Bali has earned its reputation as a dream destination, captivating both tourists and expats seeking adventure, relaxation, and a vibrant cultural experience. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or considering a long-term stay, understanding the Bali visa requirements is essential to ensure smooth entry into the country. This comprehensive guide will explore the various visa options available, from the Bali tourist visa for short-term visitors to specialized visas tailored for expats seeking to live or work on this enchanting island.
Choosing the Right Visa
Selecting the right visa for your Bali visit depends on these key factors: nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Understanding these elements ensures that you choose the appropriate visa and have a smooth experience entering and staying in Bali.
What is Your Nationality?
Your nationality is one of the most important factors in determining the visa you need to enter Bali. Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa exemptions or simplified entry procedures, while others must apply for a specific visa before traveling.
Citizens of ASEAN member nations enjoy visa-free entry to Bali for short-term visits, with the option to stay up to 30 days without requiring a visa. If your nationality doesn’t fall under the ASEAN exemptions, you will need to apply for a visa.
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
In general, this exemption is perfect for ASEAN nationals planning a brief holiday or cultural exploration. For stays beyond 30 days, however, a VoA or another visa type is required.
Defining Your Purpose: Are You a Tourist or an Expat?
Your purpose and planned stay in Bali play a key role in determining the visa you’ll need. Understanding the distinction between tourists and expats can help clarify your visa requirements and ensure a smoother process.
- Tourists typically visit Bali for leisure, adventure, or cultural exploration. Their stays are usually short-term, often spanning a few days to a few weeks or months, depending on their itinerary and the type of tourist visa they obtain. Most of the time they visit Bali to engage in recreational, cultural, or spiritual activities. In Bali, the visa options for tourists are generally straightforward, catering to their temporary nature of stay.
- Expats, on the other hand, are individuals who intend to reside in Bali for extended periods either for work, retirement, business ventures, or family reasons. For expats, visa options are more complicated considering the demands of fitting longer stays and the stringent legal requirements in Indonesia. Unlike tourists, expats have to deal with multiple types of visas such as KITAS or KITAP, depending on their planned length of stay and purpose of visit.
Visa Options for Tourists
For tourists visiting Bali, the process for obtaining a visa can be relatively simple. Here are the most common options for a Bali tourist visa:
B1 Tourist Visa
The Tourist Visa is the easiest visa type a tourist can get. It is perfect for travelers visiting Bali for leisure, sightseeing, or short-term exploration. Here are the key details about the Tourist Visa:
- Length of Stay: Stay up to 30 days, with the option to extend for another 30 days, allowing a total stay of 60 days.
- Eligibility: Available to citizens of most countries.
- Cost: Typically ranges from USD 35 to USD 50, depending on your nationality.
B211A Visit Visa
The B211A Visit Visa is another popular option for tourists who wish to stay in Bali longer than the typical Tourist Visa duration. This visa is ideal for those looking to explore Bali for an extended period, with the possibility to stay up to 180 days.
- Length of Stay: The initial stay is up to 60 days, with 2 possible extensions. Each extension grants another 60 days (180 days in total).
- Eligibility: Available for citizens of most countries.
- Cost: Typically ranges from USD 50 to USD 80, depending on processing fees and nationality.
C6B Social/Cultural Visa
The Social/Cultural Visa (C6B) is ideal for visitors engaging in cultural activities, visiting family or friends, or attending social events in Bali.
- Length of Stay: The initial stay is up to 60 days, with 4 possible extensions. Each extension grants another 30 days (6 months in total).
- Eligibility: Suitable for individuals visiting Bali for non-touristic purposes, such as cultural exchanges or family visits. This generally requires a local sponsor, such as a family member, organization, or cultural institution.
- Cost: USD 50.
These visas can be applied for through various channels, including online through the Indonesian embassy or consulate, or upon arrival, depending on the visa type.
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Visa Options for Expats
If you are considering living in Bali for an extended period or moving permanently for work, retirement, or other long-term purposes, several visa options cater to expats.
