The Easy Guide to Bali Visas for Tourists & Bali Digital Nomads Visas

Bali Visas Made Simple

Indonesia offers two visas that are relevant to most visitors:

One is a visa for tourists, called the Visa On Arrival (VOA).

The other visa is called the B211A Visa.

The B211A is for tourists that want to stay longer than the max 60 days that the VOA will allow, tourists who are from a country that is not eligible for a VOA, or those who are coming for business, investment, study or volunteering.

Which Bali visa is the best fit for you?

To determine which Bali visa is best for you, you must first determine the length of your stay and the purpose of your visit.

So let’s look at the two types of visa available and see which one is going to suit you.

It will be either the Visa on Arrival or the B211A visa.

Related: 

Bali Travel Tips

Best Areas to Stay in Bali

Bali Travel Insurance

Bali Indonesia Visa Types Available

(1) Visa on Arrival

Are you a tourist? Are you coming as a digital nomad (you are digital creator but you are not working)?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, you are probably going to get a Visa on Arrival.

For most tourists from eligible countries (see below), a 30 day Visa on Arrival is all you will need. This can be extended once for another 30 days (that is, 60 days total).

If you are a tourist who wants to stay more than 60 days, or if you are coming for business, an internship, to study/short course, or to volunteer, you will need the second type of visa, the B211A.

Breaking News for Visa on Arrival for 2024

Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia's Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, has recently put forward a plan to bring back visa-free entry to Bali for regular international travelers from twenty countries, as well as those from ASEAN member states. This proposed change, still pending legal approval, is designed to eliminate the Visa on Arrival fee for these travelers.

The list of countries that may benefit from this visa exemption includes Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and a selection of other nations significant for their investment contributions and economic influence on Indonesia.

For the latest information on this policy change, keep an eye on baligram.me, where we will provide confirmation as soon as these visa regulation adjustments are officially implemented.

(2) B211A Visa

Are you coming as:

• A tourist that wants to stay more than 60 days or

• You are a tourist from a country that can’t get a VOA or

• You are coming to do business, as an investor, volunteering, or doing an internship (even if you also plan on being a tourist)?

If you answer yes to any of the above, you cannot use the Visa on Arrival.

But the good news is you can get a B211A visa.

The B211A visa is for tourists (including digital nomads) who want to stay more than 60 days and therefore the VOA (30+30 max) is not sufficient. There are also categories of B211A visa for business, internship, study/short course and volunteering.

You cannot use a B211A visa to work or sell your services (eg: you can't sell photography services as a freelancer - you will get caught). You'll need a working visa for that. If this is you, click the next headline to see what this means for you.

Let's look at each of these two visas in detail:

Okay, by now you will probably have picked whether you need a Visa on Arrival or a B211A.

So, in the next section, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about each option. Skip to the section you need.

Are you coming to Bali for holiday and plan to stay for 30 days or less? Then you should get a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

How long does a Bali visa last?

The VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended in Indonesia for another 30 days (so you get 60 days in total).

So, if you are coming for vacation and intend to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days, but definitely not more than 60 days, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is still the best option. It’s going to be the cheapest.

You can get a VOA when you arrive at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (hence the name).

However, you can now also get your Visa on Arrival online and this is called an e-VOA. If you have an e-VOA you will be able to skip the airport immigration queue at this Indonesian Government Department of Immigration website.

To be eligible for an e-VOA you need to have an electronic passport (the one with the golden square with the circle in the middle, which is underneath the national emblem on the front of your passport). This is because your passport needs to be readable by the new electronic scanners in the fast, self-serve queues.

Are you from a country eligible for Visa on Arrival?

Tourists from more than 80 different countries can get a Visa on Arrival, which is the standard tourist visa in Indonesia and Bali.

Free VOA for some countries

Some countries are eligible for a Visa Exemption Arragement (VE) and therefore do not require a visa and can enter free for a maximum of 30 days. They are as follows:

Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam.

Cost of Bali Visa on Arrival

A Visa on Arrival in Bali, Indonesia, costs IDR 500,000. Both the VOA and e-VOA visas are IDR 500,000 and can be paid in IDR, EUR, AUD, or USD.

We recommend that you bring cash to the airport for a VOA but you can pay by credit card.

Just to repeat, if you intend to stay for more than 60 days as a tourist, you need to apply for the B211A Visa (see below).

Bali visa fees for Indians

Those needing a Bali visa for Indians will be reassured to know that they are one of the countries eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). The standard fee of IDR 500,000 (approximately 2,700 rupees) will apply. However, you will need to bring US dollars or pay for your visa with a credit card.

