Entry Requirements to Bali and Stay in Indonesia : What You Need to Know Before You Go

Indonesia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. If you are planning a trip to Bali or another region of Indonesia, it is essential to know the formalities of entering and staying in Indonesia. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the steps you need to take to make sure your trip to Indonesia goes smoothly by reading this entry requirements to Bali.

To ensure a smooth entry into Bali, it is important to carefully review and comply with the entry requirements to Bali.

In this article, we’ll cover also some of the most common types of visas and entry requirements that you may encounter.

If you are planning a trip to Bali or any other part of Indonesia, there are certain entry requirements that you need to complete before your trip. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Passport validity

All travelers must have a passport with a validity of more than 6 months on the date of entry into Indonesia and a sufficient number of blank pages to affix the visa and entry and exit stamps.

The passport must be in very good condition: many French, Americans, Australians and other nationalities are refused access to Indonesian territory because of a damaged passport (torn pages, cover in poor condition, etc.).

Persons whose passport is damaged or does not have sufficient validity are not admitted to the territory and returned to their home country.

Make sure to check the expiration date of your passport well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute problems.

Emergency Passport and Pass

For example, passports issued by Australia, Europe, USA and many other countries are recognized in Indonesia for leaving the country and transiting. If the holder resided in Indonesia, he/she must have his/her “authorization” endorsed by an immigration office before being able to leave the territory.

Emergency passport holders must have visa authorization from the Indonesian Immigration. You need to have a local sponsor in Indonesia, who will apply for the authorization. Please submit the authorization with your visa application to the Embassy afterwards.

The emergency passports issued by Australia, Europe, USA and many other countries are recognized but does not entitle travelers to the issuance of a visa on arrival (VOA) to Indonesia. In this case, the emergency passport must first be covered with an Indonesian visa to allow access to the territory. For Australia, USA, European and other countries, please kindly check with Indonesian embassy in your country before visiting Bali or other places in Indonesia.

2. Visa Requirements

Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many European countries, are eligible for a free 30-day visa upon arrival in Indonesia. This visa can be extended once for another 30 days for a fee. If you plan to stay in Indonesia for longer than 60 days, you will need to apply for a visa before your trip.

Short stay visas (30 days)

1. You must be eligible for visa on arrival or present a previously obtained B211A visa.

2. You can get the VOA (Visa on Arrival) upon your arrival in the airport. Or for an arrival in Bali or Jakarta, you can obtain the tourist visa (e-VOA) before your departure through the official immigration website: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/

Holders of passports of these following countries are eligible to apply for e-VOA: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/front/faq

For example, most Australian, Americans, Europeans, nationals wishing to stay less than 30 days in Indonesia are exempt from the prior obligation to apply for a visa and can obtain a “visa on arrival” at the airport.

This paid visa, for a period of 30 days, can only be issued for travel corresponding to one of the following reasons:

• Tourism.
• Transit.
• Family or social visit.
• Travel for artistic or cultural purposes.
• Official mission (holders of official passports or a letter of mission for an official trip).
• Participation in a seminar/conference, in an international exhibition/fair or in a meeting with the parent company or the subsidiary of a company in Indonesia.

A return ticket or other proof of leaving the territory is required by the Indonesian authorities. For many nationals who have received a visa on arrival, it is possible to extend their stay once for an additional 30 days with the immigration services on site.

Journalists and filmakers must apply for a visa from an Indonesian diplomatic or consular representation prior to their trip. Please contact Indonesian Embassy or Consulat in your home country.

Please scroll down to read more conerning: Indonesia Stay Visas

3. Health Requirements

Last update: 29 June 2023.

There are no specific health requirements to enter Indonesia, but it is recommended that you have up-to-date vaccinations for common diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis A and B. Malaria and dengue fever are also present in some parts of Indonesia, so it is advisable to take necessary precautions. Read more for: Health and Safety in Indonesia

4. Controls

Any foreigner remaining in Indonesia after the expiration of their visa (“overstay”) is liable to a fine of IDR 1 million (about AU$ 99 or US$ 66 or € 61) per day for the first 60 days of overstay. Beyond these 60 days, the offender is subject to expulsion from the territory and a ban on entry into Indonesia.

The immigration services are very vigilant, especially in airports when boarding, and this measure knows no exception. A foreigner in a situation of overstay will not be authorized to leave the country if they not paid the amount of the fine and may be placed in detention if they are not able to quickly regularize this situation.

