Bali, a tropical paradise in Indonesia, captivates travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm, welcoming locals. Whether you’re visiting for the serene beaches, vibrant nightlife, or cultural adventures, one important thing to sort out before your trip is its entry requirements.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Bali’s entry requirements, including visa details, the application process, tourist tax, and tips for a hassle-free experience. Are you ready? then let’s dive in!
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Do you need a Visa to visit Bali?
The answer depends on your nationality. If you’re from one of the countries listed under Indonesia’s Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA), you can enter Bali without a visa for up to 30 days. However, this exemption cannot be extended, and you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of a return ticket.
If your country isn’t on the Visa Exemption Arrangement list, don’t worry—you can still enter Bali using the Visa on Arrival (VOA). Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a temporary entry permit that allows travelers from eligible countries to visit Bali for tourism purposes. You can find the list of VOA-eligible countries on the official immigration website.
How to Apply for a Bali Visa Application: Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival is available in two ways:
- On Arrival at Bali Airport:
Once you land in Bali, you can apply for VOA directly at the immigration counter. Be prepared with:- A passport valid for at least six months
- Proof of a return ticket
- IDR 500,000 (approx. $35 USD) per person (cash is recommended as card payment machines can sometimes fail or run out of money).
- E-VOA (Apply Online):
Starting from 2022, the Visa on Arrival (VoA) can be applied for online to save time and avoid long queues. You can apply for an E-VoA online before arriving in Indonesia.
To apply, use Molina, the one and only official website of the Indonesian government for obtaining an electronic Visa-on-Arrival (E-VoA). DO NOT apply for an E-VoA on any other website.
For convenience, make sure to create a Molina account. This will simplify the process for future trips to Bali, as you won’t need to re-enter your details again. Your Molina account can be re-used for any future visits to Indonesia.
To complete the application process, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- A passport photo in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format.
- A valid email address.
- A return or onward ticket
After meeting these requirements, fill out the form accurately, and double-check that all the information is correct. Next, make your payment online (note: a 3% fee applies for credit card transactions). Once approved, your E-VoA will be emailed to you. Print it out and present it at immigration upon arrival. The VOA will valid for 30 days, with the option to extend it once for an additional 30 days.
Pro Tips:
Even though the E-VoA process is faster than other visa types, it is highly recommended to apply for the E-VoA before traveling to Indonesia. Foreign nationals can submit their E-VoA applications up to 90 days before their intended arrival in Indonesia.
What if you’re not included in the categories above, or if you want to stay longer?
Then, you can apply for a Tourist Visa B211A or B211B. For stays longer than 60 days or purposes beyond tourism, these visas are the ideal options!
- B211A: Suitable for family visits or vacations, valid for up to 180 days.
- B211B: Designed for business or work-related visits, valid for 60–180 days and extendable up to four times, with each extension valid for a maximum of 30 days.
Requirements for B211A and B211B:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Proof of sufficient funds ($2,000 minimum)
- Travel insurance
- A return or onward ticket
- Two portrait photos with a 4:6 ratio
- Supporting documents from a recognized institution (for B211B).
Applications must be submitted through visa-online.imigrasi.go.id.
How to Apply for a Bali Visa Application: Visa B211A and B211B.
First, go to visa-online.imigrasi.go.id, register and log in. Then, choose the type of visa you wish to apply for, fill in the required details, and upload the necessary documents. Afterward, complete the payment for PNBP (Non-Tax State Revenue) using the provided payment code. Ensure all data and documents are accurate, as payments are non-refundable if the application is rejected. If approved, your electronic visa will be sent via email to the guarantor or applicant listed in the application.
Bali custom declaration
Before entering Bali, you’ll need to complete the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD). A customs declaration is a notification to the authorities in charge of regulating and managing customs duties on goods brought into the country by travelers.This form can be filled out online at ecd.beacukai.go.id or via QR codes available at the airport. It’s recommended to complete this form two days before your arrival. Remember to fill out the form even If you don’t have goods to declare.
Tips: One family member can complete the form on behalf of all family members if traveling together.
What Can You Bring?
- Personal items such as clothing, bags, toiletries, and jewelry are allowed. You do not need to declare these items if they are for personal use and do not exceed a value of USD 250.
- Cash under IDR 100 million does not need to be declared. However, if it exceeds this amount, it must be reported. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to IDR 300 million.
- Bali allows you to bring alcohol, but the limit is 1 liter. If you bring more than this amount, you will need to pay customs duty.
- Tobacco is allowed for personal use, but the limits are 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 100 grams of tobacco.
- Electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are allowed, but the limit is 2 items each person. But, If your visit exceeds 3 months, these items must be declared.
- Chinese medicine is prohibited, but other medications are allowed as long as you bring a prescription and declare them.
What You Cannot Bring?
- Narcotics: Narcotics are illegal in Indonesia, even in small quantities. This includes narcotics, marijuana, and psychotropic substances.
- Weapons: Any weapons, including firearms, ammunition, and explosives, are prohibited.
- Certain items, such as plants, animals, and historical artifacts, may also be restricted, so you need to be aware.
Bali Tourism Tax
Starting February 2024, Bali has introduced a Tourist Tax of IDR 150,000 (around $10 USD). This small fee helps support the island’s tourism initiatives. Make sure to set aside cash for this payment before heading to Bali.
Cheat Sheet for a Smooth Entry
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- Carry proof of a return or onward ticket.
- Use only official government websites for visa applications to avoid scams.
- Apply for your visa and complete the customs declaration form before departure for a hassle-free experience.
Finally, your ultimate guide to Bali’s visa and entry requirements is complete. With all this knowledge, you’re one step closer to exploring Bali’s mesmerizing beauty. However, remember to double-check the information, as the guidelines above may become outdated over time. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get ready to go!