How to apply for a Bali Visa on Arrival (VOA):

You can apply for a Bali visa VOA two ways:

1. Get your e-VOA online before you actually arrive. This saves time in the queue. You can get your Visa On Arrival online and skip the airport queue at this Indonesian Government Department of Immigration website

Note that only a small number of countries are eligible to buy an e-VOA.

2. Get your VOA when you land at the airport (this is what most people do because they do not know of the online option in (1) above)

When you arrive at immigration, select the 'Visa on Arrival' queue.

You will need the following documents for a Visa on Arrival:

1. A passport valid for at least 6 months when entering Bali

2. A plane ticket to your next destination or a confirmed return ticket

3. Enough money to cover your expenses during your stay

4. Have the VOA cash or credit card or your online purchase receipt on hand

5. Fill out your immigration/arrival card

See below for the procedure for how to extend your Visa On Arrival for a further 30 days.

We also have a detailed guide for what is bali visa on arrival.

So what if you know you want to stay for more than 60 days as a tourist and therefore the Visa on Arrival (which is for a maximum of 30 days plus a 30 day extension) is not suited to you?

Or what if you are coming for business, as an investor, volunteering, or doing an internship?

In these cases, Bali now has the Visa B211A, which is ideal for:

1. Tourists (including digital nomads) who want to stay on the island for more than 60 days;

2. For a tourist who come from a country that isn’t eligible for a VOA (and therefore not eligible to get a VOA and a B211A is your only choice);

3. If you are coming for business, internship, study/short course or volunteering (if so, a B211A is your only choice).

Details about the B211A

1. The B211A has a validity period of 60 days but can be extended twice (each time for another 60 days). This means you could spend up to 180 days in Bali (6 months). Please keep in mind that in order to extend, you must first make an appointment at your nearest immigration office for a photo and fingerprints.

2. Choose between Onshore B211A (applying in Bali) and Offshore B211A (applying before arrival).

3. The B211A is for a single entry only. This means that if you leave Bali, your visa will become invalid.

4. You have up to 90 days to enter Bali once your visa has been approved.

5. You will not be able to apply for an onshore B211A visa if you enter the country on a VOA.

The cost of a Bali B211A Visa

The cost varies depending on which agency you use to obtain your B211A. Normally, the price ranges between $270 and $300 USD. This might sound pricey, but it beats the old days when you had to leave the country every 60 days (that is, at the end of a VOA 30+30) and come back in (what used to be called 'doing a visa run').

You will need the following to apply for a B211A visa

1. You must have a passport valid for at least 12 months if you plan to extend (Why? Indonesia wants you to have 6 months validity beyond your stay, and the B211A can be extended for 6 months, so you need 6 months on top of that).

2. Onward flight - The receipt of an onward flight within 60 days of your arrival. If you know you'll be staying for more than 60 days, book a changeable/refundable flight.

3. US$2,000 in funds (although this is not the case for all visa agencies).

Bali visa consultant

Visa agencies in Bali can help you arrange your visa application online. You can find these companies on Google or by contacting the hotel where you want to stay while in Bali.

The catch is that not all agents are reliable or properly accredited, so be careful who you pick—talk to people, get recommendations, etc. The agent will handle the application, provide assistance with documents required for your flight, and provide on-arrival guidance to help you navigate immigration and customs as smoothly as possible.

The Agent we recommend

We have formed a relationship with one of Bali's best agents PT Bali Visa Indonesia and their sister company, Visa Indonesia LLC from the USA. Their operation is trustworthy, incredibly efficient, and you will be in safe hands with their Bali-based staff.

They sponsor this article, and if you use their services, they are kind enough to give us a small amount (at no cost to you) that helps us bring you this guide and maintain our free travel guide for all. We’re not just recommending them because of this; they really are excellent and have great reviews. The price they charge is competitive (beware cheap offers from some agents), and they can be contacted easily by email, phone, WhatsApp, etc. Ease of communication is paramount.

BONUS Coupon Code: The team at PT Visa Indonesia have been kind enough to give our readers a discount. Use the coupon code baligram to save $20

For the B211A, using a visa agent is the best option

You will need the following documents to apply for this visa:

1. Passport cover colour scan

2. Color scan of the passport's photo page and page 2

3. Two passport photographs

4. Proof of your scheduled flight to Indonesia and onward flight out

5. Account statement

6. Sworn declaration of the veracity of your documents (not all agencies will ask for this).

Click here to learn how to obtain your B211A visa for Bali (and use the coupon code baligram to get a $20 discount)

How to Extend Your Visa

When it comes to extending your stay in Bali for another 30 days (for the Visa on Arrival, VOA) or 60+ days (for the B211A visa), you must already have your VOA or B211A (probably goes without saying).

