When I first planned my own arrival in Bali, I realised that choosing a visa was only one part of the process. Passport validity, the arrival declaration, an onward ticket and the Bali Tourist Levy all matter as well. In this guide, I am sharing the checklist and decision process I personally use so you can prepare for Bali with less uncertainty.

Last updated: September 2026
Indonesian immigration rules can change without notice. I always check the official Indonesian Immigration website again shortly before travelling, even when I think I already know the procedure. I recommend that you do the same.

How I Choose the Right Visa for Bali

Bali is part of Indonesia, so I always check Indonesian immigration rules rather than relying on advice written specifically for Bali.

I start by answering four questions:

• Your nationality
• The purpose of your visit
• How long you plan to stay
• Whether you want the option to extend your stay

For a short visit, I usually compare the following four options first:

1. Visa Exemption
2. Visa on Arrival – B1
3. Electronic Visa on Arrival – e-VOA B1
4. 60-Day Tourist Visa – C1

Eligibility is the first thing I verify because not every nationality can use every visa type. I recommend checking your passport through the official Indonesian e-Visa website before booking your flight.

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1. Visa Exemption

If my passport were eligible and I knew I would leave within 30 days, visa exemption would be the simplest choice because no visa purchase is required.

How Long Can You Stay?

Visa-exempt visitors can normally stay for a maximum of 30 days.

The day you enter Indonesia is counted as Day 1, even if you arrive late at night.

Can It Be Extended?

No. A visa-exempt stay cannot normally be extended or converted into another type of stay permit from inside Indonesia.

If there is any possibility that I may remain in Bali for more than 30 days, I prefer to choose an extendable visa before entering Indonesia. This avoids having to change plans later.

What Is It Suitable For?

Visa exemption may be used for permitted short-term activities such as:

• Tourism
• Visiting friends or family
• Attending certain meetings
• Transit

It does not allow you to work, receive payment or operate a business in Indonesia.

Important

Visa exemption is currently available only to citizens of certain countries, primarily eligible ASEAN member states. Do not assume that you qualify based on information from blogs or social media. Confirm your eligibility through the official Indonesian Immigration visa selector.

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2. Visa on Arrival – B1

For a straightforward short holiday, the B1 Visa on Arrival is usually the first option I look at. It is widely used by eligible travellers and gives me the useful possibility of one extension.

You can obtain it in one of two ways:

• Apply online before travelling as an Electronic Visa on Arrival
• Purchase it at an eligible airport or seaport after arriving in Indonesia

Length of Stay

The B1 Visa on Arrival allows you to stay in Indonesia for:

• Initial stay: 30 days
• Possible extension: One additional 30-day period
• Maximum total stay: 60 days

Your arrival date is counted as the first day of your stay.

Visa Fee

The official government fee is generally:

IDR 500,000 per person

Payment processing or banking charges may apply when paying online.

What Can You Do With a B1 Visa?

The B1 visa is generally suitable for:

• Tourism
• Visiting friends or family
• Attending meetings, conventions or exhibitions
• Transit
• Certain short-term business discussions
• Purchasing goods

It does not allow you to:

• Work for an Indonesian company
• Provide paid services
• Receive a salary or other compensation in Indonesia
• Sell goods or services
• Carry out activities outside the permitted purpose of the visa

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3. e-VOA or Visa on Arrival at the Airport?

Both options generally provide the same initial 30-day stay. I personally prefer completing the e-VOA online before departure because it removes one payment step after a long flight and can make the arrival process feel more organised.

Electronic Visa on Arrival – e-VOA

You can apply before travelling through the official Indonesian e-Visa website.

Advantages of an e-VOA

• You complete the application before departure
• You avoid the Visa on Arrival payment queue
• Your visa information is recorded electronically
• You may be able to begin the extension process through the online immigration system
• Eligible travellers may use electronic immigration gates at supported airports

When Should You Apply?

I never leave the application until the last minute. I prefer to apply several days before departure so I still have time to correct a passport-detail, payment or document-upload problem.

The visa must still be valid for entry on the date you arrive in Indonesia.

