Indonesia is a unique country of around 17,000 islands, but none are as famous as Bali. This beautiful tropical paradise is a dream destination for millions of people, and thanks to the Bali Visa on Arrival (VoA) system, visiting this tropical haven is easier than ever.
Like the Bali VoA, Remitly makes it easy to create connections across borders and experience the best the world has to offer. In this article, we’ll take a look at this popular Bali tourist visa and see how you can obtain it. We’ll also cover eligibility requirements, costs, the application process, and essential tips to make your entry into Bali easier.
What is a Bali Visa on Arrival?
There’s no denying that Bali is one of the most popular travel destinations today. To visit, you need official approval like the Bali Visa on Arrival, also known as the VoA or the eVoA. However, its official name is the B1 Tourist Visa.
When should you get one?
Names can be misleading. Although it’s called the Visa on Arrival, you can actually obtain this travel authorisation before you get there. In fact, you probably should, so that you’re sure you’ll be allowed entry.
But you can also apply for and receive this visa at the airport or harbour where you first enter Indonesia.
Can you visit Bali without a visa?
Many countries have an agreement with Indonesia that allows their citizens to enter for short stays without a visa. This includes most ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines and more, and others like Hong Kong, Brazil, and some European nations.
Citizens of these countries can visit Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days.
Who can apply for a Bali Visa on Arrival?
If you aren’t eligible for visa-free entry into Indonesia, you may qualify for the VoA. It’s available to people from countries like:
- Australia
- Canada
- The US
- The UK
- The European Union and Switzerland
- Russia
- South Africa
- India
- China
- Japan
What can you do with this visa?
The VoA enables you to stay in Indonesia for 30 days, but you can extend it for another 30 days if you want to stay longer. This visa allows you to perform tourism-related activities, visit friends or family, discuss and even sign business agreements, or conduct field visits to production sites, offices, and factories.
To be eligible for the visa, you need:
- A valid passport that won’t expire for at least six months
- Sufficient finances to cover your living expenses during the trip
- Intent to comply with local laws and regulations
What it doesn’t cover
Despite all its benefits, the VoA also has several limitations. For example, you can’t sell goods and services while in the country on this visa. You’re also not allowed to receive rewards or wages from companies based in Indonesia.
Before traveling, you’ll need to show an outbound ticket from Indonesia, demonstrating that you’ll leave when—or before—your visa expires.
Current costs and payment methods
The visa costs Rp500,000 IDR, which currently translates to around $45.60 AUD. This amount is payable on arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport or other designated entry points.
Cash payments are accepted in Indonesian rupiah, US dollars, Australian dollars, and euros. The process will be easier if you have exact change, especially for a foreign currency.
Many entry points also accept major credit and debit cards like Visa and MasterCard. However, small administrative or card processing fees may apply when paying this way.
A backup payment method is usually recommended, because you can’t always rely on card systems. Having the exact amount in the local currency is the easiest way to pay for the visa.
Step-by-step application process at the airport
The easiest way to get the Bali VoAl is to apply online before you arrive. This digital platform allows you to submit your application, make your payment, and receive your visa even before you step off the plane. This way, you’ll get through customs faster and start your trip right away.
But if online means don’t work for you, you can apply for the visa right at the airport. Here’s how:
- On arrival at the airport, follow the signs to the Visa on Arrival section. Dedicated counters are clearly marked in the arrivals hall. Remember, you need your visa before you go to the immigration desk.
- Join the line for VoA applicants. Queues can be long, especially when lots of flights arrive at once, so be patient.
- Have your documents and your fee payment ready. Arrival cards are usually handed out on the plane, but if you didn’t get one, you can find them in the arrival hall.
- Show your documents at the counter, pay the fee, and receive a receipt.
- Take your receipt, passport, and arrival card to the immigration counters. An officer there will place the Bali VoA sticker in your passport and stamp it.
- Sometimes, staff at the VoA desk will direct you through an electronic gate instead of an immigration counter. In that case, you won’t get a visa stamp in your passport, but receive it via email.
Expected timelines
Visa processing times vary depending on certain factors. If the airport is busy, it could be as little as 15 to 30 minutes. But if you’re on one of multiple flights arriving at the same time, it could be more like one to two hours.
Sitting at the front of the plane can give you a bit of a head start for getting to the counter. Plus, having all your required documents and payment ready will make the process go faster.
Required documents and preparation tips
Here’s what you’ll need to get the B1 Visa on Arrival at the airport:
- A passport with an expiration date of at least six months after the arrival date. It also needs to have at least two blank pages for stamps.
