How to obtain a Bali visa

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, lucky you! A bounty of incredible experiences await. But before you get carried away dreaming of all those beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring temples, take time to find what visa you need, and how to obtain a Bali visa, all of which is explained below.  

How to obtain a Bali visa — the basics

Before we dive into the details, bear in mind that Indonesian visa laws change frequently, so always check the latest situation before travelling. 

All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, at least two blank passport pages, and have proof of onward or return passage. 

Which Bali visa do I need?

Which Bali visa you need depends on how long you intend to stay, and what you’re planning to do.  

If you’re visiting as a tourist for up to thirty days, it’s straightforward to obtain your Bali visa. It's also simple to extend it for up to a total of 60 days.  

Planning a trip to Bali? Browse our Indonesia itineraries for inspiration, or get in touch with our local experts for advice.

Bali Visa on Arrival (VOA)  

Currently, citizens from more than 90 countries qualify for 30-day visa-free entry for tourism purposes.  

The countries on this “Visa on Arrival” list includes all European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India.  

As for how to obtain your Bali Visa on Arrival, this is done when you arrive at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. Choose the Visa on Arrival queue, ready to show officials the following:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Confirmed return ticket, or an onward ticket to your next destination
• Evidence you have sufficient funds for your stay
• Your completed immigration/arrival card

Explore all the possibilities of travelling to the island that beckons all year round with our guide to the best time to visit Bali.

Bali e-VOA

As an alternative to obtaining your Bali visa at the airport, you could use the recently introduced e-VOA system.

This allows you to obtain and pay for your visa online, in advance. See the official site for details. 

What will my Bali VOA or e-VOA cost? 

The cost is USD $35 and can be paid in IDR, EUR, AUD, or USD. Cash is the preferred form of payment at the airport.

What if I what to extend my stay in Bali beyond 30 days?  

Your 30-day VOA and e-VOA can be extended for an additional 30 days, allowing you to stay in Indonesia for a total of 60 days. 

Tip: to avoid the hassle of visiting an immigration centre to extend your 30-day visa, get yourself a e-VOA and extension online in advance.   

What if I want to extend my visa, but don’t have an e-VOA?

Visa extensions can be arranged at immigration offices (kantor imigrasi) in Denpasar and Kuta, Bali, and in Mataram on Lombok.

You need to apply at least two weeks before your existing visa expires.  

The extension price is $35, with an extra charge levied locally if you want your paperwork fast-tracked. You can also extend your visa online.

Rough Guides tip: if you choose for the e-VOA + extension, you don’t need to visit the immigration office.

Visa B211A — Bali’s "digital nomad" visa

If you’d like to stay longer than 60 days, consider applying for Bali’s B211A visa. 

With this, a period of stay in Indonesia is granted for 60 days (two months) or 180 days (six months), depending on what you apply for. 

It’s also possible to obtain an extension of this visa, with each extension granted for a period of stay of 60 days, and a maximum of 180 days. 

Note that to extend it, you’ll have to book an appointment with the nearest immigration office.

Note also that the B211A is single entry, which means if you leave Bali, the visa will be invalidated. 

Applying and costs

Applying for a B211A visa is straightforward. Just follow the steps highlighted on this website. Chose your desired days (60, 120 or 180) and pay the fee, starting at $284 pp.

What if I’m not visiting Bali as a tourist?

For visits other than tourism (e.g. business or study), you must apply in advance for a visa (30 or 60 days) from an Indonesian embassy. Fees vary per country. 

It’s a complicated process and requires a recent bank statement showing a minimum balance and/or a letter from your employer, educational establishment, bank manager, accountant or solicitor certifying your obligation to return home/leave Indonesia by the designated date. 

What are the penalties if I overstay my visa? 

Penalties for overstaying your visa are severe, costing Rp 1 million per day overstayed. 

Note that the day you arrive counts as the first day of your visa. 

How to apply for a Bali visa

Visiting Bali, and Indonesia in general, requires travellers to have the right documentation in place ( valid passport). For many visitors, the Visa on Arrival is the best option, since it can be obtained by over 90 different nationalities.

This visa is available for purchase at immigration counters upon arrival in Bali and costs 35 USD. The standard duration of this visa is 30 days but can be extended up to 60 days if needed.

For those who plan to stay in Bali longer than two months, another option is the B211A visa. This visa can be applied for online before travelling and eliminates any hassles during airport immigration. With this visa, travellers have a full two months to enjoy everything from beaches to temples and more that Indonesia has to offer.

Want more info that’ll help you plan your trip to Bali? Get yourself The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok, and read up on our recommended Bali tours. 

Or, if you’d rather avoid the stress of planning, check-out our customisable Indonesia itineraries.