Visa Options for Bali: How to Choose the Right One for Your Trip

Whether you’re visiting Bali for a quick beach getaway, a month-long island hop, or a longer remote-work stay, getting your visa sorted is one of the first steps to a smooth trip. Indonesia offers several visa options for travelers, each with its own rules, costs, and duration – choosing the right one depends on how long you’re staying and what you plan to do.

  1. Visa-Free Entry – Short and Simple

Who it’s for: Citizens of select countries (check Indonesia’s official list) visiting for 30 days or less.
Duration: 30 days, non-extendable.
Cost: Free.
Pros: Quick and easy at arrival—no advance application.
Cons: Cannot be extended; you must leave the country after 30 days.
Best for: Short vacations, business meetings, or stopovers.

  1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Who it’s for: Available to citizens of 90+ countries.
Duration: 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days.
Cost: IDR 500,000 (about USD $35).
How to get it: Purchase at the airport upon arrival or apply online through Indonesia’s e-VOA portal.
Best for: Stays of up to 60 days without needing a pre-arranged visa.

  1. B211A Visit Visa (Single Entry)

Who it’s for: Travelers planning to stay longer than 60 days or for purposes such as tourism, business, or social visits.
Duration: 60 days initial stay, extendable twice—up to 180 days total.
Cost: Varies by agent or online application (starting around USD $150).
Pros: Great for long holidays, work-from-Bali stays, or visiting friends/family.
Cons: Requires application before arrival (often through a visa agent).

  1. Multiple Entry Visa

Who it’s for: Frequent visitors to Indonesia for business or family visits.
Duration: Valid for 1 year; each stay up to 60 days.
Cost: Around USD $150–200, depending on application method.
Best for: Travelers who plan to enter and exit Indonesia multiple times in a year.

  1. KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit)

Who it’s for: Foreigners working, studying, or living long-term in Indonesia.
Duration: 6–12 months, renewable.
Best for: Expats, digital nomads under special arrangements, or those with Indonesian spouses.
Note: Requires sponsorship and a more involved application process.

Bali’s beauty is worth planning for—and that includes choosing the right visa. Whether you’re here for a quick surf holiday or months of temple visits and remote work, the right visa ensures you can focus on your trip instead of paperwork. A little preparation now will keep your island time stress-free later.