Bali Visa and Entry Rules: The Essential Guide for Foreign Visitors

Bali remains one of the world’s most visited destinations, welcoming millions of international travelers through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport each year. However, many visitors still find Indonesia’s visa and entry rules confusing. From understanding the difference between Visa on Arrival and the online e-VoA, to knowing how long you can stay, how extensions work, and what happens if you overstay, having clear information is essential for a smooth trip.

Indonesia’s immigration policies can change over time, which makes it important for travelers to check the latest updates before departing. By knowing which visa type fits your travel purpose, the entry requirements, and the basic arrival procedures at the airport, visitors can avoid common issues such as denied entry, long queues, or unnecessary fines.

Visa Categories for Entering Bali

Indonesia offers several visa options for foreign visitors entering Bali. Each visa type has different purposes, lengths of stay, and specific conditions, making it important to choose the one that best matches your travel plans. Below is a clear overview of the most commonly used visas for travelers.

1. Visa-Free Entry
   Indonesia’s visa-free entry program is currently limited and only available for selected countries. Eligible visitors can enter without paying any fee, but the stay duration is short and cannot be extended. This option is suitable for very short trips where no extension is required.
2. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
   The Visa on Arrival is one of the most widely used entry options for tourists. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. The application is processed directly at the airport, where travelers pay the official fee at the VoA counter. This visa is ideal for short-term visitors who do not need a longer stay.
3. e-VoA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)
   The e-VoA allows travelers to apply for their visa online before departing for Bali. Applications are submitted through Indonesia’s official immigration platform, enabling visitors to skip the VoA queue upon arrival. The validity and extension options are the same as the regular VoA. The e-VoA is highly recommended for travelers who want a smoother arrival process and to avoid unofficial websites.
4. B211A Visit Visa (Tourism, Social, or Business)
   The B211A Visit Visa provides an initial 60-day stay and can be extended multiple times, depending on Indonesian regulations. It is often chosen by those who want to stay longer than the VoA allows, including slow-travel tourists, short-term digital nomads, and visitors who require a sponsored visa for non-working business purposes. Some types of B211A require a local sponsor.
5. Second Home Visa
   The Second Home Visa is designed for individuals who want to live in Indonesia for an extended period without working for an Indonesian company. It requires proof of financial capability or assets and can be issued for several years. This visa is commonly used by retirees, long-term expatriates, or individuals seeking a stable long-term stay.
6. Golden Visa
   Indonesia’s Golden Visa program offers long-term residency options for investors, global executives, and highly skilled individuals. It provides extended stay periods and simplified administrative processes. This visa is relevant for those involved in investment activities or strategic business interests in Indonesia.
7. Work Permit & KITAS
   Foreigners who intend to work legally in Indonesia must obtain both a work permit and a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit). These documents are issued by immigration and related agencies. Working in Indonesia without proper permits is considered illegal and may lead to serious penalties. It is important to understand the distinction between working for a local company (requires permits) and performing remote work for an overseas employer (different rules may apply depending on activities).

Entry Requirements at Indonesian Airports

When arriving at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, all foreign visitors must meet several basic entry requirements set by Indonesian immigration authorities. Understanding these requirements helps ensure a smooth arrival process and reduces the risk of delays or denial of entry.

1. Passport Validity

Your passport is the primary document required to enter Indonesia. Travelers must ensure:

• The passport is valid for at least six months from the arrival date.
• There are enough blank pages for entry stamps and visas.
• The passport is in good physical condition and not damaged.

Indonesia enforces passport validity rules strictly, and insufficient validity can result in immediate refusal of entry.

2. Customs Declaration (e-CD)

All passengers are required to complete the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) before passing through the customs area.

• The form can be filled out online before arrival or via kiosks available at the airport.
• Travelers must declare specific items such as large amounts of cash, electronic goods, or other regulated items according to Indonesian customs rules.
• After completing the form, passengers receive a QR code to present to customs officers.

