Bali Visa Guide – Updated Regulations for 2025
Bali has different types of visas. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality, duration of stay, and purpose of visit.
Each visa type has different rules. These rules enable the government to protect the jobs of locals, boost tourism and ensure a smooth experience for visitors.
Indonesia has updated its visa process. The changes sync with travel and investment trends worldwide. These revisions aim to attract more tourists and investors. But they may seem complex or overwhelming.
Whether you’re a tourist planning a short getaway, a digital nomad looking to work remotely, or considering a long-term stay in Bali — this guide provides the essential information to make the Bali visa process simple.
Types of Bali Visas
Short-Term Visit Visas
B1 Visa (Visa-Free Entry/VOA)
| Purpose | Tourism, family visits, or transit |
| Validity | 30 days (including the day of arrival) Visa-Free Entry: Not extendableVisa on Arrival (VOA): Extendable once for 30 days (total of 60 days) |
| Eligibility | Available to citizens of over 80 countries, including those listed under the Indonesian Visa Exemption Agreement |
C211A (Single-Entry Tourist Visa)
| Purpose | Tourism, cultural activities, family visits |
| Validity | 60 days (initial stay, extendable twice for 60 days each) |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities |
Long-Term Stay Visas (KITAS)
Note:
KITAS visas share common requirements like a valid passport, sponsorship letter, and health insurance. Additional visa-specific requirements are listed below.
C312 (Work Visa)
| Purpose | For employment with an Indonesian company |
| Validity | 6 months to 1 year, renewable |
| Eligibility | Requires sponsorship from an Indonesian employer |
| Requirements | Employment contractWork permit approvalAdditional employer-related documents |
C313 & C314 (Investor Visas)
| Purpose | For foreign nationals investing in Indonesian companies |
| Validity | C313: 1 year, renewableC314: 2 years, renewable |
| Eligibility | Must be a shareholder in an Indonesian company |
| Requirements | Shareholder documentation (company deed, business license) |
C316 (Student Visa)
| Purpose | For students pursuing education in Indonesia |
| Validity | Duration of the academic programme |
| Eligibility | Must be enrolled in an Indonesian educational institution |
| Requirements | Acceptance letter from the institutionLetter of recommendation from the educational institution |
C317 (Family Visa)
| Purpose | For joining family members in Indonesia |
| Validity | 1 year, renewable |
| Eligibility | Must have a family member who is an Indonesian citizen or KITAS holder |
| Requirements | Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)Sponsorship letter from the family memberCopy of the sponsor’s KITAS or KTP (Indonesian ID card) |
Multiple-Entry Visit Visas
D1 (Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa)
| Purpose | Frequent tourism visits |
| Validity | 60 days per visit; valid for 1, 2, or 5 years |
| Eligibility | Requires sponsorship from an Indonesian travel agency |
| Requirements | Sponsor letter from an Indonesian travel agency |
D2 (Multiple-Entry Business Visa)
| Purpose | Attending business meetings, conferences, or building business relationships |
| Validity | 60 days per visit; valid for 1, 2, or 5 years |
| Eligibility | Requires sponsorship from an Indonesian business entity |
| Requirements | Sponsor letter from an Indonesian companyBusiness-related itinerary |
D12 (Pre-investment visa)
| Purpose | Conducting market research, feasibility studies, or preparing for investments in Indonesia before committing to a full investment |
| Validity | 180 days per visit; valid for 1 or 2 years |
| Eligibility | Requires sponsorship from an Indonesian business entity |
| Requirements | Sponsor letter from an Indonesian company or organisationProof of investment intent (e.g., project proposal, financial documents) |
Special Purpose Visas
E28A (Investor Visa/KITAS)
| Purpose | For foreign investors actively managing business operations in Indonesia (e.g., as directors or commissioners) |
| Validity | 2 years, renewable |
| Eligibility | Must be a shareholder in an Indonesian companyActive involvement in company management (e.g., director or commissioner) |
| Requirements | Company documents (Deed of Establishment, Tax Identification Number, Business License)Sponsorship letter from the company |