KITAS: Limited Stay Permit
The KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a temporary residency visa designed for expats who intend to stay in Bali for an extended but finite period. KITAS is available in multiple types depending on the purpose of stay, such as work, retirement, or family reunification.
D12 Pre-Investment KITAS
This is a type of multiple entry business visa for foreign investors preparing to establish or operate businesses in Bali. This visa allows expats to explore opportunities such as conducting field surveys and feasibility studies without committing to full business operations yet. In general, this is ideal for entrepreneurs at the planning stage of their investment journey.
- Length of Stay: Visa is valid for 1 to 2 years. You have multiple entry permits to Bali during this time window but each visit lasts only 180 days.
- Eligibility: Expats looking to invest in Indonesian businesses.
- Cost: Approx. USD 1,200–2,000 annually (depending on the visa agent or sponsor).
E23 Employment Visa
This work visa is perfect for foreign nationals employed by Indonesian companies, requiring a valid work contract and local employer sponsorship. This is also the most common way to legally work in Indonesia.
- Length of Stay: 180 days, extendable up to 2 years.
- Eligibility: Must have a work contract and an Indonesian employer as a sponsor.
- Cost: Approx. USD 150 + USD 2,400 for Dana Pengembangan Keahlian dan Keterampilan (DPKK) or the fee that Indonesian employers pay the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower for hiring foreign workers.
E28A Sponsored Investment KITAS
Another type of a multiple entry business visa but is applicable for those investors actively running businesses in Bali. This visa provides long-term residency for those directly engaged in Indonesian enterprises and is perfect for business operators seeking a stable base in Bali.
- Length of Stay: Visa is valid for 1 to 2 years. You have multiple entry permits to Bali during this time window but each visit lasts only 180 days.
- Eligibility: Expats investing in Indonesian businesses, with an initial investment of at least IDR 10,000,000,000 or USD 630,000 in the country.
- Cost: Approx. USD 910 + USD 150 visa processing fee (depending on the visa agent or sponsor).
E33 Second Home Visa
A premium option for wealthy expats, this visa enables semi-permanent residency, contingent on financial assets or investments. This is also best for high-net-worth individuals seeking a luxurious, long-term stay while also enjoying Indonesian local benefits such as overseeing renovations, managing rentals, buying properties as investments, and insurances.
- Length of Stay: Initial stay of 5 years and extendable for another 5 years depending on the investment or income requirements.
- Eligibility: Expats with real estate worth USD 1,000,000 with the right to use (Hak Pakai) and a minimum amount of IDR 2,000,000,000 or approximately USD 130,000 deposited in a local bank.
- Cost: Approximately USD 2830 + visa processing fee.
E33E Silver Hair Visa & E33F Retirement Visa (Golden Visa)
This visa applies for retirees aged 60 and above. E33E and E33F visas offer a relaxed residency option for those with sufficient financial means to support their lifestyle in Bali.
- Length of Stay: 1 year for E33E visa, and up to 5 years for E33F.
- Eligibility: Retirees aged 60+ with a bank account statement of at least USD 2000 balance and a proof of income of at least USD 3,000 per month. A statement of commitment that the applicant will deposit at least USD 50,000 in an account of his/her name in an Indonesian state-owned bank is also required.
- Cost: Approximately 820 USD + visa processing fee.
E33G KITAS Remote Worker Visa
This visa caters to digital nomads earning income from abroad, allowing them to live in Bali while working remotely legally. Specifically ideal for professionals in tech, writing, design, or other remote-friendly industries.
- Length of Stay: 1 year, extendable annually depending on your employment contract and income.
- Eligibility: Remote workers with a legal employment contract with a company registered outside of Indonesia and a yearly income of at least USD 60,000.
- Cost: Approx. USD 750 + USD 150 visa processing fee.