Tips

Before your departure, and to save time, you can also complete the online customs declaration (douane) or do it on arrival at the terminals provided at the airport. Please note that Bali airport goes paperless!

Bali Online Customs Form to Complete | A Complete Guide How to Fill Out the ECD

Formalities and requirements to stay in Indonesia:

• Visa extension: If you wish to extend your stay in Indonesia beyond the permitted 30-day period, you will need to obtain a visa extension. You can approach the local immigration for this.
• Accommodation: You must have an accommodation reservation during your stay in Indonesia.
• Registration of Foreigners: If you are staying in accommodation other than a hotel, you must register with the local police or village office within 24 hours of arrival.
• Exit Taxes: When you leave Indonesia, you will have to pay an exit tax. This tax is included in the price of your plane ticket.

If you stay at your friends place in Bali or Indonesia

Indonesian law requires people who are hosting foreigners to report it within 24 hours to the local police or ward chief (RT: Rukun Tetangga is like neighbour watch), or face a fine or imprisonment (NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT). It is therefore necessary to comply with the law when a representative of the police or a district chief shows up at his place of stay (rented house), stating his identity and providing a photocopy of his passport and his Visa. In the event of non-compliance with this law, police officers or “neighborhood leaders” are likely to immediately impose the payment of a fine of several million Rupiahs (several hundred Euros). Any payment must be the subject of a written receipt, at the police station, mentioning the name of the police officers who received the sums paid.

For more information on formalities to enter and stay in Indonesia, visit the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://kemlu.go.id/portal/en.

Bali and Indonesia offer a unique travel experience with their beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. By following these entry requirements and staying informed about the local customs and culture, you can make the most of your stay in Indonesia and have a memorable trip.

Bali Airport DPS | Important and Practical Tips to Improve your Experience at Ngurah Rai Airport

Types of visa to enter Indonesia (Indonesia Stay Visas)

It is important for travelers to carefully review the different types of visa available to enter Indonesia and choose the one that best fits their purpose of travel, as the requirements and restrictions may vary depending on the visa category. It is important to note that visa requirements and regulations can change, so it is advisable to check with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country before making travel arrangements. Here are some of the most common types of visas:

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

DURATION AND NUMBER OF ENTRIES

The visa on arrival on site and the Visitor e-visa allow you to stay 30 days in Indonesia.

These are single entry visas, you are only allowed to enter the country once.

CONDITIONS

Have a passport valid for at least 6 months
Show return or continuation ticket

PRICE

The visa on arrival on site and the Visitor e-visa cost IDR 500 000 (around USD 35 or AUD 50 or EUR 30 or SGD 45).

HOW TO GET IT?

ON THE SPOT
You can obtain a visa directly upon arrival in Indonesia.

Ask for it at the counter located just before immigration when you arrive. You can pay by cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard). Plan to have the sum in rupees or dollars. Indeed, payment in AUD, EUR, USD are possible, but the exchange rate is not very advantageous and you will not necessarily be given change.

Electronic version (e-VOA)

To qualify for this visa, you must enter Indonesia through one of 114 checkpoints, which include most international airports and a large number of seaports.

In November 2022, Indonesia launched a new electronic visa on arrival issuance system. First called e-VOA (Electronic Visa On Arrival), since January 2023 we have been talking about the Visitor e-visa. You can apply for and pay for your visa online before departure. See the procedure here.

From the issuance of your Visitor e-visa, you have 90 days to enter Indonesia.

This e-VOA speeds up the process when you arrive, you just have to present your visa confirmation to the immigration officer.

Conditions and price are the same as the regular VOA (Visa on Arrival).

HOW TO GET IT ONLINE?

• Check if you’re eligible for the e-VOA: VoA countries list
• Go to the government official website and get the information from: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/
• To login, to apply and track your application: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/front/login

Extension: VOA an e-VOA

The visa on arrival and the Visitor e-visa are renewable once. It is therefore possible to stay up to 60 days in Indonesia with these visas.

You must apply no later than three working days before the end of your visa.

EXTENSION OF VISA ON ARRIVAL ON SITE

You must go to one of the immigration offices and you’ll have to fill in a form, give your passport and your continuation ticket proving your exit from the country.

You will have to come back three days later to pay IDR 500,000 (around €32). The officer will take your photo and fingerprints.

You will have to come back a third time to collect your passport with the visa extension.

ONLINE VISITOR E-VISA EXTENSION

Previously, the procedure for extending the e-VOA was identical to the visa on arrival. You had to go to an immigration office. Since January 2023, with the new Visitor e-visa, you can complete this formality and pay for your extension directly online.

