A visa on arrival in Bali is essentially your official entry pass to the island. Think of Bali as a stunning private estate and the visa as the ticket you show at the front gate, the airport, before you’re allowed in.
It lets the Indonesian government know who you are, how long you plan to stay, and confirms that you’ve passed the necessary security checks. Without this entry permit or immigration stamp, a visitor is considered to be staying illegally.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about visas before booking your flight to Bali, so you can arrive prepared and start your trip smoothly from the moment you land.
What is a Bali Visa on Arrival?
The visa on arrival, often called VOA Bali, is a short-term entry permit issued by the Indonesian government for international travelers landing in Bali. It’s designed to make visiting the island easy and hassle-free.
In simple terms, there’s no need to visit an Indonesian embassy before your trip. You arrive at the airport, pay the visa fee, and receive your entry stamp on the spot.
This visa allows you to stay for up to 30 days and is suitable for holidays, family visits, or short non-commercial business activities such as meetings, giving you legal permission to enjoy Bali without complicated paperwork.
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival in Bali?
The visa on arrival Indonesia program allows travelers from more than 90 approved countries to enter the country easily for short visits. These include popular tourist nationalities such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, most European Union countries, China, India, and Japan.
Travelers from these countries can obtain their entry permit either by applying online before departure or directly after landing in Indonesia. Specifically for travelers heading to the Island of the Gods, the Bali visa on arrival can be obtained at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
That said, this option doesn’t apply to everyone. Travelers from ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand enjoy a free 30-day Visa-Free Visit, so they don’t need a visa on arrival at all. Meanwhile, visitors from countries outside both the VoA and visa-free lists must arrange a visa in advance through an embassy or via Indonesia’s official e-visa system before flying to Bali.
Requirements for Bali Visa on Arrival
To enter Bali using the Indonesia visa on arrival, you’ll need to prepare a few basic requirements. Nothing complicated, but it’s best to have everything ready before you fly.
- Valid Passport
Make sure your passport is original, in good condition, and valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. You’ll also need at least one blank page for immigration stamps. - Proof of Exit from Indonesia
Immigration officers may ask for a return ticket or an onward flight to another country. This shows that you don’t plan to overstay your visa. - Visa Fee Payment
The visa fee is IDR 500,000 per person. You can pay at the airport using cash (IDR or major foreign currencies) or with a debit or credit card. - Clear Purpose of Visit
This visa application is intended for tourism, visiting family or friends, short business meetings, or transit. It cannot be used for working or earning income in Indonesia. - Extra Preparation (Optional but Helpful)
Completing the Electronic Customs Declaration online before arrival will give you a QR code and help speed up the airport process.
If you’re planning to stay longer than 30 days, keep your payment receipt safe, as it’s required when applying for a visa extension Bali at the local immigration office.
How to Apply for Visa on Arrival Bali
There are two easy ways to get a Visa on Arrival in Bali. You can choose the option that best fits your travel style and schedule.
Option 1: Visa on Arrival at the Airport
This is the classic, straightforward option done after you land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
After leaving the plane, follow the signs toward immigration and stop at the VOA payment counter before passport control. Present your passport and pay the visa on arrival Bali cost, which is IDR 500,000 per person. Payment can be made in cash or by credit or debit card.
Once payment is complete, proceed to the immigration queue. Show your passport, exit or return ticket, and the payment receipt. The officer will stamp your passport and you’re officially cleared to enter Bali.
The main difference between a Visa on Arrival (VoA) and a Visitor Visa comes down to how long you want to stay and how much preparation you’re willing to do.
A Visa on Arrival is the most practical option for short trips. It costs IDR 500,000 and can be obtained either at the airport or online before you fly. This visa allows a 30-day stay and can be extended once, giving you up to 60 days in Bali with minimal paperwork.
A Visitor Visa is better suited for longer stays. You must apply for it online before departure, but once approved, it grants an initial 60-day stay right away. The big advantage is flexibility, as it can be extended multiple times for a total stay of up to 180 days, though the process and cost are more involved.
Option 2: Apply Online (e-VoA) — Faster & More Convenient
If you prefer to skip queues, applying for a Bali visa online is the better choice. It’s recommended to do this at least 48 hours before departure.
Visit the official immigration website at evisa.imigrasi.go.id, create an account, and fill in your personal and passport details. You’ll need to upload a clear photo of your passport’s biodata page and a recent personal photo.