Note that for this visa type, you cannot sell any goods or services while staying in Bali and you cannot work for any Indonesian companies or entities where you can receive any form of compensation, wages, or favor. Noncompliance can lead to legal consequences, including fines, deportation, and other legal charges.
E31 Dependent KITAS
This visa is perfect for family members, such as spouses or children of KITAS or KITAP holders. It ensures dependents can live in Bali alongside their primary visa holder.
- Length of Stay: Matches the primary visa holder’s KITAS validity.
- Eligibility: Dependents of a KITAS holder.
- Cost: Approx. USD 500–700 annually.
E30A Student KITAS
This visa is the perfect option for international students relocating for education in Indonesia and their accompanying parents. It provides residency for the duration of the student’s program.
- Length of Stay: Depending on the duration of the study program (extendable annually).
- Eligibility: Students and parents sponsored by educational institutions. The students must present a letter of acceptance from an Indonesian school explaining the length of time the foreign student will be enrolled.
- Cost: Approx. USD 950 annually.
Diplomatic and Service Visa
This specialized visa supports foreign diplomats or government officials assigned to Bali for official missions.
- Length of Stay: Depends on the diplomatic mission or assignment.
- Eligibility: Diplomats or officials representing foreign governments.
- Cost: Typically waived.
KITAP: Permanent Stay Permit
The KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) is a permanent residency visa in Indonesia, ideal for those seeking long-term stability in the country. Unlike the KITAS, which requires frequent renewals, the KITAP offers a more enduring solution, allowing holders to reside in Indonesia indefinitely with minimal administrative upkeep.
- Eligibility:
- KITAS holders who meet the residency duration requirement of at least 3 years.
- Spouses of Indonesian citizens.
- Former Indonesian nationals or dual citizens.
- Family members of KITAP holders.
- Length of Stay: Indefinite, with a validity of 5 years and limitless extensions.
Cost: Usually at USD 2200, depending on processing fees and agents.
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For an easier look, here’s a table summarizing the visa options for tourists and expats visiting or staying in Bali:
| Category | Purpose | Duration | Eligibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
B1 Tourist Visa
|
Leisure, sightseeing, or short-term exploration
|
Up to 30 days, extendable for another 30 days (total 60 days)
|
Citizens of most countries
|
USD 35–50
|
|
B211A Visit Visa
|
Extended tourism
|
Up to 60 days, with 2 possible 60-day extensions (total 180 days)
|
Citizens of most countries |
USD 50–80
|
|
C6B Social/Cultural Visa
|
Cultural activities, family visits, or social events
|
Up to 60 days, with 4 possible 30-day extensions (total 6 months)
|
Requires a local sponsor (family, organization, or institution)
|
USD 50
|
|
KITAS: Limited Stay Permit
|
Temporary residency for work, family, retirement, or investment
|
1–2 years, depending on the type
|
Expats with work contracts, family reunifications, or retirement eligibility
|
Varies by type; generally USD 500–2,000
|
|
D12 Pre-Investment KITAS
|
Preparing to establish or operate a business in Bali
|
1–2 years with multiple entry; each visit limited to 180 days
|
Foreign investors exploring business opportunities
|
USD 1,200–2,000 annually
|
|
E23 Employment Visa
|
Employment in Indonesia
|
180 days, extendable up to 2 years
|
Requires a valid work contract and local employer sponsorship
|
USD 150 + USD 2,400 (DPKK fee)
|
|
E28A Sponsored Investment KITAS |
Residency for active investors
|
1–2 years with multiple entry; each visit limited to 180 days
|
Requires an investment of at least USD 630,000 (IDR 10,000,000,000)
|
USD 910 + USD 150 processing fee |
|
E33 Second Home Visa
|
Long-term residency for high-net-worth individuals
|
5 years, extendable for another 5 years
|
Requires USD 1,000,000 real estate (Hak Pakai) or USD 130,000 deposit in an Indonesian bank
|
USD 2,830 + processing fee
|
|
E33E Silver Hair Visa & E33F Retirement Visa
|
Relaxed residency for retirees
|
1 year (E33E) or 5 years (E33F)
|
Retirees aged 60+ with USD 2,000 balance and USD 3,000/month income; USD 50,000 deposit in an Indonesian bank