- A ticket for onward travel to another destination within 30 days of the visa’s validity. It doesn’t have to be your home country, but it needs to be outside of Indonesia.
- Proof that you have the equivalent of at least $1,500 AUD to support yourself during your visit, such as your bank statements.
- A filled-out arrivals card. This isn’t specific to the Bali VoA; everyone needs to complete an arrivals card to enter Indonesia.
Although not strictly necessary, having proof of accommodation is a good idea. Authorities may ask you where you intend to stay, so being able to show them a hotel or vacation rental booking is helpful.
But your passport and outbound flight ticket are the most important things to have. Print out all your documentation so you don’t have to rely on the airport Wi-Fi.
Extension process and important rules
The VoA is initially valid for 30 days, but you can extend it once for a total of 60 days. Remember, this is a single-entry visa, so you can’t leave and return on that same one—you’ll need to apply for another VoA.
Steps to get an extension
- Visit an Indonesian Immigration Office before your initial 30-day visa expires. You’ll find them in Denpasar, Jimbaran, and Singaraja.
- Submit your passport and application form. The same rules apply as your initial application. You may also need proof of accommodation and proof of the means to support yourself via a bank statement.
- You’ll be asked to return to the office to have your photo and fingerprints taken.
- You’ll probably have to return a third time to collect your passport with the extended visa inside.
How much does it cost?
Using visa agents to simplify the process is a possibility, but it will cost more.
The extension costs the same as the initial Bali VoA: Rp500,000 IDR. Overstaying your visa can result in a fine of around Rp1 million IDR (or $91 AUD) per day for every day you overstay. And perhaps even worse, overstaying a visa can have you blacklisted from reentering Indonesia.
Additionally, overstaying a visa in one country can cause problems with getting travel authorisations for other countries. So, it’s well worth going through the proper process to ensure you’re following local laws.
Common issues and how to avoid them
It’s not hard to figure out how to get a Visa on Arrival in Bali, but sometimes, people run into problems. A little bit of preparation can help you avoid some of these common issues.
- Passport validity. You won’t be allowed in if your passport isn’t valid for at least six months after the date of application, or if it has fewer than two blank pages.
- Missing onward travel ticket. Immigration authorities want to see that you’ve got a ticket to leave the country before your visa expires.
- Payment problems. Card machines sometimes fail, so always have some cash on hand.
- Extension delays. If you plan on extending your VoA, leave plenty for the process. It can take a few days to be approved, so give yourself at least a week, if not longer.
- Unreliable Wi-Fi. Print out your important documents before you arrive so you don’t have to rely on the airport Wi-Fi.
There is an immigration desk in the arrivals hall of the airport in Bali if you get stuck. Once you’ve entered the country, you’ll find immigration offices in Denpasar, Jimbaran, and Singaraja.
Get your Bali Visa on Arrival
Bali welcomes tourism, and they have made it easy to get a visa if you need one. The Bali visa requirements for US citizens, Australians, and other visitors aren’t hard to meet. If you’re adequately prepared, getting your visa is just a formality.
Keep this guide handy and use it to make sure you have everything ready before you arrive. Then, it should be a simple matter of paying a fee, getting your passport stamped, and spending up to a month or more in this fantastic location.
FAQs
How long does the Bali Visa on Arrival process take?
If you have all the necessary paperwork, the queue will be the biggest delay. At quiet times, you can get your Bali Visa on Arrival in as little as 15 minutes, but during busy times, it could take several hours.
Can I extend my Visa on Arrival if I want to stay longer?
The Indonesia Visa on Arrival can be extended once for an additional 30 days, for a total of 60 days in the country.
What happens if my passport expires within 6 months?
If your passport expires within six months of your entry into Bali, you won’t be granted a visa or be allowed to enter.
Do I need to show proof of accommodation for Visa on Arrival?
Usually not. However, it’s a good idea to have it with you anyway. You never know what questions you may be asked, so have your documents ready to ensure things go smoothly.
Can I apply for a Visa on Arrival if I’m travelling for business?
The VoA lets you have business meetings and sign contracts while you’re in the country, but you aren’t allowed to sell anything or receive wages from an Indonesian company. If you intend to do business in the country, you’ll need to apply for a separate visa.
What should I do if my Visa on Arrival application is denied?
If your application for a Visa on Arrival is denied, you won’t be allowed into the country. You’ll need to stay in the airport until you can arrange to head back home.