It also costs IDR 500,000 (around €32).

To extend your Visitor e-visa, simply log on to the government portal. Info: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ and then https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/front/login (login to apply and track your application)

E-visa tourism

DURATION AND NUMBER OF ENTRIES

The Tourist e-visa allows you to stay 60 consecutive days in Indonesia.

From the issuance of your visa, you have 90 days to enter Indonesia.

This is a single entry visa, you are only allowed to enter the country once.

CONDITIONS

Have a passport valid for at least 6 months
Show continuation ticket

PRICE

The Tourist e-visa costs IDR 1,500,000 (€93).

It costs more than if you make a Visitor e-visa and an extension, but you save yourself the administrative procedures during your trip.

HOW TO GET IT?

The procedures are identical to the Visitor e-visa, everything is done online. You must create your account, apply and pay through the government portal.

To qualify for these visas, you must enter Indonesia through one of 114 checkpoints, which include most international airports and a large number of seaports.

EXTENSION

You cannot extend the Tourist e-visa.

B211A Visitor Visa

DURATION AND NUMBER OF ENTRIES

The initial B211A visitor visa allows you to stay 60 days in Indonesia.

From the issuance of your visa, you have 90 days to enter Indonesia.

This is a single entry visa, you are only allowed to enter the country once.

CONDITIONS

• Have a passport valid for at least 6 months (12 months in case of renewal)
• Show continuation ticket
• Get sponsored
• Present 3 last bank account statements (ideally with more than €1,500 or equivalent on it)

Please note that you cannot apply for a B211 visa directly at the end of a visa on arrival. You have to get out of the country first.

PRICE

The administrative fee for this visa is €95. However, you must provide, among other things, a letter from a sponsor/guarantor. If your reason for travel is social (family) or cultural (tourism), it must be a travel agency or a hotel. Therefore, going through an agency to obtain this visa is almost essential. Be careful, scams are common.

If you apply for this visa from abroad, then we speak of a B211 OFFshore visa. Via an agency, this visa costs approximately:

€250 for a classic request (60 days)
€350 for an express request (60 days)
If you apply for this visa from Indonesia: this is called a B211 ONshore visa. Via an agency, this visa costs approximately:

€180 for the 60-day extension
€210 for the 60-day express extension
HOW TO GET IT?
If you have your sponsor, you can apply yourself via the immigration website.

Otherwise, the easiest way is to go through an agency. However, beware of scams. Do not hesitate to ask travelers for recommendations on the Facebook groups Tourdumondiste or Les Français à Bali (Official).

EXTENSION

The B211 visa is renewable twice. It is therefore possible to stay up to 180 days in Indonesia with this visa.

To renew your B211 visa, it is best to apply two weeks before your last day allowed in Indonesia. You will need to reconnect with your sponsor. Indeed, the extension is directly linked to the visa and the initial guarantor.

As for the visa on arrival, you will have to present yourself at least once (three times if you do not go through an agency) in an immigration office so that the agent takes your photo and your fingerprints. Count between 3 and 10 days to get an appointment.

If you wish to stay more than 6 months in Indonesia, you will certainly have to leave the country before applying for a new visa.

Stay more than 60 days

To stay more than 60 days in Indonesia, you can do a “visa run”, that is to say, leave the country to enter it again in order to apply for a new visa.

However, this is not necessarily the most economical solution (price of the plane ticket) and not always appreciated by customs officers (you will probably be entitled to a few additional questions).

If you plan to stay more than 60 days in the country, we advise you to apply for a B211 visitor visa.

Foreigners who abuse their Visas and those who provide opportunities for Foreigners to misuse their Visas are subject to criminal sanctions as stipulated in Article 122 letters A and B of Law no. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.

Obtain a socio-cultural visa (B211B)

A social/cultural visa is intended for visitors who plan to participate in social, cultural, or educational activities in Indonesia, such as attending a conference or studying Indonesian language and culture. This type of visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days and can be extended up to four times for an additional 30 days each time.

It is granted for 6 months, i.e. for 60 days initially, renewable 4 times per period of 30 days. It concerns people wishing to visit their family, friends, present for humanitarian missions, for a cultural exchange, missionaries, trainees…

The documents to be provided are:

• a valid passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date;
• a completed, dated and signed form;
• a color passport photo;
• a photocopy of the return tickets or the flight reservation;
• a letter from the sponsor in Indonesia: university, school, etc. (for the purposes of an internship,
• attach a photocopy of the internship agreement);
• a proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Indonesia
• Fee, contact your nearest Indonesian Embassy in your home country.