E33F (Retirement Visa/KITAS)
| Purpose | For retirees aged 60+ planning to reside in Indonesia |
| Validity | 1 year, renewable |
| Eligibility | Must be at least 60 years oldCannot engage in any form of work or businessProof of funds and accommodation |
| Requirements | Proof of accommodation in Indonesia (e.g., lease agreement)Health insurance covering IndonesiaSponsorship by a licensed retirement agency |
E33G (Remote Worker Visa/KITAS)
| Purpose | For digital nomads working remotely for foreign employers while residing in Indonesia |
| Validity | 1 year, renewable |
| Eligibility | Proof of remote employment with a foreign companyCannot engage in any form of work with an Indonesian companyProof of funds |
| Requirements | Proof of income meeting Indonesian standards.Health insurance covering Indonesia. |
E23 (Employment Visa/KITAS)
| Purpose | For foreign professionals working in Indonesia with an employment contract from an Indonesian company |
| Validity | 6 months (short-term), 1 year, or 2 years, renewable |
| Eligibility | Must have a confirmed job offer from an Indonesian employerSponsoring employers must have RPTKA (Foreign Worker Utilisation Plan) approval |
| Requirements | Employment contractRPTKA approval from the Ministry of ManpowerNotification letter from the Ministry of ManpowerHealth insurance covering Indonesia, aligning with KITAS general requirements |
Golden Visa Program
| Purpose | To offer long-term residence to high-net-worth individuals and investors It’s designed for those contributing to Indonesia’s economy, like establishing large-scale investments or businesses. |
| Validity | 5 to 10 years, renewable |
| Eligibility | High-value investors or entrepreneurs |
Second Home Visa
| Purpose | For retirees or individuals seeking long-term stays without working in Indonesia |
| Validity | Up to 10 years |
| Eligibility | Retirees or those with stable incomes |
How to Apply for a Bali Visa: General Steps
Gather Required Documents
- A valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6-18 months. This requirement depends on the type of the visa.
- Financial statements to prove you’re financially stable.
- Confirmed flight details leaving Indonesia before the expiry of the visa.
- Hotel, resort, villa or homestay reservations or proof of stay in Bali.
- Additional Documents like:
- Sponsorship letters in the case of KITAS or multiple-entry visas)
- Business itineraries for D2 visas)
- Proof of enrollment for student visas
- Business ownership in Indonesia — Golden Visa Program
- A long-term lease agreement or property ownership, for instance, a Second Home Visa.
Choose Your Application Method
Depending on your visa type, you can:
- Present your passport and documents directly at immigration upon arrival. This is applicable only for visa-free entry.
- Opt for a visa on arrival (VOA). Submit your documents and pay the VOA fee upon arrival at the airport. To save time at the airport, you can apply in advance through the e-Visa platform.
- Apply online via the e-Visa platform or at an Indonesian embassy or consulate for other visa types.
Pay the Visa Fee
You don’t need to pay any fee for a visa-free entry. For VOA and other visas, you can pay fees online during the application process or in person at immigration/embassy.
Wait for Approval
You will receive immediate approval upon presenting documents for visa-free entry and VOA. For other visas, processing times vary from hours (in the case of eVOA) to several weeks (for long-term visas like KITAS).
Receive Your Visa
Present your documents at immigration for immediate approval in the case of visa-free entry and VOA. We recommend you use eVOA to skip airport queues. For convenience, apply for VOA in advance using the eVOA platform. For other visas, collect your visa from the embassy/consulate or download it online.
For long-term visas like KITAS, you must register at an Indonesian immigration office, submit your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and collect your KITAS card.
Tips:
- Ensure your documents (passport, ticket and proof of stay) are ready for inspection.
- Opt for eVOA to avoid airport queues.
- Visa-free entry cannot be extended. If unsure about your duration of stay, choose VOA instead.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visa Application Process
- Begin your visa application at least a month before your travel date. Long-term visas like KITAS or student visas can take several weeks to process.
