa applications.
What if I have an Indonesian passport without a signature column that has already been granted a visa?
If you have a visa, the German Embassy in Jakarta recommends that you postpone your trip to Germany as you will likely be refused to enter German territory.
My passport is currently being processed for a visa application and I do not know whether or not my passport has a signature column. What should I do?
The problem affects Indonesian passport issued in 2021 and after. If your passport does not meet the requirement as stated above, the German Embassy in Jakarta will send you an e-mail statement. Please check your e-mail regularly.
Do I need to apply for a new passport to be able to travel at this time?
Only passports (either electronic or regular) with a signature column will be processed for visa applications. As per Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. M.HH-01.GR.01.03.01.3059/2019 on Technical Specifications on Regular Passport and Passport Equivalent Travel Document Security, Indonesia no longer issues passport with a signature column.
What is the next process?
The situation as stipulated above is effective until stated otherwise by the German authorities.
Sample of the Indonesian Passport page with and without the signature column as required by the German Embassy in Jakarta:
LATEST UPDATES
- On August 13, 2022, the Indonesian immigration office issued a statement saying that Indonesian passport holders who are affected by the problem can apply for an endorsement signature in the immigration office. However, it should be noted that this does not guarantee the processing of a visa application, as the German Embassy in Jakarta has stated that it does not recognize an endorsement as a valid replacement of the signature column. Link
Please be informed that EKONID will not be answering individual questions regarding this topic. However, we continue to coordinate with the German Embassy in Jakarta for the latest information. We encourage our readers to check the latest official information from the official sources here: