Bali Visa Requirements for Tourists Explained

Planning your Bali escape for 2026? Understanding Indonesia visa requirements can feel overwhelming with constant regulation updates, multiple visa types, and new digital requirements. Whether you’re heading to Bali for a quick surf trip or planning an extended stay as a digital nomad, getting your visa right from the start saves time, money, and potential headaches at immigration.

As of January 2026, Bali’s visa system has evolved significantly. The Indonesian government introduced mandatory biometric registration for all visa extensions in May 2025, implemented new e-gates for faster processing, and requires every international visitor to complete the All Indonesia Declaration Card before arrival.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Bali visa requirements, from visa-free entry to long-term options, with current costs and real application timelines.

Do You Actually Need a Visa for Bali?

The answer depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. As of 2025, Indonesia offers three main entry pathways: visa-free entry for select countries, visa on arrival for 97 nationalities, and pre-approved visas for extended stays or restricted nationalities.

Citizens of ASEAN member states enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia for tourism stays up to 30 days. This includes travelers from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Brunei. As of July 2025, Brazil, Turkey, Colombia, Hong Kong, and Suriname also qualify for visa exemption. This free entry cannot be extended and prohibits any work activities.

For most international travelers including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and most European nations, a visa is required. The good news is that the visa on arrival system makes entry straightforward for short-term visitors, and you can now complete the entire process online before departure through the e-VOA platform.

Visa on Arrival vs E-VOA: Which Should You Choose?

Both options grant the same permissions and cost the same amount, but the application method differs significantly. Understanding the distinction helps you avoid long airport queues and potential boarding issues with certain airlines.

The traditional visa on arrival means you arrive at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and purchase your visa at designated counters before clearing immigration. This costs IDR 500,000 (approximately $35 USD as of January 2025) and allows a 30-day stay with one possible extension. Payment accepts both cash and card. While convenient for spontaneous travel, airport lines can stretch to over an hour during peak seasons, and some budget airlines now require proof of an approved visa before boarding.

The e-VOA offers the same 30-day validity and extension possibility but requires online application at least 48 hours before departure through Indonesia’s official immigration website. After submitting your passport details, travel dates, and payment, you receive an electronic visa confirmation via email. Upon arrival in Bali, you proceed directly to immigration e-gates, bypassing visa-on-arrival queues entirely. Travelers who pre-registered their passports for autogates report clearing immigration in under 10 minutes.

However, if you haven’t pre-applied for e-VOA and show up at the airport, you can still purchase a regular visa on arrival, so missing the online application doesn’t prevent entry. The reverse isn’t true: obtaining an e-VOA beforehand guarantees a faster process but commits you to the trip since visa fees are non-refundable if plans change.

Step-by-Step: Applying for Your Bali E-VOA

The electronic visa on arrival application through evisa.imigrasi.go.id takes approximately 10 minutes once you have your documents ready. The system processes most applications within 24-48 hours, though applying at least one week before departure provides a comfortable buffer.

Start by accessing the official Indonesian immigration e-visa portal. Only use evisa.imigrasi.go.id, as third-party websites often charge inflated service fees. Create an account using your email address, then select “Electronic Visa on Arrival” from the visa type options. You’ll need a valid passport with at least six months validity from your arrival date, a recent passport-style photograph with a red background, and proof of onward travel such as a return flight booking.

Upload clear scans of your passport information page and your photograph. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Any mismatches between your application and actual passport, even minor spelling differences, can void your visa with no refund. Enter your intended arrival date and accommodation address in Bali. You don’t need confirmed hotel bookings at this stage; providing the general area like “Seminyak, Bali” satisfies the requirement.

Payment of IDR 500,000 processes through the portal using Visa, MasterCard, or local Indonesian payment methods. After successful payment, monitor your email for the visa approval letter, typically arriving within one to three business days. Save both the PDF attachment and QR code, as immigration officers scan this code upon your arrival.

Understanding the B211A Visit Visa for Longer Stays

Travelers planning to explore Bali for more than 60 days need to look beyond visa on arrival options. The B211A visit visa, now officially called the C1 tourist visa under Indonesia’s updated classification system, provides an initial 60-day stay with two possible extensions of 60 days each, allowing a maximum of 180 days in Indonesia without leaving the country.

This single-entry visa requires advance application before arriving in Indonesia, unlike the visa on arrival which you obtain at the airport. Applicants must provide a valid passport with at least 18 months validity if planning extensions, recent passport photographs with a red background, proof of accommodation or sponsor letter in Indonesia, and bank statements showing a minimum balance of $2,000 USD for the previous three months. The sponsor requirement means you need either a registered Indonesian company to support your application or a visa agent who acts as your sponsor.

