Visas In Bali
Traveling to Bali is relatively easy, and getting a Bali Visa is pretty simple too. On the other hand, people who come here for business, family visits, governmental reasons, or work will have a bit more paperwork to do. Although I update this information whenever there is a change, it’s always best to check with Immigration.
Last but not least, If you are traveling to Papua or West Papua provinces, a travel permit known locally as a “Surat Jalan” is required. Check advisories before planning to come to these areas. Your safety in these areas are unpredictable and have a high risk of kidnapping. Political tensions linked with anti-government groups often lead to violence here.
Travel Tips
“Always check with the closest Indonesian embassy for up to date information prior to your trip.”
How to Apply for a Visa to Indonesia
Step 1
Go to the Indonesian Embassy website and select the type of visa that suits your travel plans. Choose from a tourist, business, social, journalist or research visa. Download and print out the appropriate application. Visa applications also may be picked up in person at consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Step 2
Fill out the application in its entirety and make a copy. You must supply a detailed itinerary, including flight information and a document confirming employment, retirement or student status. Information required for other types of visas is found on the embassy website.
Step 3
Apply for a single entry or multiple entry visa. Multiple entries allow visitors to enter Indonesia several times within one year, but for no longer than 60 days per visit.
Step 4
Prepare a packet with the applications, a U.S. passport with at least one blank page and validity for at least six months after arriving in Indonesia, and two recent passport-size photos. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if mailing your application.
Step 5
Purchase a money order for the application fee. In February 2011, single entry Indonesian visas cost $45 while multiple-entry required a $100 fee. Use cash only when applying for the visa in person at the consulate office.
Step 6
Apply in person at the consulate nearest your home address or mail your application. Visas require about three days for processing when applied for in person and three to five days when mailed. Travel to Indonesia within 90 days of obtaining the visa.
Visa on Arrival
Most U.S. tourists are eligible for a Visa on Arrival at Bali’s airport. This visa allows tourists to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days, with a possible extension of an additional 30 days. The requirements for this type of visa are: a passport with at least two blank pages that is valid for at least six months from the day you enter Indonesia, a return airline ticket and the visa processing fee. As of March 2011, the fee is $25 USD, payable in U.S. currency. According to Lonely Planet’s Indonesia guide, it is best if you have exact change for the customs and immigration guards.
Visitation Visa
Travelers who are planning to reenter Bali multiple times, or who are coming to the island for business, family visits, research, volunteering or journalism, must apply for a Visitation Visa. These visas are generally valid for either 30 or 60 days. Apply through the Embassy of Indonesia in person or via mail prior to traveling to Bali. Basic requirements include two passport-sized photos, a photocopy of your itinerary, proof of your employment status and a copy of your most-recent bank statement. Other requirements may apply for each type of visa; check with the embassy for current regulations. Fees are dependent on the length of your visa.
Limited Stay Visa
Limited Stay Visas are for travelers planning to stay on Bali for an extended period of time. This type of visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Indonesia for a period of up to two years. Requirements include at least one blank passport page, a passport valid for at least one year from the date of entry and two passport-sized photographs. Applicants may drop off their materials or mail them to the Embassy with a pre-paid return envelope.
Processing Times
The processing time for a Bali Visa on arrival is minimal; a separate line exists for these visas in the airport and most people won’t have to wait more than a few minutes. For Visitation and Limited Stay visas, the processing time can range between three to 15 days, depending on the nature of your travel to Bali. Hand-delivered applications will generally go through faster than mailed materials, with average processing times of about three days. Make applications in person at the embassy in Washington, D.C., or at a consular office in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago or New York City.
New regulations for overstaying visas in Indonesia
Previously, foreigners could be held in detention or refused permission to leave Indonesia until a fine of Rp 300,000, around US$21, per day was paid.
However, starting from 3rd May 2019, visitors who overstay their visa in Indonesia will face a daily fine of Rp 1,000,000, or roughly US$70, as per the Government Regulation No. 28 Year 2019.
Overstaying a visa in Indonesia for more than 60 days
Staying in Indonesia longer than your visa or entry permit allows is considered an overstay in Indonesia. There is an opportunity to pay a fine; however, the purpose of the regulation is not to provide an endless extension of your stay.
The difference between the legal consequences to someone who is overstaying less than 60 days and the one overstaying more than 60 days is simple. If you overstay less than 60 days you will receive a daily fine. However, if you have overstayed more than sixty days, you may face deportation, and even blacklisting.
Once you have overstayed more than 60 days, you will be questioned thoroughly by immigration officials. You will also no longer be welcome to re-enter the country for a certain time. Keep in mind that getting off the Indonesian blacklist isn’t an easy process. If you are already at this stage, it is always helpful to be humble and show regret about what has happened.