Bali Visa Requirements for Tourists: Updated Rules, Costs, and Stay Options
Traveling to Bali is on so many people’s bucket lists, but here’s the thing: before you get too excited about sipping coconuts on Seminyak Beach or snapping photos at the Gates of Heaven in Lempuyang, you need to understand the Bali visa requirements for tourists. This is one of those details that can make or break your trip. I’ve met so many travelers at Ngurah Rai International Airport who ended up panicking because they didn’t know which visa they needed, how long they could stay, or what kind of documents the immigration officers would ask for. Trust me, you don’t want that stress after a long-haul flight.
Now, I’ve personally gone through this process multiple times—sometimes for short holidays, other times for longer stays. Bali feels like a second home to me now, but those first few trips taught me a lot about the messy world of visas. And honestly, the rules can seem more complicated than they actually are. So let’s break it down properly, without the jargon.
Why Bali Visa Rules Matter More Than You Think
If you’re anything like me, you’d rather spend your time planning surf lessons in Canggu or sunrise hikes on Mount Batur instead of digging through government websites for visa information. But here’s the truth: getting your visa situation wrong can lead to fines, denied entry, or even a ban from re-entering Indonesia. Not worth the risk.
Read also: Hiring A Vehicle In Kerobokan Bali
When I first went to Bali back in 2016, I assumed my passport would just get me in with a smile and a stamp. And yes, that’s partly true depending on where you’re from. But the length of your stay, whether you can extend, and whether you need to pay depends heavily on your nationality.
According to the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration, visitors who overstay their visa are fined 1,000,000 IDR (about 65 USD) per day. Imagine overstaying by two weeks—you’d owe more than what you probably paid for your flight. So yeah, better safe than sorry.
The Main Visa Options for Tourists in Bali
There are a few ways tourists typically enter Bali. Some are straightforward, some have a bit of paperwork, and some can be extended for longer stays. Let’s look at the main options:
Visa-Free Entry (Short Visits Only)
This used to be the golden ticket for many travelers—just rock up with your passport and walk straight through immigration. But as of the last few years, visa-free entry has been limited to only a handful of countries. Most nationalities now need to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA, even for short stays.
Back when I traveled from Singapore in 2018, I could breeze into Bali visa-free for 30 days. Those days are mostly gone. So always double-check if your passport is still eligible, because the list changes from time to time.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
This is the most common option for tourists right now. It’s perfect if you’re planning to stay for up to 30 days but also want the flexibility to extend once.
- Cost: 500,000 IDR (around 35 USD).
- Duration: 30 days, with the option to extend for another 30 days (so max 60 days total).
- Where to get it: You can pay at the airport after landing, or better yet, apply for an electronic version (e-VOA) online before you fly.
The VOA is available for citizens of more than 90 countries including the USA, UK, Australia, most of Europe, and several Asian countries. I personally recommend applying online if you can—it saves you from queuing up with hundreds of jet-lagged travelers at the immigration counter.
One thing I learned the hard way: if you want to extend your VOA, you must start the process about a week before it expires. You’ll need to visit an immigration office in Bali (there are several, including one in Denpasar and one in Jimbaran). It can take a few days, and sometimes you’ll need to make multiple trips unless you pay an agent to handle it for you.
e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)
This is basically the online version of the regular VOA. You apply through the official Indonesian immigration website, upload your documents, pay online, and receive an approval letter before your trip. When you land, you can skip one of the lines and head straight for the immigration officer.
I tried this last year when flying in from Bangkok. It was smooth and definitely less stressful. Just make sure you print out a copy or save it offline on your phone, because airport Wi-Fi is unreliable and you don’t want to be fumbling at the counter.
Tourist Visa B211A (Single Entry)
Now, if you’re planning to stay in Bali longer than 60 days, this is the visa you’ll want to look into. The B211A is technically not just for tourism—it can be used for business meetings, cultural visits, or family reasons—but many long-term visitors use it as their go-to option.
- Duration: 60 days on arrival, with the ability to extend twice, each time for 60 days. That gives you up to 180 days in total.
- Application: Needs to be done before traveling, usually with the help of a local visa agent in Bali. You’ll need a sponsor letter from an Indonesian citizen or company.