The e-CD system speeds up the process and helps prevent violations of customs regulations.

3. Proof of Onward Ticket

Most visa types require travelers to have a confirmed onward ticket when entering Indonesia.

• The ticket may be to your home country or a different destination.
• It must include a fixed date and be verifiable.
• Travelers without an onward ticket may face boarding refusal by airlines or additional checks at immigration.

This requirement ensures visitors do not exceed the length of stay permitted under their visa.

4. Travel Insurance Recommendations

While travel insurance is not mandatory, the Indonesian government strongly recommends that visitors have it.

• Insurance should ideally cover basic medical care, accidents, and emergency situations.
• Medical treatment for foreign tourists in Bali can be costly.
• Insurance provides added safety, especially for activities such as water sports and trips to remote areas.

Rules During Your Stay in Bali

Once you have entered Indonesia and arrived in Bali, it is important to understand the regulations that apply during your stay. These rules cover visa extensions, permitted activities, legal restrictions, and potential consequences for violations.

1. Visa Extension Rules

Each visa category has its own extension procedures.

Visa on Arrival (VoA) Extension:

• Valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days.
• Extensions must be processed at an immigration office or through an authorized agent.
• The process usually takes several working days depending on queue conditions.

B211A Visa Extension:

• Initial stay of 60 days.
• Can be extended multiple times depending on current immigration policies.
• Some types of B211A require a local sponsor.

Important Note:
Applying too close to the visa expiry date increases the risk of overstay if there are processing delays.

2. What You Can and Cannot Do

Visitors must follow activity restrictions based on their visa type.

Allowed Activities:

• Tourism and recreational activities.
• Non-working business activities such as meetings without receiving payment.
• Remote work for an overseas employer, as long as the work does not generate income from physical activities conducted in Indonesia.

Not Allowed:

• Working for an Indonesian company or individual without a work permit.
• Conducting commercial activities that generate local income.
• Teaching, performing, or working as talent without proper work authorization.

Indonesian immigration actively monitors illegal work activities, especially in tourist areas.

3. Overstay Rules & Penalties

Overstaying your visa is considered a serious offense.

• Daily fines apply based on the official immigration rate.
• Several days of overstay may result in additional questioning.
• Severe overstay can lead to deportation and possible blacklisting from entering Indonesia.

Tracking your visa expiry date is essential to avoid unintended violations.

4. Address Reporting (STM)

The STM (Police Residential Report) is a document used to register a foreigner’s place of stay.

• Not required for short-term visitors using VoA, e-VoA, or other short-stay visas.
• Usually required for long-term permit holders such as KITAS.
• Many registered hotels and villas handle reporting automatically when needed.

Special Rules for Long-Term Visitors

Travelers planning to stay in Bali for an extended period must understand several additional regulations. These rules apply to digital nomads, remote workers, families staying long-term, and individuals considering more complex residency options.

Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

Bali is one of the world’s most popular destinations for digital nomads and remote workers. However, it is important to understand the legal boundaries.

Allowed Activities:

• Remote work for an overseas company.
• Earning income from clients or employers outside Indonesia.
• Conducting work that does not involve physical participation in local business activities.

Not Allowed:

• Receiving payments from Indonesian clients or entities without a work permit.
• Running a local business while holding a tourist or visit visa.
• Performing activities classified as generating local income.

These distinctions matter because performing physical work in Indonesia without proper authorization may be considered a violation of immigration rules.

Family Stay Permit Options

Many long-term visitors arrive with family members and need appropriate stay permits.

Common options include:

• Family KITAS (Dependent KITAS): For spouses or children of KITAS holders, such as those with work permits or other residency status.
• Conversion from Visit Visa to KITAS: Certain visa types may be converted to a limited stay permit under specific conditions.
• Long-Stay Visit Visas: Suitable for families who wish to stay several months without working.