Processing takes 7-14 business days through the official immigration website or a licensed visa agent. Upon approval, you receive an electronic visa approval letter valid for 90 days from the issue date, meaning you must enter Indonesia within this timeframe or the visa expires. The visa activates on your actual arrival date, and your 60-day initial stay begins from that day.

Extensions follow the new hybrid system implemented in May 2025. You must submit extension requests online through the e-visa portal, then attend an in-person biometric appointment at a Bali immigration office for fingerprinting, photography, and signature capture. Each extension costs approximately IDR 1,000,000 and requires applying at least 14 days before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.

Bali Visa Extension: New 2025 Biometric Requirements

Indonesia’s immigration policy changed significantly in May 2025 when authorities introduced mandatory biometric verification for all visa extensions. This hybrid application system affects both visa on arrival holders seeking a 30-day extension and B211A visa holders applying for their 60-day renewals.

The process begins online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id where you select “Extend My Stay Permit” and enter your current visa details. Upload required documents including your passport, current visa stamp, and for certain visa types, accommodation proof and financial statements. Pay the extension fee of IDR 500,000 for VOA extensions or higher amounts for other visa types through the online payment gateway.

After online submission, the system schedules your mandatory biometric appointment at the nearest immigration office. Bali has three main locations: Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Jimbaran, Denpasar Immigration Office, and Singaraja Immigration Office in North Bali. Dress code requirements apply: covered shoulders and knees, closed-toe shoes, no tank tops or shorts. Immigration officers capture your photo, all ten fingerprints, and digital signature during a 10-15 minute session.

Processing takes 5-14 business days after your biometric appointment, depending on the visa type and current application volume. You cannot leave Indonesia while your extension is being processed, as immigration typically holds your passport during this period. Once approved, you receive notification to collect your passport with the updated visa stamp or receive it electronically depending on the visa category.

The crucial timeline: start your extension application 14 days before your visa expires. Applying 7 days before expiration provides minimal buffer for processing delays, while last-minute applications risk overstay penalties.

Bali Tourist Tax: What You Need to Know

Since February 2024, Bali’s provincial government requires all international visitors to pay a tourism levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately $10 USD as of January 2026). This mandatory fee supports environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and tourism infrastructure improvements. Payment is separate from your visa fee and applies to every entry into Bali, regardless of visa type.

You have two payment options. The recommended approach is paying tourist levy online before arrival through the official Love Bali website at lovebali.baliprov.go.id. The process takes less than five minutes. Enter your passport details exactly as shown on your passport, select your arrival date, and complete payment using credit card, bank transfer, or QRIS. You receive a QR code voucher via email immediately after payment. Save this QR code on your phone and consider printing a backup copy.

Airport payment counters at Ngurah Rai International Airport and Benoa Harbour provide an alternative for travelers who didn’t pay online. However, this can add 15-30 minutes to your arrival process during busy periods. The counters accept cashless payments only through credit card or digital payment methods.

Some travelers qualify for tourist tax exemptions, including KITAS or KITAP residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, Indonesian airline crew, and investors with certain visa classifications. If you qualify for an exemption, apply through the same Love Bali website at least one month before travel. The system typically approves exemption requests within 24-48 hours.

Importantly, the tourist levy applies per entry to Bali. If you leave Bali to visit another Indonesian island or country and then return, you pay the levy again upon re-entry. Enforcement has increased throughout 2025, with random checks at popular tourist sites and potential denial of entry for non-payment at immigration checkpoints.

Common Bali Visa Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Small errors cause significant delays, rejections, or fines for thousands of travelers annually. Understanding frequent mistakes helps you navigate the application process smoothly.

Passport validity issues rank as the top rejection reason. Your passport must have at least six months validity from your arrival date for visa on arrival, and 18 months for B211A visas if you plan extensions. Indonesia strictly enforces these rules. Additionally, passport damage including water marks, torn pages, or excessive wear can lead to entry denial even if technically valid. Immigration officers have full discretion to refuse damaged passports.

Typos in visa applications void your approval with no refund. When filling online forms, triple-check that your name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality match your passport exactly. “John” versus “Jonh” or switching middle names invalidates your visa. Many successful applicants recommend having someone else review your application before submitting.

Choosing the wrong visa type causes problems at immigration. A common scenario involves digital nomads entering on visa on arrival then working remotely, which technically violates the tourist visa conditions even though enforcement is inconsistent. If you plan to work remotely for months, the B211A provides legal coverage. Conversely, applying for an expensive long-term visa when you only need 30 days wastes money and complicates the process.

