How to Make a Passport and Tips to Speed Up the Process

Making a passport is actually not difficult if you understand the process well. From taking queue numbers to submitting the application at the immigration office, everything can be done with clear and organized steps. Read this article for a complete guide on how to make a passport, along with tips to speed up the process for a more practical and efficient experience.

Getting a Passport Queue Number

The first step in the passport application process is to get a queue number. This queue number determines your turn to be served at the immigration office. Currently, there are two main ways to get a queue number: through the online system and offline (manual). The choice of method can be adjusted according to preference or available facilities.

Online Passport Queue

All passport applicants are required to use the online queue system, except for certain groups, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, or emergency cases. This system is designed to speed up the process and reduce long queues at immigration offices. The passport registration process is also more practical with the M-Paspor application, the official platform from the Directorate General of Immigration.

The first step is to download the M-Paspor application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After that, create an account by filling in personal data such as full name, active email, and phone number. Account activation is done through a link sent to the email, and enter the OTP code to activate it.

Once the account is active, choose the type of passport application: regular (completed in 4 working days, fee of IDR 350,000 for a regular passport or IDR 650,000 for an e-passport) or expedited (completed in 1 working day with an additional fee of IDR 1,000,000). Continue by selecting the nearest immigration office and the desired passport type.

Upload a clear and complete photo or scan of your e-KTP, then fill in your personal data according to your e-KTP. Determine whether this is a first-time passport application or a renewal of an old passport, and choose the purpose of making it, such as tourism, work, or other reasons. Complete supporting documents, such as Family Card and Birth Certificate, then choose the date of arrival at the immigration office for biometric photos.

Available dates are marked in green, while full dates are marked in red.

Finally, pay the passport fee according to the billing code that appears after selecting the date. Payment must be made within a maximum of two hours after the code is issued.

Offline (Manual) Passport Queue

Although most passport application services now use an online queue system, certain groups are still allowed to access offline passport queue services directly. This is in accordance with the provisions contained in Circular Letter of the Director General of Immigration Number IMI-UM.01.01-2435 Year 2018, which prioritizes vulnerable groups.

The groups included in this priority are several categories:

• People with disabilities, individuals with physical or mental limitations who require easier access to services.
• Elderly (lansia), aged 60 years and above.
• Toddlers or children under five years old.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, who require more flexible services according to their condition.

In addition, expedited passport services can also be accessed without an online queue. Applicants who need a passport quickly can come directly to the immigration office with the required documents. This service provides an opportunity to get a passport completed on the same day with an additional fee of IDR 1,000,000.

With this policy, vulnerable groups and applicants for expedited services still have direct access to passport applications, ensuring immigration services that are more inclusive and responsive to community needs.

Passport Application Process at the Immigration Office

Passport application at the immigration office is quite easy if all documents are complete. After taking an online queue number, the applicant comes to the immigration office according to the chosen schedule and shows the online queue proof in the form of a QR code to the officer. For those who choose an offline queue, just come directly to the immigration office.

Next, the officer will call the applicant according to the queue order to check and verify the original and photocopied documents brought, such as e-KTP, Family Card, Birth Certificate, or other supporting documents, as well as proof of payment if applying for an online queue. Make sure to bring one original and one photocopy of each document on A4 paper.

After the documents are verified, the applicant will proceed to the interview, face photo, and fingerprinting process. If there are discrepancies or suspicions about the applicant's identity, the process can be suspended for further investigation, and if proven to be a violation, the passport application can be rejected.

After the interview and biometric process are completed, applicants who applied offline will be given a billing code for payment at a designated bank or PT. POS, with a maximum payment deadline of 3 days after the interview and photo. After all processes are completed, the applicant just needs to wait for the passport to be issued. Passports will usually be available within 4 working days for regular service, or 1 day for expedited service.

Time Needed to Make a Passport

The passport application process generally takes about 4 working days after the interview and payment are completed. However, several factors can affect the duration of passport processing. The type of passport chosen also affects the processing time. Regular passports tend to take longer than e-passports.

In addition, processing time can be affected by the level of congestion at the immigration office, which is usually longer during holidays or when demand is high. The location of the immigration office is also an important factor, as immigration offices in big cities tend to process passports faster than in areas with smaller immigration offices. For those who need a passport faster, there is an expedited passport service that can be completed within 1 working day, albeit with an additional fee for PNBP.

Tips for a Faster and Smoother Passport Application Process

To speed up and simplify the passport application process, there are several tips you can follow. One is to use the expedited passport service offered by some immigration offices. Although the cost is higher, this service allows passports to be completed faster, ideal if you need a passport in a short time.

In addition, make sure all necessary documents are complete and correct before coming to the immigration office. Missing documents can cause the process to be slower or even force you to re-register.

Choose the right time to apply for a passport, especially avoid doing so during holidays or at the end of the year. During these periods, the number of applicants usually increases and the process can take longer. Finally, take advantage of the online queue service which allows you to choose a schedule that suits your free time, so you don't have to wait too long at the immigration office.