“A passport is your ticket to explore the world.”
A never-ending adventure around the world — discovering new places, savoring delicious food, creating unforgettable experiences, and simply enjoying life.
Here’s one of my very first pieces of advice to you: Start traveling.
Step into a new world, embrace new experiences, enrich your soul, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Sure, the beginning might feel overwhelming — there will be challenges, doubts, and questions. But don’t hesitate. Just take the first step, and everything else will follow. Let the journey slide you into the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Getting Your Passport: The First Step to Your Journey
Before you begin your adventure abroad, the very first thing you need is a passport. Depending on where you live, the process might be a bit challenging — sometimes even costly. Since I’m based in Indonesia, I’d love to share some tips and advice to help you through the process of getting your passport here.
Passport regulations often change, and it’s important to stay up to date. I still remember the first time I applied for mine — I had to queue at the Immigration Office as early as 5 AM, even though the office didn’t open until 8 AM. It was exhausting and not a pleasant experience at all.
Thankfully, things have changed for the better. Now, you can easily make a reservation through an official app called M-Paspor. It helps you avoid long lines and unnecessary stress.
How to Use the M-Paspor App (and Tips to Save You Time!)
You can download the M-Paspor app from the official app store:
Once you’ve downloaded the app:
- Register your account.
- Choose your nearest Immigration Office.
- Pick a schedule that works best for you.
- Make the payment through the app.
After all that’s done, all you need to do is go to the Immigration Office at your reserved time. But wait — here are some important tips to make your visit smoother:
✅ FIRST TIP: Arrive Early
Even though you have a reservation time, you’ll still need to take a queue number when you arrive at the office. On busy days, the wait can still be long. If you’re in a rush, it’s best to arrive earlier than your scheduled time to secure a good spot in line.
✅ SECOND TIP: Bring Copies of Your Documents (on A4 Paper Only)
You’ll need both the original documents and photocopies for the application.
➡️ All copies must be on A4-size paper.
Why? The immigration officers scan your documents using a compact scanner, and it only works with A4 paper. If you bring other sizes, you’ll have to make new copies at the office — and trust me, the copy center can get very crowded!
✅ THIRD TIP: Choose the Right Type of Passport
Indonesia offers a few types of passports, mainly based on validity period and passport material. Here’s what you should know:
- You can choose between a 5-year or 10-year validity passport.
- I highly recommend choosing the 10-year passport. While it may cost a bit more, it saves you from going through the renewal process again anytime soon — and that’s a huge time-saver.
In addition, always opt for an e-passport with a polycarbonate biodata page. Why?
- Polycarbonate e-passports are more durable, long-lasting, and tamper-resistant.
- They are widely accepted for visa-free or visa waiver programs in many countries.
For example, with this type of passport, you can take advantage of Japan’s visa waiver program. All you need to do is pre-register online, and you’ll be able to visit Japan without a visa — super convenient!
🔎 Important: At the time of writing, not all Immigration Offices issue polycarbonate e-passports. If your chosen office doesn’t offer it, check other nearby offices for availability.
You might be wondering about the cost difference:
- 5-year e-passport: IDR 650,000
- 10-year e-passport: IDR 950,000
You’re only paying IDR 300,000 more, but you’re getting double the validity.
That’s a smart investment — less hassle, fewer renewals, and more freedom to travel.
✅ BONUS TIP: Have a Destination in Mind (Especially for First-Time Travelers)
If you’re a first-time traveler, especially someone who has just graduated, it’s a good idea to have a clear travel destination in mind before applying for your passport.
Sometimes, immigration officers will ask about your travel plans. This is part of their duty to protect applicants from potential scams, such as fake job offers abroad. Having a destination shows that you’re well-prepared and serious about your travel intentions.
If you’re a student, I highly encourage you to apply for your passport as early as possible — even if you don’t have immediate travel plans. It’s great to be ready when an opportunity comes up, like student exchange programs or international conferences.
Don’t forget to bring a copy of your student ID card as a supporting document during the application.
Once you have your passport, the world is truly open to you. 🌍
What are you waiting for? If you don’t have a passport yet — start the process today!