Overstay penalties escalate quickly. Indonesia charges IDR 1,000,000 per day (approximately $65 USD) for every day you exceed your visa validity. After 60 days of overstay, deportation proceedings begin, and you may face a future entry ban. The penalty applies from day one, not after a grace period, and immigration shows zero tolerance for overstays. Set calendar reminders for your visa expiration date and begin extension processes 14 days early.

Missing the All Indonesia Declaration Card creates arrival delays. Since September 2025, all international travelers must complete this digital form within 72 hours before arriving in Indonesia. Accessed through allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id, the card combines customs declaration, health information, and immigration details into a single QR code scanned at arrival. This requirement is separate from your visa and tourist tax; you need all three to clear immigration smoothly.

Visa-Free Countries: Who Can Enter Without a Visa?

Indonesia’s visa exemption list remains limited to specific countries despite ongoing discussions to expand the program. As of January 2026, visa-free entry for 30-day tourism visits applies to nationals from these countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste, Brazil, Turkey, Colombia, Hong Kong, and Suriname.

This visa-free entry prohibits any work activities, business meetings, or employment. The 30-day period cannot be extended under any circumstances. If you initially entered visa-free but want to stay longer, you must exit Indonesia entirely and re-enter with a proper visa, or leave when your 30 days expire. You cannot convert a visa-free entry to a visa on arrival or any other visa type while remaining in Indonesia.

ASEAN country nationals can access Bali’s new autogate system for expedited immigration processing. After one-time passport pre-registration through the e-visa portal, travelers with electronic passports aged 14 and above clear immigration via automated gates in under 5 minutes, bypassing traditional immigration counter lines.

What Happens at Bali Airport Immigration?

Understanding the arrival process reduces anxiety and helps you move efficiently from plane to paradise. The experience differs slightly depending on whether you have an e-VOA, plan to purchase visa on arrival, or entered visa-free.

After disembarking your flight at Ngurah Rai International Airport, follow signs toward immigration and baggage claim. If you have an e-VOA and pre-registered for autogates, look for the dedicated e-gate lanes marked with digital signage. Scan your passport and e-VOA QR code at the machine, complete biometric verification by looking at the camera and placing your fingers on the scanner, and receive your entry stamp within 30-60 seconds. The entire process typically takes 5-10 minutes total including any brief queue.

Travelers purchasing visa on arrival at the airport follow different procedures. Before reaching immigration counters, locate the “Visa on Arrival” payment desks near the immigration area. Join the queue and present your passport to the officer. Pay IDR 500,000 via cash or credit card and receive a payment receipt. Proceed to the immigration counters where officers stamp your passport with your 30-day visa. During peak hours from afternoon arrivals, this entire process can take 45-90 minutes.

Immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket, accommodation details, or proof of sufficient funds, though these checks occur inconsistently. Having your hotel booking and return flight confirmation easily accessible on your phone satisfies these requirements if questioned. Officers rarely ask for these documents but keep them available nonetheless.

After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs where you’ll scan the QR code from your All Indonesia Declaration Card and potentially your Bali tourist tax receipt. Final exit from the arrivals hall typically occurs within 15-30 minutes after collecting luggage, depending on customs processing speed.

For travelers seeking connectivity on arrival, consider using an eSIM for seamless mobile access in Indonesia.

Overstay Penalties and What They Mean for You

Indonesia enforces strict overstay penalties without exceptions or grace periods. Understanding these consequences prevents costly mistakes that can affect your travel record.

The fine structure is simple but expensive: IDR 1,000,000 per day beginning the first day after your visa expires. If your 30-day visa on arrival expired yesterday and you’re still in Bali today, you owe IDR 1,000,000. Three days overstay costs IDR 3,000,000. This penalty applies before you can depart Indonesia, meaning you pay at the immigration office or airport before they allow you to leave.

Overstays exceeding 60 days trigger deportation proceedings and possible entry bans. Indonesian authorities may detain you while processing deportation, and you’re responsible for deportation costs including flights. Additionally, future Indonesian visa applications face increased scrutiny or automatic denial if you have an overstay on record.

The penalty applies to everyone equally, regardless of reason. Flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or honest mistakes receive no special consideration under current enforcement. Immigration officers lack authority to waive or reduce overstay fines. The only way to avoid penalties is ensuring your visa remains valid by applying for extensions well before expiration.

Extending Your Bali Visa: Timeline and Costs

Most travelers underestimate the time required for visa extensions and the importance of early applications. Since May 2025’s hybrid system implementation, extension timelines have become more predictable but require advance planning.