Obtain a multiple entries visa

This visa allows you to obtain a temporary residence permit. It is valid for one year and renewable four times, subject to the annual payment of a tax currently set at USD 1 200 and administration fees.

To obtain it, you must:

• Proceed beforehand to a request for authorization from Indonesian immigration on site (step to be taken by the sponsor in Indonesia);
• Be employed by an Indonesian natural or legal person;
• Once the authorization has been obtained, go to the embassy with the other documents (passport,
• Tickets, completed form) and the authorization from immigration;
• Fee, contact your nearest Indonesian Embassy in your home country.

Business visa (B211C)

A business visa is intended for visitors who plan to conduct business activities in Indonesia, such as attending a business meeting or negotiating a contract. This type of visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.

The business visa is granted for 6 months, that is to say for 60 days initially, renewable 4 times per period of 30 days.

The documents to be provided are:

• A valid passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date;
• A completed, dated and signed form;
• A color passport photo;
• A photocopy of the return tickets or the flight reservation;
• An engagement letter;
• A letter from the sponsor in Indonesia (company);
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Indonesia
• Fee, contact your nearest Indonesian Embassy in your home country.

Obtain a long-stay visa (VBS series C)

The long-stay visa can be requested once the validity of the multiple visa has expired. It allows obtaining a permanent residence permit, corresponding to 5 years renewable.

The holder of this visa will have to pay a tax of IDR 1 million if he leaves the territory. The cost varies according to the duration: if the stay lasts less than 6 months, you will have to pay € 50, but if the stay lasts more than 6 months, you will pay € 100. The procedure is the same as for a multiple visa.

This type of visa is intended for those who wish to stay in Indonesia for a longer period of time. To obtain a long-term stay visa, you need to provide the following documents:

• Passport valid for at least 18 months
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Health certificate
• Police clearance certificate from your home country
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Indonesia
• Letter of sponsorship from an Indonesian citizen or a company in Indonesia

It is important to note that in order to stay in Indonesia long-term, you may also need to obtain a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), which is a residence permit. To obtain a KITAS, you need to have a job offer from an Indonesian company and a sponsor who will support your application.

Social Visa

The Social Visa is a type of visa for foreigners who want to visit Indonesia for cultural, educational, or social purposes. Here are the steps on how to get a Social Cultural Visa in Indonesia:

• Find a Sponsor: To apply for a Social Cultural Visa, you need to have a sponsor in Indonesia who will provide you with a letter of invitation. Your sponsor can be an individual, a company, or an educational institution.
• Prepare Required Documents: You will need to prepare the following documents: a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, a letter of invitation from your sponsor, a return flight ticket, and proof of financial means.
• Apply at the Indonesian Embassy: Once you have all the required documents, you can apply for the Social Cultural Visa at the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will need to pay the visa fee and wait for the visa processing time, which can vary depending on your location.
• Arrive in Indonesia: Once you have the Social Cultural Visa, you can enter Indonesia and stay for up to 60 days. If you want to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office.

As for where to get the Social Cultural Visa in Indonesia, you can apply for it at any Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your home country or in other countries where you have legal residency. It’s recommended to apply for the visa in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

Work visa

If you plan to work in Indonesia, you need to obtain a work visa, also known as a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas). To obtain a work visa, you need to have a job offer from an Indonesian company and a sponsor who will support your application. Work visas are valid for up to two years and can be extended.

To obtain a work visa, you need to have a job offer from an Indonesian company and a sponsor who will support your application. The documents required may vary, but typically include:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Work contract or letter of employment
• Sponsorship letter from your employer in Indonesia
• Educational certificates and transcripts (if applicable)
• Medical certificate
• Police clearance certificate

Work Visa for Bali | KITAS Application, Permit to Live and Work in Indonesia

Second home visa

Second Home Visa is granted to Foreign Nationals to live in Indonesian territory for a period of five or 10 years.

This 2nd Visa is suitable for foreign nationals who come to Indonesia as:

1. Investors
2. Tourists
3. Elderly/retiree tourists

This “Second Home Visa” can also be applied for family, namely children, husband/wife, or parents.

