Bali Visa Requirements & Entry Guide 2025

Okay, let's talk about something that might sound boring at first but is so important — choosing the right visa for Bali. Don't worry, though! I've been through the visa process more times than I can count, and in this section, I'll break down what you need to know about the different types of visas.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Bali?

Whether you need a visa to visit Bali depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. If you're lucky enough to come from one of the visa-exempt countries, you can stroll straight in and get a free 30-day stay. But if you're from a country not on the list, or plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for one before your flight.

Also, your reason for visiting matters. If you plan to work or study, you'll need a proper visa no matter where you are from. While a vacation might not require a lot of paperwork, working or living in Bali does.

What Are Bali Visa Types?

The good news is, Bali has a visa for pretty much every situation. Here's a quick overview of the most common types:

• Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA). This visa is only for citizens of exempt countries. It grants a 30-day stay, tourism only.

• Visa on Arrival (VoA). Perfect for a quick getaway. It's valid for 30 days, but you can extend it for another 30 if you're not ready to leave.

• e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA). Same as the VoA, but you apply for it online before you even set foot on the island. It’s a great opportunity to skip the usual paperwork at the airport.

• Social or Cultural Visa. Want to spend more time here for cultural events or to visit family? This one lets you stay up to 6 months.

• Long-Stay Visas. If you plan to call Bali home for a while, this is your option.

Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA)

If you're from an ASEAN country or one of a few other nations with special agreements, you might not even need to think about a visa for Bali. The Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA) lets you skip the paperwork and stay for up to 30 days. Sounds like a dream, right?

However, there are a few catches. The 30 days are non-extendable, so if you're planning a longer trip, this option won't work. Plus, the VEA is strictly for tourism, so no business meetings, remote work, or other activities that aren't purely leisure.

Here's a quick list of the countries eligible for the VEA:

Double-check if yours is on the list before booking your flight, as it can change occasionally.

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

If your country isn't on the visa-exempt list, Bali's Visa on Arrival is what you’ll need for short tourist trips. Here's how it works: when you land in Bali, you can purchase your VoA directly at the airport for around 500,000 IDR (approximately $35) — you can pay for it by card or cash. VoA is valid for 30 days. And the best part? Suppose you decide you're not quite ready to leave paradise. In that case, you can extend it for another 30 days at an immigration office or through an agent.

The VoA is strictly for short-term stays, so there is no sticking around for longer than 60 days.

e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)

And if you like to plan everything in advance, the e-VOA is a game-changer. Forget about waiting in long lines at the airport — this visa lets you handle everything online.

Indonesian immigration website

Applying for the e-VOA is easy:

1. Visit the official Indonesian immigration website.

2. Fill out the application form with your personal details.

3. Upload a scan of your passport.

4. Pay the 500,000 IDR fee online using a credit or debit card.

Once your application is processed (usually within a day or two), you'll receive your e-VOA via email. Print it out or save a digital copy on your phone — you'll need to show it at immigration when you arrive in Bali.

The e-VOA is valid for 30 days, just like the standard Visa on Arrival, and can be extended for another 30 days if you decide Bali isn't done charming you yet. You can do it online through the Indonesia Immigration website or in person at the Immigration Office.

B211 Visa

The B211 Visa is a single-entry tourist visa. It lets you stay in Indonesia for 60 days, with the option to extend it twice for a total of 180 days. Many digital nomads choose this visa since Indonesia doesn't yet have one specifically for them.

Unlike the Visa on Arrival, you can't get the B211 on the spot. You'll need to arrange it in advance, and a sponsor is required for the application. Depending on the service, the cost can vary between agencies, but expect it to range from $150 to $300. The easiest way to get this visa sorted is by working with a visa agent in Bali — I'll give you a list of the best ones later in the article.

Here are a few things to keep in mind with the B211:

• It's a single-entry visa in Bali, so once you're in, you can't leave and return without getting a new visa.

• You can't switch from a Visa on Arrival (VoA) to the B211. If you want to make the switch, you'll need to leave the country, apply for the B211 through an agent, and then return.

• Working with Indonesian companies or individuals is off-limits.

• The B211 usually takes about 7 to 10 business days to process, and the requirements are simple: passport with at least 12 months validity, an onward ticket out of Indonesia within your visa period, passport-sized photo.

You don't even need to visit an embassy — the visa will be emailed to you.

So, let's sum it up: which visa should you choose based on the length of your trip?

Bali Tourism Levy

Visiting Bali comes with a small but meaningful contribution: the Bali Tourism Levy. Paying the levy is simple. It's typically collected at the airport upon arrival; the fee is approximately $10 per person. You can pay in cash or by card, so having a little extra currency ready is a good idea.