Information Commonly Required

Prepare:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• A clear scan or photograph of your passport information page
• A recent passport-style photograph
• Your email address
• Your accommodation address in Indonesia
• Your arrival and travel information
• A valid credit or debit card
• An onward or return ticket

After approval, I download the visa immediately and keep it in a travel folder on my phone. I also save an offline copy because airport Wi-Fi or mobile data is not something I want to depend on.

Visa on Arrival at the Airport

Eligible travellers may purchase a Visa on Arrival after landing at designated Indonesian airports, including Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

You will normally need:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• An onward or return ticket
• Payment for the visa fee
• Proof of accommodation if requested

I have seen how busy the arrival area can become at peak times. That is why, when the online option is available to me, I prefer arranging the e-VOA before departure.

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4. Staying in Bali for Up to 60 Days

If I expect that a 30-day stay may become a 60-day stay, I make sure from the beginning that my visa is extendable. A B1 Visa on Arrival or e-VOA can normally be extended once for another 30 days.

When Should You Extend?

I never wait until the final days of a visa.

I prefer to begin the process at least 7–14 days before the current stay expires. Public holidays, appointment availability and busy periods can all slow things down.

How Does the Extension Work?

Depending on your visa and current immigration procedures, the extension may involve:

• Submitting an online application
• Paying the extension fee
• Visiting an immigration office
• Providing a photograph and fingerprints
• Completing an interview or identity verification

Even if the process begins online, immigration may require you to appear in person. Follow the instructions shown in your official immigration account.

Important

An extension does not give you a new 30-day period from the date you apply. It extends the permitted stay calculated from the expiry of your original visa.

Always check the exact expiry date shown in your immigration record.

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5. 60-Day Tourist Visa – C1

If I already knew that I wanted more than a short holiday, I would compare the C1 tourist visa before travelling. Starting with a 60-day stay can be more comfortable than arranging an extension soon after arrival.

Length of Stay

A C1 visa normally provides:

• Initial stay: Up to 60 days
• Possible extensions: Up to two additional 60-day periods
• Potential maximum stay: Up to 180 days

Extensions are subject to immigration approval and current regulations.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The C1 visa may be more suitable if:

• You already know you will stay longer than 30 days
• You do not want to arrange a 30-day extension immediately after arrival
• You are planning a longer holiday
• You want more flexibility for an extended stay in Indonesia

Possible Requirements

Depending on your nationality and application, you may be asked for:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• A recent passport photograph
• Proof of sufficient funds
• A bank statement
• A return or onward ticket
• Accommodation information
• An explanation of your travel plans
• Additional supporting documents

Use the official visa selector to see the current requirements and fees for your passport.

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6. Passport Requirements

The first document I check is my passport. It should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Indonesia.

It should also:

• Have at least one blank page
• Be in good physical condition
• Be the same passport used for your visa application
• Match the personal information on your flight booking

Indonesian immigration may refuse damaged passports. This can include passports with:

• Torn or missing pages
• Water damage
• A detached cover
• Unreadable personal details
• Damage to the electronic chip
• Unauthorised marks or alterations

I would not take a chance with a damaged passport. If the cover, pages, personal details or chip are damaged, I recommend replacing it before travelling.

Temporary and Emergency Passports

Different rules may apply to temporary, emergency or non-standard travel documents. Check directly with the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate before departure.

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7. Return or Onward Ticket

I keep my onward or return ticket ready before check-in because both the airline and immigration may ask for proof that I will leave Indonesia within my permitted stay.

Your onward ticket should normally:

• Be in your name
• Depart from Indonesia
• Be scheduled within your authorised stay
• Be confirmed rather than only reserved
• Be available digitally or as a printed copy

A ticket from Bali to another Indonesian destination is not an onward ticket because you are still inside Indonesia.

Airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot demonstrate that you meet Indonesia’s entry requirements.

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8. Complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card

All international travellers must complete Indonesia’s official arrival declaration before entering the country.