Proof of funds in the form of an account owned by a Foreigner or Guarantor with a value of at least IDR 2,000,000,000 (two billion Rupiahs) or equivalent approximately USD 132 000 or AUD 199 000 or EUR 122 400 or SGD 176 000. For more info please go to: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/visa-rumah-kedua/

The Sponsors or Foreign Nationals can apply for a visa through the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration (www.imigrasi.go.id) or Online Visa Approval (www.imigrasi.go.id) or Online Visa Approval application.

Many Types of Visas

There are many visas available for expatriates in Indonesia. Here is the list below:

Limited Stay Permit – KITAS Work (Visa Index 312)

A residence permit granted to foreigners working in a company (local investment and foreign investment). Expatriates receive a KITAS (temporary residency card) that is valid for either 6 months or 1 year. The validity period depends on the company’s structure and the qualifications of the visa applicant. The one-year visa can be extended up to 5 times, while the 6-month visa is not extendable.

Limited Stay Permit – KITAS Retirement (Visa Index 319)

A residence permit granted to foreigners over the age of 55. They are not allowed to work. This permit is valid for 1 year and can be extended up to 5 times.

Limited Stay Permit – KITAS sponsored by a local resident (spouse)

A residence permit granted to foreigners sponsored by their legal spouse. The KITAS holder is allowed to work as a “Wiraswasta,” meaning they can work to support their family’s needs but are not allowed to work for a company with a classical structure. The “Spouse” sponsor KITAS is valid for 1 year and can be renewed up to 5 times.

Limited Stay Permit – KITAS Investment (Visa Index 313)

A residence permit granted to partners of foreign investment companies. KITAS is a residence permit (up to 24 months), not a visa that allows for professional activities in Indonesia.

Permanent Stay Permit – KITAP Work

A residence permit granted to foreigners working in a company (local investment and foreign investment). It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed up to 5 times.

Permanent Stay Permit – KITAP Retirement

A residence permit granted to foreigners over the age of 55. They are not allowed to work. It is valid for 5 years and can be extended up to 5 times.

Permanent Stay Permit – KITAP sponsored by a local resident (spouse)

A residence permit granted to foreigners sponsored by their legal spouse. KITAP holders are not allowed to work for a company with a classical structure but can work as “Wiraswasta” to support their family’s needs. This visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed up to 5 times.

Limited Stay Permit – KITAS/KITAP Family (Visa Index 317)

A residence permit granted to the wife, husband, or children of a KITAS or KITAP holder.

Multiple Exit Permit

A permit for KITAS holders allowing them to exit and re-enter Indonesia.

Definitive Exit Permit/EPO (Exit Permit Only)

A permit for KITAS holders who wish to leave Indonesia, with no intention of extending their current KITAS or ceasing employment in an Indonesian company.

Visa on Arrival (paid)

A travel permit purchased at the visa desk at international airports, valid for 30 days for holiday purposes. This visa can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Simple Business Visa

A residence permit for foreigners who need to come to Indonesia for professional reasons. This visa does not allow them to work or receive a salary. Upon arrival in Indonesia, the visa is valid for 60 days with the possibility of extension up to 4 times. Each extension adds 30 days, and the total possible duration is 6 months. This is a single-entry visa, meaning it expires once the holder leaves Indonesia.

Multiple Business Visa

A residence permit for foreigners who need to come to Indonesia for professional reasons. This visa does not allow foreigners to work or receive a salary. It is valid for 1 year, and the holder can enter and exit Indonesia as desired but must leave the country every 60 days at the maximum. Each stay in Indonesia must not exceed 60 days.

Socio-Cultural Visa

A residence permit for foreigners coming for a socio-cultural stay. The initial visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended for 30 days up to 4 times. The total possible duration is therefore 6 months.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in the Entry Requirements to Bali is for general guidance purposes only. Entry requirements and travel restrictions are subject to change at any time due to evolving circumstances and government regulations. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, we make no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, about the reliability, suitability, or availability of the form for any particular purpose.

The article on Entry requirements to Bali is not intended to provide legal advice or replace official guidance from Indonesian customs authorities. It is the responsibility of the traveler to comply with all customs regulations and entry requirements.

For more information on these special visas, contact the Indonesian Embassy in your country. It is important to carefully consider the requirements for each type of visa and seek professional advice before applying for a visa to ensure a smooth and successful application process. It is always important and recommended to check with the Indonesian government or your airline for the most up-to-date entry requirements before traveling to Bali.

Please kindly note that rules and regulations may be changed without prior notice. Please contact your Indonesian Embassy in your home country or near your place before departure and double check about the free visa entry to Indonesia.

Photo credit (main picture): Skitterphoto via Pixabay

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