For visa on arrival holders, the extension process allows one additional 30-day period. Begin by submitting your extension request through evisa.imigrasi.go.id between 7-14 days before your current visa expires. Upload your passport and current visa stamp, pay the IDR 500,000 extension fee online, and schedule your biometric appointment.

After attending your fingerprinting and photo session at a Bali immigration office, processing takes 5-7 business days. Your extended visa activates the day your original 30-day period expires, providing a seamless 60-day total stay.

B211A visa holders enjoy more flexibility with two possible extensions of 60 days each. The process mirrors visa on arrival extensions but with higher fees of approximately IDR 1,000,000-1,500,000 per extension depending on current fee schedules. Submit online, attend biometrics, and wait 7-14 business days for approval. Starting your first extension 14 days before your initial 60-day period ends provides adequate processing time.

During the extension process, you cannot leave Indonesia. Your passport may be physically held by immigration during processing, or you may retain it but cannot use it to exit the country until the extension is approved. Plan any island-hopping or regional travel accordingly.

Immigration offices observe Indonesian public holidays when they close entirely. The December-January holiday period sees extended closures, and extension applications during this time can take longer. Submit requests early if your visa expires during or shortly after major holiday periods.

Remote Work and Digital Nomads: What You Should Know

Indonesia currently lacks a dedicated digital nomad visa despite Bali’s popularity among remote workers. This creates a gray area where many digital nomads enter on tourist visas while working remotely for foreign companies.

Technically, visa on arrival and B211A tourist visas prohibit “work” in Indonesia. Immigration interprets this as employment by Indonesian companies or conducting business that generates income from Indonesian sources. Remote work for a foreign employer that pays you in your home currency occupies an ambiguous space. While enforcement remains rare and immigration doesn’t actively pursue remote workers, the letter of the law prohibits it.

For complete legal protection during extended remote work stays, consider the B211A visa which allows up to 180 days. Some digital nomads also work with Indonesian visa agents who can sponsor business visas, though these typically require involvement with Indonesian business activities to fully justify. Refer to our blog on the best time to visit Bali if you are contemplating the ideal time for your trip.

Indonesia has discussed implementing an official digital nomad visa throughout 2024-2025, with proposals suggesting 1-2 year validity for qualifying remote workers. As of January 2026, this visa type has not been officially implemented. Monitor Indonesian immigration announcements for updates.

The practical reality is that thousands of digital nomads work from Bali cafes and coworking spaces on tourist visas without issues. However, this exists in a legal gray zone. If questioned by immigration, you cannot officially state you’re working remotely. Being honest and respectful with immigration officers while understanding current enforcement patterns helps navigate this situation.

Is Travel Insurance Required for Your Bali Visa?

Indonesia does not mandate travel insurance for visa on arrival or most tourist visa categories. However, specific long-term visas including certain KITAS classifications require proof of health insurance coverage as part of the application requirements.

Despite not being mandatory, travel insurance for Bali trips provides crucial protection. Medical costs for foreigners can escalate quickly, and emergency medical evacuation from Bali to Australia or Singapore exceeds $50,000-$100,000. Quality travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings costs approximately $50-$150 for a two-week Bali trip depending on coverage levels.

Some travel insurance policies include coverage for visa-related issues such as trip cancellations due to visa denial or delays. When selecting insurance, verify the policy covers Indonesia specifically and includes adequate medical coverage limits of at least $100,000.

Final Checklist: Ensuring a Smooth Bali Arrival

Use this comprehensive checklist 72 hours before your departure to verify you’ve completed all requirements:

□ Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date

□ Visa secured (e-VOA confirmation email or plan to purchase on arrival)

□ All Indonesia Declaration Card completed within 72 hours of flight

□ Bali tourist tax paid and QR code saved on phone

□ Return or onward flight booking accessible on phone

□ Accommodation details or address in Bali ready to show

□ Travel insurance purchased and documents saved

□ International driving permit if planning to rent scooter

□ E-gate pre-registration completed if using autogates

□ Emergency contact information for Indonesian embassy saved

Bali’s visa system continues evolving with regular updates to improve efficiency and visitor experience. The current requirements as of January 2026 reflect Indonesia’s commitment to streamlined digital processes while maintaining entry control.

Whether you’re visiting Bali for a quick beach getaway or planning an extended stay to immerse in the island’s culture, understanding visa requirements and completing applications properly ensures your trip starts smoothly from the moment you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

For the most current updates, always verify information through Indonesia’s official immigration website at imigrasi.go.id and the e-visa portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before finalizing travel plans.