Where to Travel for a Bali Visa Run: Part 2

A visa run doesn’t always have to mean taking the shortest possible flight out of Indonesia and returning to Bali the next day. If you have a little more time, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong are all worth considering. Each comes with different entry requirements, flight options and travel costs.

Some work well for a quick two-day trip, while others make much more sense if you stay a few days and turn the visa run into a short holiday.

The length of your trip largely depends on the visa you plan to use when returning to Indonesia. If you are coming back on a Visa on Arrival or another short-term visa, 1–3 days abroad may be enough.

For visas that require approval before entering Indonesia, it is safer to allow at least 7–10 days. Processing can occasionally take longer, so booking a return flight with very little flexibility is not recommended.

The Philippines can be one of the easiest options for a visa run from Bali, particularly for travelers whose passports qualify for visa-free entry. There are direct flights from Denpasar to Manila, with a flight time of around four hours.

Citizens of many European countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Entry requirements generally include a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket and a completed eTravel form, which can be submitted within 72 hours before arrival.

Visa-free periods and entry requirements vary by nationality, so it is important to check the rules for your passport before booking.

For travelers eligible for visa-free entry, 1–2 days in Manila can be enough for a quick visa run.

Sri Lanka is an interesting option if you want to combine a visa run with a short trip, although the journey is less convenient than flying to the Philippines or Vietnam because there are no direct flights from Bali.

Entry requirements depend on nationality and may include obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Visa policies and fees have changed several times in recent years, so travelers should check the current requirements for their passport before flying.

Flights from Bali usually involve a connection in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Bangkok, with total travel time often around 8–9.5 hours.

Because of the longer journey, flying to Sri Lanka for just one day rarely makes sense. Allowing 2–4 days gives you enough time for the visa run while also making the trip worthwhile.

Vietnam is one of the more affordable visa-run destinations from Bali. Direct flights connect Denpasar with Ho Chi Minh City, low-cost fares are often available, and accommodation and everyday expenses can be relatively inexpensive.

Visa rules vary considerably depending on nationality. Citizens of a number of European countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for short stays, while other travelers may need to obtain an e-visa before departure.

For those who require one, Vietnam offers electronic visas for stays of up to 90 days, including single- and multiple-entry options.

The direct flight from Denpasar to Ho Chi Minh City takes around four hours, making Vietnam a practical choice for a 2–3 day visa run.

Hong Kong combines relatively straightforward entry procedures for many nationalities with direct flights from Bali.

Many European passport holders can visit Hong Kong without obtaining a visa in advance, although the permitted length of stay depends on nationality. Travelers may also be asked to show an onward or return ticket and evidence that they have sufficient funds for their stay.

Direct flights from Denpasar take around five hours. For a visa run, 2–3 days is usually a practical amount of time. Staying longer can make the trip considerably more expensive, particularly because accommodation in Hong Kong tends to cost more than in many other popular visa-run destinations in Asia.

Hong Kong is also a major international aviation hub, making it easy to combine a visa run with an onward flight or a longer trip elsewhere in Asia.

Whichever destination you choose, the most important thing is to know which visa you will use to re-enter Indonesia. If your visa requires advance approval, it must be issued before your return flight.

Your passport also plays an important role when choosing a destination. Visa-free access, permitted length of stay and entry requirements vary significantly between nationalities, including among European countries. Temporary visa programs and exemptions can also change with relatively little notice.

Legal Indonesia can assist with Indonesian tourist and other visas and help estimate how much time you should allow for your visa run based on the visa you are applying for. It is best to do this before purchasing your return ticket, so your travel dates leave enough flexibility for processing.

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