- Begin your visa application at least a month before your travel date. Long-term visas like KITAS or student visas can take several weeks to process.
- Understand the requirements of your visa type to avoid unnecessary delays. These include sponsorship letters and proof of funds.
- Verify your application details. Mismatched travel dates and typos in sponsorship letters can lead to visa rejections.
- Use eVOA for the Visa On Arrival process or e-Visa platforms for other visa types. These save time and avoid in-person embassy visits.
- Keep both printed and digital copies of your essentials (visa, tickets, proof of funds, and accommodation). If you’re missing documents, you might face delays, additional questioning, or even risk being denied entry at immigration.
- Keep all required documents easily accessible during immigration checks.
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Bali Visa
Overstaying Your Visa
Staying beyond your visa’s validity — whether by a day or longer — can incur fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day, legal action, or deportation. Plan extensions well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Ignoring Visa Extension Deadlines
Overstaying, even by a day, can lead to fines, legal trouble, or being banned from re-entering Indonesia. It’s not a good idea to wait until the deadline. Immigration offices can be slow. Perhaps, worse — you may need extra paperwork.
Assuming Visa-Free Entry Covers All Purposes
Visa-free entry is only for short-term tourism. Immigration officers can check your activities. If you break the rules of entry, you could face fines, deportation, or a ban from Indonesia.
Relying on Outdated Information
Visa rules, fees, and processes frequently change. Using outdated details means your application is incomplete or incorrect. This can cause delays or rejection.
Carrying Insufficient Funds
Immigration officers may ask for proof that you can support yourself during your stay in Bali. If you can’t provide this, you might be denied entry.
Assuming VOA is Always Available
VOA eligibility depends on your nationality. Not all countries are covered. If you arrive assuming you’ll get a VOA and you’re not eligible, you could be denied entry. You might have to book a costly last-minute flight home or deal with immigration hassles.
Failing to Register Locally for Long-Term Visas
This is a legal requirement. Without registration, your visa could be invalidated. Local registration ensures you’re properly documented. It can help avoid complications if you need to renew your visa or deal with local authorities.
What to Do if Your Visa Application is Rejected?
- Examine the exact reason stated for rejection. It could be due to incomplete documents, unclear travel purposes, or eligibility issues.
- If errors or omissions caused the rejection, update your documents and submit a corrected application. Double-check everything before resubmission.
- For complex cases, hire a visa consultant or agency. Their expertise can help streamline your reapplication.
- If you’re ineligible for one visa, consider other options. For example, if a work visa isn’t viable, the D2 visa might suit your needs if you’re attending conferences or meetings.
- For some visas, you can try to appeal the decision. Ask the embassy or consulate if this is allowed and get the needed papers ready.
- Learn from the rejection to avoid making the same mistakes next time.
Steps to Extend Your Bali Visa
- Visit the nearest immigration office. Go early to avoid long queues.
- Submit your documents at the office or through an authorised visa agent.
- Pay the extension fee. Fees vary by visa type.
- Biometric registration might be required. This includes photos and fingerprints for some long-term visas.
- Pick up your extended visa once it’s ready. Processing usually takes 3–7 working days.
FAQs
- Can I switch my visa type while in Bali?
Yes, you can change your visa type. But it depends on your current visa, the new visa you’re applying for, and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Do I need travel insurance for my visa application?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for all visas, but it’s recommended. Health insurance is a must for some long-term visas.
- Can I leave Bali during my visa extension process?
No. You’ll need to stay in Indonesia while your visa extension is being processed. Your passport is usually retained by immigration during this time.
- How soon can I reapply after a visa rejection?
It depends on why your visa was rejected. If it’s due to missing documents, you can reapply right away. For more serious issues, check with the embassy.
- Can I extend a visa-free entry to stay longer?
No, you can’t switch a visa-free entry to another visa while in Indonesia. You’ll need to leave and apply for a new visa from an embassy or consulate.