Each permit has different administrative requirements, making proper planning essential to avoid issues during immigration checks.

Airport Arrival Guide for Bali (Ngurah Rai Airport)

This section provides a step-by-step guide for international travelers arriving at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. It helps visitors understand the arrival flow to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process.

1. Before Departure

Before leaving your home country, make sure all entry-related documents are prepared to avoid issues with immigration or your airline.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• You must have a confirmed onward ticket leaving Indonesia.
• If using an e-VoA or any electronic visa, keep the approval document accessible.
• Completing the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) in advance can speed up the arrival process.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Proper preparation before departure makes your Bali arrival significantly easier.

2. Upon Landing

After your aircraft lands and you enter the international arrivals terminal, the process generally follows these steps:

1. Follow the signs leading to the immigration area.
2. If you need a Visa on Arrival, proceed to the VoA counter to pay the official fee.
3. e-VoA holders can typically use a dedicated fast lane.
4. After the visa process, continue to passport control for immigration clearance.
5. Collect your baggage at the designated carousel.
6. Show your e-CD QR code to customs officers in either the green or red lane, depending on your declarations.

Immigration and customs officers usually work efficiently, though queues may occur during peak hours.

3. Getting a SIM Card, Transport, and Money Exchange

Once you exit the customs area and reach the public arrivals hall:

• Local SIM cards are available at official counters offering tourist-friendly data packages.
• Authorized transportation options include airport taxis, selected ride-hailing pickup zones, and hotel transfer services.
• Official money changers are available, though ATMs from major banks often provide better exchange rates.
• Using official transport services is recommended for safety and convenience.

This guide helps new visitors navigate the airport without confusion.

Common Mistakes Foreign Visitors Make

Although Bali is a friendly and accessible destination, many international visitors still make mistakes that can lead to immigration issues, additional costs, or unnecessary inconvenience. Below are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Checking Passport Validity

A frequent issue is travelers arriving with passports that expire in less than six months.
Indonesian immigration strictly enforces this rule, and airlines are allowed to deny boarding if the passport does not meet the requirement.

2. Misunderstanding Visa on Arrival Rules

Common misunderstandings include:

• Thinking the VoA can be extended more than once.
• Assuming the VoA automatically grants 60 days without extension.
• Not keeping the VoA payment receipt, which may be required during the extension process.

3. Working Without a Proper Permit

This includes:

• Accepting work or payment from local businesses.
• Teaching, performing, acting as a talent, or working as an influencer with Indonesian clients.
• Participating physically in commercial activities.

Working without the correct permit is a serious violation and may result in deportation.

4. Not Carrying Proof of Onward Travel

Some visitors forget that an onward ticket is a basic entry requirement. Airlines may refuse boarding, and immigration officers may conduct additional checks if you cannot show a confirmed exit plan.

5. Unintentional Overstay

Many visitors overstay because they:

• Lose track of their visa expiry date.
• Assume extensions can be done on the last day.
• Face delays due to long queues at immigration offices.

Overstaying can result in daily fines, additional questioning, or even deportation.

6. Trusting Unofficial Agents or Websites

Visa-related scams are relatively common.

Typical mistakes include:

• Applying for e-VoA through unofficial or fake websites.
• Paying inflated or unofficial “extra fees.”
• Sharing passport information with unverified third parties.

Conclusion

Understanding Indonesia’s visa regulations and entry requirements is essential for anyone planning to visit or stay in Bali for an extended period. By knowing the available visa types, permitted length of stay, immigration procedures, and activity restrictions, travelers can avoid common issues such as overstays, long queues, or entry refusals.

Clear information also helps visitors plan their trip more confidently, especially those working remotely, staying long-term, or traveling with family members. Since immigration policies may change over time, it is strongly recommended to check official sources before departure. With proper preparation and a solid understanding of the rules, your visit to Bali can be smooth, safe, and enjoyable.