Bali Visa Requirements

It is very important to take note of the Bali visa requirements outlined below and also contact your local Indonesian Embassy before gong to Bali to see if there has been any change in the visa requirements as the Indonesian countries can be very strict with regards tourists who over stay their time. Landing up in a Balinese or any Indonesian jail for a foreigner can be a nightmare come true. Even though these countries are quite forgiving to the western way of doing things, they will imprison you if you cannot pay the hefty fine.

If you do intend to stay for a longer period then it is better to jump on a plane for a quick round trip to Thailand or Vietnam, this way you will be able to renew your visa and stay without ending up in jail.

It is important to also note the following:

1. The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa.
2. The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.
3. There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments.
4. Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed.

Before you enter Bali make sure you are familiar with the money denominations. The local currency used in Bali and all over Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah IDR. XE is a live currency converter that is updated as exactly as the rates change on the world market. This is great not only for planning your holiday money, but also if you need to exchange money when in Bali, you can know in advance what the actual rate is before going to the foreign money exchangers.

The Indonesian Rupiah money denominations are:

Notes: 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000.

Coins: 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000.

Types of Visas

Visa-Free Short Visit

11 countries and territories are eligible for a “Visa Free” facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:

1. Brunei Darussalam
2. Chile
3. Hong Kong SAR
4. Macau SAR
5. Malaysia
6. Morocco
7. Peru
8. Philippines
9. Thailand
10. Vietnam
11. Singapore

The official entry requirements for the issuance of a visa-free short visit permit:

1. Passport must be from one of the eleven countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
3. Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
4. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports, 21 seaports or 1 overland border post officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department

Visa on Arrival Facility (VOA)

Effective August 1, 2005, visitors holding valid passports from certain countries can obtain either a 7 day or 30 day non-extendable visa at any of the 15 airports and 21 seaports designated as “international gateways” by the Indonesian Immigration department. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa.

Nationals of the following countries are eligible to purchase a “visa on arrival (VOA):”

The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 30 or 7 days day visa-on arrival:

1. Passport must be from one of the countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
3. Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required.
4. Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
5. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports or 21 seaports officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.

Visas-on-arrival are non-extendable and non-convertible to another class of visa. Overstays are charged US$20 per day for over stays up to 60 days. Overstay violations over 60 days are liable to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of IDR. 25 million.

Tourist Visa

Individuals not holding a passport from among those nations listed above and eligible either for a visa-free short visit or a purchasable visa-on-arrival (VOA) can apply for a tourist visa at an Indonesian Embassy abroad. Tourist visa are normally granted for a 60 day stay in Indonesia.

Visa Issued on Approval

All visa applications for Business, Tourist and Social Visits from nationals of the following countries need prior approval from an Immigration Office in Indonesia before traveling. The requirements vary depending on the propose visit to Indonesia.

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Angola
4. Bangladesh
5. Cameroon
6. Cuba
7. Ethiopia
8. Ghana
9. Iraq
10. Israel
11. Nigeria
12. North Korea
13. Pakistan
14. Somalia
15. Sri Lanka
16. Tanzania

Other Classes of Visas for Temporary Visitors

Business Visa

This visa is given by Indonesian Embassies abroad to applicants visiting Indonesia for normal business activities (including attending a conference/seminar) which do not involve taking up employment or receiving any payments whilst in Indonesia. This visa, valid for a stay of 60 days, can be for a single or multiple visits. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.

Social-Cultural Visa

This visa is issued by as Indonesian Embassy abroad to applicants who are going to Indonesia for a social/cultural visit, such as visiting relatives/friends; social organizations; exchange visits between educational institutions; undertaking research and attending training programs in Indonesia. The validity of this visa is for a 60 day stay, but can be extended upon application in Indonesia. This visa is obtainable after application by a sponsoring party in Indonesia to the Department of Immigration.

Employment Visa

This visa is given to applicants whose purpose of visit is to take up employment and require sponsorship by a company or organization in Indonesia.

Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) – This visa is a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) and is issued to applicants whose purpose of visit is to stay in Indonesia for a limited period.

Government Agencies

As with all countries, laws can change overnight and it is important to have the latest up to date information before traveling to a foreign country.

Bali Tourism Board (BTB)

BTB was established on the 1st of March 2000 formed by nine major Bali tourism associations. With the unstable business climate hamper the island, BTB is hoped to build and develop a better and more sustainable tourism industry in Bali. Considering the importance of the tourism industry and the capability of BTB in associating with government, community, and industry alike, the Governor of Bali officially recognized BTB on 10 May 2000 as the embodiment of a new partnership between the travel industry, the government, and the local community. Since then, BTB has earned the respect and support of all related government agencies, including the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Visit Indonesia

Visit Indonesia is an up to date Indonesian website offering anything from entry advice, dos and don’ts to banking hours events and activities.

National Portal Republic of Indonesia

The official Indonesian government website, National Portal Republic of Indonesia is for all things Indonesian/Bali related not only for tourist information and is worth looking over before leaving for your trip to Bali. If you only want to read on tourist related news and advice visit their
official tourism website.

Smartraveller

Is the Australian Government’s travel advisory and consular assistance service website. Even though this site is targeted to the Australian population the advice is valuable to everyone wishing to get up to date advice on everything when you want to travel to Bali.

If you are looking to apply for any other visa apart from a short holiday visa then you should visit Bali visa applications.

Worldwide Indonesian Embassies

Indonesian Embassies are located in most countries around the world, even if you are getting advice from a third party regards  Bali visa requirements, it is important for your own protection that you contact the embassy in your country to ensure that you have the correct and up to date information.

Getting to Bali

By Air

The main international airport is Bali’s Ngurah Rai and is a gateway to many Indonesian countries. The main airline operating here is Garuda Indonesia as well as 12 other international airlines. Ngurah Rai is situated in the south area of the island and travelling to the majority of the popular resorts will not take more that 30 minutes. If you are staying in one of the northern resorts like Ubud expect a drive of over an hour.

Daily direct flights are available from Singapore on Garuda Indonesia, and Singapore Airlines.MAS and Garuda operate direct flights    from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and from Hong Kong with Garuda and Cathay Pacific. Direct flights are also available from Bangkok with Thai International and Qantas. UTA flies direct from Paris, KLM fly from Amsterdam via Medan, Garuda fly from Japan and Taiwan and Garuda and Qantas fly from the Australian cities of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Adelaide.

By road or rail from Java

Trains and buses from Java stop at Banyuwangi and a 24 hour ferry transports cars and passangers to Gilimanuk, where buses will take passengers to Denspasar.

By sea

International cruise ships and yachts use the Bali seaports of Benoa and Padangbai. Padangbai is mostly used by the larger luxury cruise ships as Benoa is relatively small. From Lombok’s port of Lembar a ferry service is available twice daily to Padagbai and from Benoa harbor to Lembar you can catch a hydrofoil.

Bali is the departure point for cruises to Lombok, and the nearby island that people are beginning to discover are very remote an unspoiled by tourism. If you intend to visit here make sure that you consult your doctor as this is known as a high malaria area.