|
USD 820 + processing fee
|
|
E33G KITAS Remote Worker Visa
|
Legal residency for remote workers
|
1 year, extendable annually
|
Remote workers with legal contracts abroad and yearly income of at least USD 60,000
|
USD 750 + USD 150 processing fee
|
|
E31 Dependent KITAS
|
Residency for family members of KITAS or KITAP holders
|
Matches the validity of the primary KITAS holder
|
Dependents (spouse/children) of KITAS holders
|
USD 500–700 annually |
|
E30A Student KITAS
|
Residency for students and their accompanying parents
|
Duration of the educational program (extendable annually)
|
Students with acceptance letters from Indonesian schools and sponsorship from educational institutions
|
USD 950 annually
|
|
Diplomatic and Service Visa
|
Residency for diplomats or government officials
|
Varies based on the diplomatic mission
|
Diplomats or officials representing foreign governments
|
Typically waived
|
|
KITAP: Permanent Stay Permit
|
Long-term or permanent residency
|
5 years, extendable indefinitely
|
KITAS holders, spouses of Indonesian citizens, former nationals, or family members of KITAP holders
|
USD 2200
|
How to Apply for a Bali Visa?
No matter your status as a tourist or expat, the process to obtain a Bali visa will generally follow these steps:
- Determine Your Visa Type: Based on the purpose of your trip (tourism, business, long-term stay), choose the visa that suits your needs.
- Prepare Bali Visa Requirements: Most visa applications require a valid passport, proof of funds, passport-sized photos, bank and asset statements, employment records, and any sponsorship documents if applicable.
- Submit Visa Application: Applications can often be submitted online or through an Indonesian consulate or embassy, depending on the type of visa and the level of convenience you wish to have.
- Pay Fees: Be prepared to pay visa processing fees, which can vary depending on the visa type and your nationality. Remember that on top of the actual visa costs, online visa applications may come with a little higher fees, though it is more convenient.
Wait for Approval: Visa on Arrival’s typical wait time is usually around 15-30 minutes, which may be longer depending on the time of the day of your application or if you arrive the same time as other international flights. On the other hand, processing times for e-VoA can take 24–72 hours, so apply well in advance.
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FAQ
Working remotely while on a tourist visa or social/cultural visa is not officially allowed. You’ll need a KITAS Remote Worker Visa or other applicable permits to legally work remotely in Bali.
Some visas, like the Retirement Visa, may require proof of health insurance or a medical certificate. It's advisable to check specific health requirements for your chosen visa type.
In most cases, you cannot convert a tourist visa directly into a KITAS. You may need to leave the country and apply for a KITAS from an Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad.
Yes, overstaying your visa is a criminal offense, and it carries hefty fines (approximately IDR 1,000,000 per day) and may result in arrest and deportation if unresolved for an extended period.
Not all visas require a local sponsor. However, some, like the Social/Cultural Visa and KITAS, often require sponsorship from an individual or organization in Indonesia.
Choose the perfect visa for your stay!
Whether you’re visiting for a short vacation or planning to settle in Bali, understanding these Bali visa requirements is crucial for a smooth experience. Tourists can easily navigate the visa system with options like the Bali tourist visa, while expats have more complex options depending on their situation, such as the KITAS or KITAP. Whatever your plans, make sure you apply for the right visa to enjoy all that Bali has to offer, without any immigration hiccups!
Rasmus Holst is a serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder of COCO Development Group, where he helps drive innovation and growth through strategic business development. He is also the Co-Founder of Estate of Bali and Regnskabshelten.dk, Denmark’s fastest-growing accounting firm, which grew to 35 employees and generated $2.5M in turnover in 2023. Rasmus is passionate about building businesses that create long-term value and impact.
