Bali, a tropical paradise celebrated for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, is a dream destination for many travelers worldwide. No wonder that Bali is a popular destination for Australians, making it essential to understand the visa requirements for a smooth journey.Below is a comprehensive overview of visa options for Australians traveling to Bali.
Many Australians are likely wondering, ‘Do I need a visa to visit Bali?’. The short answer is yes. But there’s really nothing to worry about. Depending on your goals and the duration of your stay there are plenty of options. And certainly anyone can find the one that suits them. Australia has several visa options for those wishing to travel to Indonesia, whether for tourism, business, or other purposes. Below are the main types of visas available to Australians.
Does Bali, Indonesia need visa in general? Do Australians need a visa for Bali? What type of visa to choose? Let’s look at the options and find it out!
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
If you need a visa to visit Bali for a short time, your first choice should be a visa on arrival. This visa allows Australians to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days, giving a total maximum stay of 60 days.
The fee for the Visa on Arrival is approximately 500,000 IDR (about AUD 50).
Application Process: This visa can be obtained at designated immigration checkpoints upon arrival at Bali or other Indonesian airports.
Requirements: You must have a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity), proof of onward travel, and the visa fee.
Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA)
Alternatively, you can obtain an Electronic Visa-on-Arrival (e-VoA) in advance. There are two types of e-VoA, one valid for 30 days with an option of a 30-day extension, and another valid directly for 60 days. This option is ideal for avoiding long queues at the airport.
You can apply and pay for the electronic visa on arrival in Indonesia (eVOA) in advance on the immigration service website. Alternatively, you can do it directly at the airport by filling out a form or asking the staff at the special eVOA counter for assistance. Payment can be made by card or in cash. Holders of this visa can use automatic gates, which will help speed up the border control process after arrival. The cost of this visa for 30 days is 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (around AUD 50).
❗️Additionally, upon their arrival, tourists must complete the Electronic Custom Declaration form. As of 2024, all tourists entering Bali on Visa-on-Arrival must also pay the tax- an additional IDR 150,000 (around AUD 15). The goal of the tax is to support the preservation of Balinese culture, traditions and the natural environment.
Long-term visas
Electronic Tourist Visa C1 (formerly B211)
The electronic tourist visa C1 (previously known as B211 until 2024) is issued for 60 days. You can apply for it independently on the website, but a sponsor is required. The cost of this visa is 1,500,000 IDR (about AUD 145). The visa can be obtained from outside the country (offshore visa). The application process is conducted electronically and does not require a visit to the consulate.
There are different types of social visas depending on the purpose of your visit, which can be either a tourist visa or a business visa.
The electronic social visa with a single entry is issued for 60 days and is canceled upon departure. You can make two extensions, each for an additional 60 days, but the total duration of stay in the country on this visa must not exceed 180 days. This means that after two extensions, you must leave the country. Please note: you cannot work on this visa.
If you are applying for the visa through an agency, you will only need your international passport and payment for the visa. The company's staff will prepare all the documents for you. Additionally, if you leave Indonesia for another country, this visa will be canceled. Typically, there are no restrictions on the number of social visas that can be obtained consecutively.
Multiple Entry D Visas
Visas with the index D are issued for a long duration (usually for 1 year or more) and grant the holder the right to multiple entries and exits from Indonesia. These visas are an excellent alternative to KITAS for those who want to live in Bali for an extended period and prefer to handle visa matters without complications.
Multiple Entry Business or Tourist Visas D1, D2
These visas are issued for one, two, or five years and allow for unlimited entries and exits from Indonesia throughout the validity period.
This visa is suitable for those who plan to travel between Bali and other countries within a year. It is convenient because you won’t need to apply for a new visa for each entry or extend it every time.
There is a nuance: with these visas, you can stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days at a time, after which you must leave the country (you can return at any time) or extend the permitted stay at the immigration office. Extensions can be done twice for 60 days each.
Multiple Entry D12 Visa (Pre-Investor Visa)
This is a multiple entry business visa that is issued for 1 or 2 years. It is specifically designed for those who plan to open a business in Indonesia in the future but want to explore the market and lay the groundwork first. This visa cannot be obtained for children.
Requirements:
- A bank statement in English for the last 3 months with a minimum balance of $5,000 or an equivalent amount.
- An invitation/official letter from government agencies or a local company confirming cooperation with the applicant.
To apply through an agency, you only need a photo of your passport.
The D12 visa offers more favorable conditions than the D1 and D2 visas; it allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 180 days per visit, with the right to extend for another 180 days.
❗️The visa becomes valid from the date of issuance, and the 180-day period is counted from the day of arrival.
Limited Stay Visas E (KITAS)
Residence Visa (KITAS/KITAP). This is the long-term stay visa. This visa can be complex to acquire and might change your legal and tax situation. It is valid from 6 months to 1 year (KITAS) and up to 5 years (KITAP).
If you’re considering the Residence Visas (KITAS/KITAP), then you either have to be married to an Indonesian citizen, or be an investor, director or commissioner in an Indonesian Company, or planning to retire in Indonesia.
Applying for KITAS on your own is quite time-consuming and expensive (around AUD 2,000). For example, for the “Second Home” visa (Investor Visa) foreigners must have an "immigration guarantee" — a specific amount of funds or property classified as "luxury categories." You would also need to show a proof of funds in the form of an account belonging to the foreigner or a guarantor with a balance of at least 2,000,000,000.00 Indonesian rupiah (two billion rupiah) or an equivalent amount.
The vast majority of foreigners applying for a visa prefer to seek assistance from visa agencies. Nowadays, when the Bali visa market is flooded with all kinds of agencies, including fly-by-night agencies, a wise decision would be to turn to a reliable and well-established one. For obtaining and renewing Indonesian visas, we recommend the agency Legal Indonesia. This is an official company that processes visas, and they can be trusted.
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