The All Indonesia Arrival Card combines arrival information required by Indonesian authorities. It has replaced or integrated several separate arrival procedures previously used for immigration, customs, health and quarantine declarations.

When Should You Complete It?

Submit the form within three days before arriving in Indonesia.

Do not complete it too early, as the system may not accept an arrival date outside the permitted submission period.

What Information Will You Need?

Prepare:

• Passport details
• Flight or vessel information
• Arrival date
• Accommodation address
• Contact information
• Travel history or health information if requested
• Information about goods you are bringing into Indonesia

Complete the form only through the official All Indonesia website.

After submitting the form, I save the QR code on my phone and take a screenshot. This small habit has made travel procedures much easier for me whenever mobile data or airport Wi-Fi is unreliable.

Each traveller must be included in a valid declaration. Families may be able to submit their information together where the system permits.

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9. Bali Tourist Levy

I treat the Bali Tourist Levy as a separate item on my checklist because it is not included in the Indonesian visa fee. International visitors to Bali are generally required to pay it.

How Much Is It?

The levy is:

IDR 150,000 per person

This payment is separate from your Indonesian visa fee.

For example, if you are travelling with an e-VOA, you may need to pay both:

• The Indonesian visa fee
• The Bali Tourist Levy

Where Should You Pay?

Pay through the official Love Bali website or the official Love Bali application.

You can pay before arriving in Bali and receive a levy voucher with a QR code by email.

I keep the QR code on my phone and save an offline screenshot, just as I do with my visa and arrival declaration.

Who May Be Exempt?

Certain categories of travellers may be exempt, including some holders of:

• Diplomatic or official visas
• Crew visas
• KITAS or KITAP residence permits
• Family unification visas
• Golden Visas
• Student visas
• Other qualifying non-tourist visas or permits

Some exemptions are automatic, while others may require an application before arrival. Check the current exemption categories on the official Love Bali website.

Travelling to Other Indonesian Islands First

The Bali Tourist Levy is separate from Indonesia’s national immigration process. If you enter Indonesia through Jakarta, Surabaya or another city and later travel to Bali, the levy may still apply when you enter Bali.

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10. Customs and Restricted Goods

I complete the customs declaration carefully and honestly. If I am unsure whether an item must be declared, I prefer to declare it or check the official rule rather than take a risk.

This may include:

• Large amounts of cash
• Commercial goods
• Tobacco and alcohol above the duty-free allowance
• Medicines and medical equipment
• Food, plants, seeds and animal products
• Drones or specialist electronic equipment in certain circumstances
• Items intended for sale or commercial use

Allowances and restricted-item rules may change. Complete the customs section of the All Indonesia Arrival Card honestly and follow the instructions provided by customs officers.

Failure to declare controlled goods may lead to confiscation, fines or legal action.

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11. Bringing Medication to Bali

When I travel with prescription medication, I keep it:

• In its original packaging
• Clearly labelled
• In a quantity appropriate for personal use
• Accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s letter in English

The document should ideally state:

• Your full name
• The name of the medication
• The dosage
• The medical reason for its use
• The amount required during your trip

Indonesia has strict laws concerning narcotics, psychotropic substances and certain controlled medications. A prescription issued in another country does not automatically make every medication legal to bring into Indonesia.

Check with an Indonesian embassy or consulate before travelling if your medicine contains controlled ingredients.

I would never carry medication or a sealed package for another person.

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12. What Happens at Bali Airport?

After landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport, I follow this order:

1. Follow the signs for international arrivals.
2. Purchase a Visa on Arrival if you have not already obtained an e-VOA and your nationality is eligible.
3. Proceed through immigration or the eligible electronic gate.
4. Collect your luggage.
5. Complete customs and declaration procedures.
6. Keep your Bali Tourist Levy QR code available if requested.
7. Exit into the arrivals area.

I never schedule a tight transfer immediately after landing. During busy periods, immigration and baggage collection can take longer than expected.

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13. Immigration Questions You May Be Asked

An immigration officer may ask:

• Why are you visiting Indonesia?
• How long will you stay?
• Where will you stay?
• Do you have a return or onward ticket?
• Do you have sufficient funds for your trip?
• Are you meeting friends, family or business contacts?
• What activities do you plan to undertake?