And note that if you entered with a VOA, you cannot switch to a B211A Onshore Visa.

In Bali, visa extensions can take up to 14 days. So this means you need to start the process at around day 14 or so into your first 30 days. You have two options if you want to extend your Visa on Arrival:

You can either do it yourself or hire a visa agent to do it for you.

(A) Extending with an agent

This is the easiest and we recommend using one of Bali's best agents PT Bali Visa Indonesia and Visa Indonesia LLC from the USA. Even if you use an agent you will still need to visit the immigration office once (for photo and fingerprint), and that saves you two more visits if you were to do it yourself. These visits involve long waits and are tedious, so if your time is better spent exploring and relaxing, use an agent. On the other hand if you are a budget traveller, you can do it yourself.

(B) Extending yourself (applicable only for Visa on Arrival)

The most cost-effective way to extend your Visa on Arrival in Bali is to do it yourself.

If you have an e-Visa On Arrival (that is, you bought your visa online at the official site) you can extend that visa online at the same website.

For everyone else you need to attend the immigration office. You must not have any travel plans for the next ten days because you will need to visit an immigration office three times during the visa extension process.

Even if you use an agent, you will still have to attend the office once (for photos and fingerprints). So an agent will save two two long visits.

VISIT 1:

Early in the morning, go to the immigration office. Fill out the forms given to you by the officer. Once your ticket number is called, pick up a queue ticket and turn in your forms and documentation. You will also leave your passport; don't worry, this is perfectly safe.

VISIT 2:

Your second visit will be about 2 to 4 days later, when the officer will take your photo and scan your fingerprints. They will schedule your third visit to collect your passport and visa extension.

VISIT 3:

It takes about 7 to 10 days after your first visit to collect your passport with a new visa extension. Make certain that the dates on your new visa are correct - do not leasve the office without checking.

What to bring with you if you want to extend your visa on arrival:

1. You must pay 500.000 IDR on your first or second visit.

2. A BLACK ink pen for filling out forms (yep - black)

3. Your passport

4. Photocopy of your passport

5. Photocopy of your visa

6. A copy of your plane ticket for departure

(The immigration offices have an independently-run photocopy service onsite but the queue can be long and the way it is run is chaos, so get it done before you come)

Locations of Immigration Offices

It is critical to note that you must go to the correct office based on where you are staying, not just any of the three listed below. Simply choose the office that is closest to where you are staying. You may be turned away if you go to the wrong one.

1. If staying in Nusa Dua, Uluwatu/Bukit, or Jimbaran - Jl. Raya Taman Jimbaran No.1, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Nusa Dua (South Bali). See on Google Maps

2. If you are staying in Kuta or further north (for example, Canggu, Sanur, or Ubud) - Jl. Panjaitan No. 3, Sumerta Kelod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali. See on Google Maps

3. If you are staying in East or North Bali - Jl. Singaraja-Gilimanuk, Tukadmungga, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81119, Indonesia. See on Google Maps

Using an agent is easier

Using a visa agent in Bali is a faster but more expensive option. Because immigration lines can be (very) long at times, this is a great option if you'd rather spend more time exploring Bali or chilling on the beach. The procedure is applicable to both Visa on Arrival and B211A Visa.

Please keep in mind that, for B211A visas, you must use the same agent for the extension as you did for your first application. This is because the agent is also your sponsor for the B211A visa so they have to be the ones to extend you visa.

You fill out forms and submit your passport (along with your Visa On Arrival ticket if you want to extend your VOA) and proof of a flight ticket out of Indonesia (if available).

Your documents will be picked up by a courier.

Once processed, go to the immigration office to have your fingerprints and a photo taken. Your agent will advise you of the appointment time and location.

When the documents are complete, they will be delivered to your home/hotel or you can pick them up from the agency office.

How much time does it take?

Extending a visa through a visa agent can take anywhere between 2 and 14 days. This is entirely dependent on the type of service you select. This service costs between $50 and $170 USD (Visa on Arrival) or $200 and 230 USD (B211A). For the B211A visa extension, make sure you apply for an extension at least two weeks before your visa expires.

Express service

Our recommended agent PT Bali Visa Indonesia offers an express service for new visas (if your trip is last minute) as well as extensions (which is handy if you did not start the extension process with enough time to allow completion; remember above we mentioned it takes 10 days or so and some people turn up with only a few days to run on their VOA and are turned away). You can save $20 with coupon code baligram

and save $20 with coupon code baligram

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