Here's a quick tip: check whether your airline includes this fee in your ticket price. Some carriers cover it, meaning one less thing to worry about upon arrival.

e-CD (Electronic Customs Declaration)

When you arrive in Bali, don't forget to complete the e-CD form — it's mandatory. It helps customs officers streamline your entry process. Here's how it goes:

• Fill out the form online 72 hours before you land. Be careful, though — there are scam sites out there. Stick to the official website to avoid any issues.

• Once you submit the form, you'll receive a QR code. Customs will scan this code right after you grab your luggage, just before you exit the airport. Simple!

If you forget to do it beforehand, you can still fill it out at the airport.

Make sure to declare everything honestly (yes, they'll check!) and keep your boarding pass. You can only bring in cash up to IDR 100,000,000, so don't go over that limit.

Health Pass and COVID-19 Requirements

Currently, no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements exist for travelers heading to Indonesia, including Bali. However, before you travel, you must complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) electronic self-declaration form. This is a must for entry, and you'll need to submit it before checking in for your flight. Once completed, you'll get a barcode that you'll need to save or print out to show to Indonesian authorities when you arrive.

If you are coming from a country with a yellow fever risk, you will need to show proof of vaccination.

Required Documents for Entry

Here is a checklist of key documents to ensure a smooth entry process. Apart from a visa, you'll need:

• Valid Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Bali and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

• Return/Onward Ticket. Indonesian immigration requires proof that you have a return or onward flight from Bali.

• Proof of Sufficient Funds. Some travelers may be asked to show proof they have enough funds to support their stay. The exact amount depends on the length of the trip.

Retirement Visa (For Expats Over 55)

The Retirement Visa is ideal if you plan to spend your golden years in Indonesia. Bali, in particular, has been a favorite spot for retirees for years — who wouldn't want that! Here's what you'll need to qualify:

• Be 55 or older.

• Not plan to work in Indonesia.

• Have a yearly income of at least $18,000.

• Sign a one-year rental agreement.

• Hire local help (like a maid or driver).

• Get health insurance in Indonesia.

The application process might seem a bit tricky, so partnering with a visa agency can really help! This visa is valid for a year and can be extended up to five times, paving the way for you to eventually apply for permanent residency (KITAP). Just a heads up, this visa is available only to citizens of certain countries, so check those details.

KITAS (Work and Residence Visa)

A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), or Temporary Stay Permit, is a way to go if you plan to work in Indonesia or join your spouse or family there.

It's valid for 12 months and can be extended yearly for up to five years. You’ll need a sponsor to apply — either a family member or your employer. The process starts in your home country, where you'll need to secure a VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas). Once you're in Indonesia, this is converted to an ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) and then to a KITAS.

It might sound a bit complex, but with the right sponsor, it's manageable!

Golden Visa (For Investors)

The Golden Visa program in Indonesia is an exciting chance for investors and global talents to secure long-term residency. For individual investors, a 5-year visa is available with an investment of $2.5 million (38 billion IDR). A 10-year visa requires $5 million (76 billion IDR). Corporate investors can qualify by investing $25 million (380 billion IDR), and key executives like directors can join the program, too.

If you're looking for other options, you can also invest $350,000 in government bonds or shares for a 5-year visa, or $700,000 for a 10-year visa.

Golden Visa holders get up to 10 years of residency, a smoother investment process, and the ability to buy real estate or invest in local businesses. It's all part of Indonesia's plan to bring in entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators to help boost the economy.

You can apply for the Golden Visa online on the evisa.imigrasi.go.id

Approved Visa Agents and Services

Bali Visas is one of the leading visa agents in Bali and has over 20 years of experience in the visa industry. They can help you with different types of visas, including limited-stay permits, Bali visa extensions, and KITAS and KITAP.

As suggested by the name, Bali Legals isn't just about visas — it's your one-stop solution for all things Bali, whether you're looking to navigate the maze of Indonesian permits or set up a business. They specialize in everything from KITAS (temporary stay permits) to accounting, taxation, business licenses, and property documents.

This agency is a go-to place for expats looking to make Bali home. They focus on helping expats with visa matters, including Social Budaya, Retirement, and KITAS (temporary stay permit). Whether you're staying for a year or more, they've got your visa needs covered!

How do I apply for a Bali visa online?

Most visa types, like the e-VOA, can be applied for online through the official Indonesian government portal or trusted agencies. Just fill out the application, upload your docs, pay the fee, and you're good to go!

Can I extend my Visa on Arrival?

Yep! You can extend your Bali Visa on Arrival (VoA) once, but be sure to do it before it expires. This gives you an extra 30 days to enjoy Bali. You can handle your Bali visa extension at an immigration office or through a visa agent — just pay the fee. But remember, not all visas can be extended.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Bali?

Uh-oh! Overstaying your visa in Bali can lead to fines (1 million IDR or around $60 for 1–10 days), detention, or even deportation. You'll likely have to pay the fine at the airport or immigration office before you leave, and in some cases, you could be banned from returning for a while. So, always keep track of your visa and apply for an extension if needed.