Sos Bud VS 2 month tourist visa?

Sydjapan

Hi..... Found this on another forum: "Bear in mind that these days the social visa offers no advantages whatsoever over the 60 day tourist visa. In fact the latter leaves you with more flexibility when it comes to getting extensions, as you are not tied to an original sponsor." What do you think? I'm a bit confused. It does seem easier? Am I missing something?

gilbert de jong

I don't get the more flexible either...if one has 60 day touristvisa, then after the 60 days wants to extend, he/she still needs a sponsor. And for the next extension, one can't change sponsors...meaning one is 'tied' to that sponsor. the only thing what's easier is that one doesn't need to provide a sponsorletter at the embassy.

spicyayam

I thought that you still need a sponsor to do the extensions, but apparently, there doesn't seem to be any difference between the two visas, at least according to this thread: https://balipod.com/forum/threads/getting-social-visa-when-already-in-indonesia-do-you-have-to-leave-the-country.5450/

BKT

Sounds like the good people at immigration are cutting down on their work load by extending 60 day tourist visa's. I haven't heard of any rule changes. Where's Atlantis when you need him. :distant:

Sydjapan

Since the initial post, I did find a few references that basically say that the sos bud extension can't truly be denied (though of course isn't guaranteed), while the 60 day tourist visa is commonly extended - mostly in Bali - though legally not supposed to be. To answer my own question: It seems the sos bud is indeed the "safer" of the 2 options - though likely either would do. Thanks guys....