Indonesian Passport Without Signature Refused by Four Countries

VIVA – Some countries in the European region refuse new Indonesian passports that do not have a signature column. Indonesian citizens (WNI) who still have their old passports are encouraged to immediately request approval from the local embassy.

Some time ago, a new Indonesian passport without a signature column became a topic of conversation on social media. This is because Germany does not allow entry for Indonesian citizens who use passports without a signature column, except for those who have visas.

Some European countries that refused the new Indonesian passport are Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

A new Indonesian passport without a signature column had indeed become a hot topic of discussion in August. This is because Germany does not allow Indonesian citizens to enter using a passport without a signature column unless they have a visa.

The immigration authorities then issued a new rule so that all heads of immigration offices in Indonesia accommodate requests for additional signatures in the validation or endorsement column for passport holders without a signature.

"As of October 10, the Netherlands (along with Belgium and Luxembourg) will only recognize Indonesian passports for visa applications if they contain a signature on the confirmation sheet from an Indonesian immigration official or consular representative in Indonesia," wrote an official statement on the website of the Dutch Embassy.

The Dutch Embassy urges applicants who do not hold a passport containing a signature to apply for a visa on or after October 10. Visa applications can be approved if the passport is equipped with an endorsement stamp from the named party.

Visa applications from unsigned passport holders that have been submitted will still be processed until the transition period ends on October 10. Beyond that, applicants who apply for a visa with a passport with a signature or stamp of approval from the authorities will be refused.

"If the Netherlands issues a visa during the transition period on an unsigned passport, the visa will only be valid in Schengen countries that recognize the passport without any restrictions or conditions," the statement wrote.

"If you are already in the Netherlands, you need to ask the Indonesian embassy in The Hague to add your signature to your passport," the statement continued.