I answer clearly, briefly and honestly, and I make sure my answers match the purpose of my visa.

A visa does not automatically guarantee entry. The final decision is made by the immigration officer at the border.

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14. Working in Bali on a Tourist Visa

Tourist visas and Visas on Arrival do not provide permission to work in Indonesia.

You should not use a tourist visa to:

• Work for an Indonesian business
• Provide paid photography, teaching, consulting or wellness services
• Guide tours professionally
• Sell products or services
• Perform at paid events
• Receive compensation from clients in Indonesia
• Operate a local business without the appropriate permits

Working without the correct visa and work authorisation can result in fines, detention, deportation and restrictions on returning to Indonesia.

If your trip includes professional or commercial activities, obtain advice about the correct visa before travelling.

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15. Overstaying Your Visa

I take the expiry date seriously because overstaying is treated seriously in Indonesia.

A short overstay may result in a financial penalty, commonly calculated per person for each day of overstay. Longer overstays may lead to:

• Immigration detention
• Deportation
• Additional legal procedures
• Placement on an immigration blacklist
• Restrictions on future entry

Do not calculate your stay by simply adding nights to your hotel reservation. Your arrival day counts as Day 1, and the immigration record determines your final permitted date.

I save the expiry date in my calendar as soon as I arrive and arrange an extension or departure well in advance.

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16. Common Visa and Entry Mistakes

These are the mistakes I make a point of avoiding:

• Applying through an unofficial visa website
• Entering passport details incorrectly
• Assuming every nationality qualifies for Visa on Arrival
• Arriving with less than six months of passport validity
• Travelling with a damaged passport
• Forgetting that the arrival date counts as Day 1
• Waiting until the last moment to extend a visa
• Booking a flight that leaves after the visa expires
• Forgetting the All Indonesia Arrival Card
• Confusing the Bali Tourist Levy with the visa fee
• Assuming a tourist visa permits paid work
• Not saving offline copies of QR codes and documents

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17. Before You Fly: Bali Entry Checklist

Before I leave for the airport, I go through this final checklist:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Correct visa or confirmation of visa eligibility
• e-VOA or e-Visa downloaded, if applicable
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Confirmed accommodation address
• All Indonesia Arrival Card submitted
• Arrival QR code saved offline
• Bali Tourist Levy paid, if applicable
• Tourist Levy QR code saved offline
• Travel insurance arranged
• Prescription and doctor’s letter for relevant medication
• Digital and printed copies of important documents
• Sufficient funds or proof of funds if requested

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18. Official Websites

I use only official government websites when I apply or make a payment. I avoid sponsored search results and third-party pages unless I have deliberately chosen a trusted visa agent.

Indonesian Visa and Immigration

https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/

Use this website to:

• Check which visa matches your visit
• Apply for an e-VOA or eligible e-Visa
• Download your visa
• Track an application
• Begin an eligible visa extension

All Indonesia Arrival Card

https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/

Use this website to complete your mandatory arrival declaration within three days before arrival.

Bali Tourist Levy

https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/

Use this website to:

• Pay the Bali Tourist Levy
• Apply for an exemption where applicable
• Verify or retrieve your levy voucher

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My Final Advice

For most eligible travellers visiting Bali for up to 30 days, I find the e-VOA the simplest option because I can organise it before flying. If I may stay for up to 60 days, I make sure the visa is extendable and I begin the extension process well before it expires.

If I already know that I want to remain in Indonesia longer, I prefer to investigate an appropriate 60-day visa before departure rather than solve it after arrival.

My personal system is simple: I keep my passport copy, visa, onward ticket, arrival declaration and Tourist Levy voucher together in one clearly named travel folder. I also save offline screenshots. It takes only a few minutes and removes a great deal of stress at the airport.

Important: This guide is intended for general travel-planning purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa eligibility, fees, permitted activities and entry procedures may change. Always verify the latest rules through Indonesian Immigration or an Indonesian embassy before travelling.