I’ve used the B211A during times when I wanted to stay for months, like when I rented a villa in Ubud to work remotely. It’s more paperwork and costs more than a VOA, but it saves you from the constant extension trips.
Documents You Need for Any Bali Tourist Visa
No matter which visa type you go for, there are some basics that immigration will always check:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Indonesia. This is non-negotiable. I’ve seen people get turned away because their passport had just under 6 months left. Brutal.
- Return or onward ticket. Immigration wants proof that you’re not planning to overstay. Sometimes they don’t ask, sometimes they do. I always carry a cheap onward flight booking just in case.
- Proof of funds. Rarely checked, but technically you should be able to show enough money to cover your stay. A bank statement screenshot usually works if they ask.
- Accommodation details. They might ask where you’re staying, so have the name and address of your hotel, villa, or Airbnb handy.
When I landed in Bali last March, the officer asked me specifically for my outbound ticket. Luckily, I had booked a refundable flight to Kuala Lumpur just to be safe. I’ve heard stories of travelers being forced to buy an expensive ticket on the spot at the airport. Don’t risk it.
Common Mistakes Tourists Make With Bali Visas
Over the years, I’ve seen so many fellow travelers trip up on simple visa rules. Here are a few big ones:
- Assuming visa-free entry still applies. Like I mentioned earlier, most tourists now need a VOA or e-VOA.
- Forgetting the extension deadline. If you plan to stay 60 days, don’t wait until the last minute to extend.
- Not carrying cash. The VOA fee at the airport can be paid with card now, but the machines aren’t always reliable. Have 500,000 IDR in cash just in case.
- Booking one-way tickets. Airlines sometimes won’t even let you board without proof of an onward flight.
- Overstaying. I met a guy at a beach bar who overstayed by 10 days thinking “it’s Bali, nobody cares.” He had to pay over $600 in fines and almost got blacklisted.
Extending Your Stay Without Stress
Okay, let’s talk extensions, because I know a lot of people come to Bali planning for “just a month” and then suddenly want to stay longer. It’s basically a Bali cliché.
If you’re on a VOA or e-VOA, you can extend once for another 30 days. Like I said earlier, you need to start the process before your initial 30 days are up. You can either:
- Go to immigration yourself (cheapest but time-consuming).
- Pay an agent (more expensive but saves you multiple trips).
When I extended my VOA myself in Denpasar, it took three separate visits: one to submit documents, one for biometrics, and one to pick up my passport. It was a hassle, but I kind of enjoyed the people-watching at the immigration office. Lots of fellow digital nomads and confused backpackers.
For the B211A visa, the extension process is a bit smoother if you use an agent, and you’ll get 60 extra days each time.
Who Doesn’t Need a Visa for Bali?
As of now, very few nationalities can still enter Bali without a visa. It changes depending on Indonesia’s diplomatic relations. For example, ASEAN countries like Brunei and Malaysia often have easier access due to regional agreements.
If you’re from one of those lucky countries, you can usually stay for 30 days visa-free, but you can’t extend it. So it’s only useful for short trips.
Health and Safety Requirements Tied to Your Visa
This part doesn’t get talked about enough. Since the pandemic, Indonesia sometimes requires proof of vaccination or health declarations. These rules change, but they are technically part of the visa entry requirements.
When I entered in mid-2022, I had to show my vaccination certificate and download the PeduliLindungi app (the Indonesian health app). Things have loosened since then, but it’s always smart to check the latest requirements before flying.
Real Talk – Which Visa Should You Get?
If you’re just coming for a quick holiday—say 10 days in Ubud or two weeks in Canggu—then the VOA or e-VOA is all you need. Simple, affordable, and flexible enough if you decide to stretch your stay a little.
But if you’re planning to work remotely for a couple of months, practice yoga in Ubud, or just chill in Bali for an extended time, go for the B211A. It gives you peace of mind and avoids the stress of overstaying.
I’ve learned that in Bali, plans change all the time. You meet new friends, discover new spots, fall in love with the rhythm of island life. Suddenly that “short holiday” turns into three months. So pick your visa with that in mind.