Pay the same IDR 500,000 fee online using a credit or debit card. After approval, your e-VoA will be sent to your email as a PDF.
When you arrive in Bali, simply head to the autogate or e-VoA lane, scan your passport, and enter without stopping at the payment counter.
What You Can and Cannot Do With a VoA
What You Can Do with a bali tourist visa
- Tourism activities: Holiday trips, sightseeing, beach time, and exploring Bali’s attractions
- Family or social visits: Visiting friends or relatives who live in Indonesia.
- Business meetings: Attending meetings, discussions, or negotiations (no employment involved).
- Government-related visits: Carrying out official duties with proper invitation.
- Shopping: Buying goods or souvenirs to take home.
- Transit purposes: Stopping in Bali before continuing to another destination.
- Easy entry option: You can apply in advance using visa on arrival bali online to save time at the airport.
What You Cannot Do
- Work or be employed: No full-time, part-time, freelance, or remote work while in Bali.
- Receive income or salary: You may not earn money from any individual or company in Indonesia.
- Journalistic activities: No filming, reporting, interviews, or documentaries without special permits.
- Run or operate a business: Opening or managing a business requires a different legal visa.
- Sell goods publicly: Street selling or commercial activities in public areas are not allowed.
- Use it for long-term stay: A Visa on Arrival is not valid for residency or permanent living in Bali.
How to Extend Your Bali Visa on Arrival
Since a Visa on Arrival (VoA) is valid for only 30 days, many travelers choose to extend their visa on arrival in Bali for another 30 days, giving a total stay of up to 60 days. The extension process depends on how you first obtained your visa.
1. Extending an e-VoA (Online)
This is the easiest option because everything can be done digitally, with no immigration office visits.
- Visit the official site: Log in again via the Bali visa on arrival official website at evisa.imigrasi.go.id
- Select extension: Open your visa history and choose the option to extend your stay
- Make payment: Pay the extension fee of IDR 500,000 using a debit or credit card
- Done: After payment is approved, your extended stay permit will be issued digitally and sent to your email
2. Extending a Physical VoA (Airport Sticker)
If you paid for your VoA at the airport, the extension must be done in person.
- Visit an immigration office: Go to a Bali immigration office such as Jimbaran, Renon, or Singaraja
- Prepare for three visits:
- First visit: Submit your passport, extension form, and a copy of your onward or return ticket
- Second visit: Pay the extension fee and complete the photo and fingerprint recording
- Third visit: Collect your passport with the new extension stamp
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding a few common mistakes can save you a lot of stress when using a Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Bali. Many travelers run into problems simply because they overlook small but important details.
- Passport Validity Under 6 Months
This is the most serious mistake. Indonesian immigration strictly requires your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. If it’s shorter than that, you may be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. - Renewing Your Visa Too Late
Waiting until the last few days to extend your visa is risky. Manual extensions at immigration offices can take up to a week, and late applications can easily lead to overstaying fines. - Losing Your VoA Proof
If you bought a physical VoA at the airport, keep the sticker in your passport and save the payment receipt. Both are important for visa extensions and sometimes required during airport checks. - Miscounting Your Stay Days
Your 30-day stay starts on the day you land, not the following day. Many travelers overstay simply because they count the days incorrectly. - Queuing in the Wrong Airport Line
If you already applied for an e-VoA, skip the payment counter. Head straight to the autogate or e-VoA lane to avoid long, unnecessary queues. - Working Without the Right Permit
Using a laptop for paid work, freelance jobs, or professional content creation is not allowed under a VoA. Income-generating activities without the proper visa can result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.
Tips for First Time Travelers to Bali
- Getting Around: Go Digital
Bali traffic can feel overwhelming at first. Apps like Gojek and Grab make getting around easy, affordable, and stress-free, from rides to food delivery. Renting a scooter is also popular, just make sure you have an international driving license and always wear a helmet. - Health Tips: Avoid Bali Belly
Stick to bottled or filtered water and never drink from the tap. Ice in established cafes and restaurants is usually safe, but be more cautious with drinks from small roadside stalls. - Respect Local Culture
Bali is deeply spiritual, and small gestures go a long way. Wear a sarong and sash when visiting temples, and be mindful of daily offerings placed on sidewalks. If you step on one by accident, a simple apology is enough. - Money Matters
Use official money changers and avoid places offering unrealistically high rates. Credit cards work well in hotels and restaurants, but keep small cash handy for markets and local shops.
