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Feeling confused about Bali’s new visa rules and entry fees? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
With so many changes, it’s easy to get mixed up about which visa to choose for Bali holiday, what forms to complete, and how to handle the payments.
But here’s the good news: these updates, including the new tourism levy and digital arrival card, are meant to make things simpler. They streamline your entry while also supporting Bali’s culture and natural beauty.
Once you understand them, you’re already on your way to a stress-free holiday.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the regulations and Bali holiday visa, step-by-step. Check it out!
Key Takeaways
- New entry rules 2025: All visitors must pay the Bali Tourism Levy (IDR 150,000) and complete the digital All Indonesia Arrival Card before arrival.
- Visa choices for holiday in Bali: VoA/e-VoA is best for short trips up to 60 days, while the C1 Tourist Visa allows stays up to 180 days with more requirements.
- Since June 2025, biometric checks (fingerprints + photo) are required at immigration offices. It’s better to start extensions at least 2 weeks early.
- Important rules: No overstays (fine IDR 1,000,000/day), no working for Indonesian companies on tourist visas, and visa-free entry is limited to 30 days max.
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Bali’s New Entry Essentials: What You MUST Know
Do you need a visa to holiday in Bali? Yes, absolutely.
But in recent years, the travel regulations have changed here. International visitors to Bali now face two new mandatory requirements that must be completed before arrival.
Trust us, sorting these out before you fly will save you time, stress, and a major headache at the airport:
1. The Bali Tourism Levy
As of February 2024, every international tourist arriving in Bali must pay a one-time tourism levy of IDR 150,000 (that’s about $10 USD or $15 AUD).
This fee goes directly toward projects that protect Bali’s unique culture and pristine natural environment, so it’s for a great cause.
We strongly recommend paying this online before your trip via the official “Love Bali” website or app to avoid any delays upon arrival.
2. All Indonesia Arrival Card
Starting in late 2025, the new All Indonesia Arrival Card is a mandatory digital form that replaces the old e-Customs Declaration and the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. You must fill this out online within 72 hours before your flight lands in Indonesia.
It’s a simple, unified system designed to streamline the whole arrival process, and you can find the official form at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id.
Read More: Second Home Visa: A Must Have for Long-Term Stay in Bali
Choosing Your Holiday Visa Bali: VoA vs. C1 Tourist Visa
Now for the main event: picking the right holiday visa. Your choice really comes down to one thing: how long you plan to stay in Bali.
Your two main options are the Visa on Arrival (VoA) for shorter trips and the C1 Tourist Visa for longer stays.
1. The Visa on Arrival (VoA/e-VoA): For Stays Up to 60 Days
When visited Bali for a quick trip, the Visa on Arrival it the way to go. It’s perfect for travellers who want a straightforward, no-fuss option for a standard holiday.
It’s available to citizens from over 90 countries, and you can get it either at the airport when you land or apply for it online beforehand as an e-VoA to save time.
- Cost: IDR 500,000 (around $35 USD).
- Duration: You get an initial 30 days, which you can extend one time for another 30 days, giving you a maximum total stay of 60 days.
- Requirements: A passport with at least six months of validity and proof of an onward or return ticket.
- Pros: Super convenient for short holidays, minimal paperwork, and a relatively low upfront cost.
- Cons: Strictly limited to a 60-day maximum stay. If you fall in love with Bali and want to stay longer, you’ll have to leave the country and return.
2. The C1 Tourist Visa (ex-B211A): Your Ticket to a 180-Day Bali Adventure
For those who dream to stay longer in bali, maybe you’re a remote worker or just want to explore every corner of the island, the C1 Tourist Visa is your best option.
This is the visa we recommend to foreigner who want the full Bali experience. It allows you to stay for up to 180 days without leaving the country.
This visa is designed for tourism, social visits, or attending business meetings, but remember, you cannot work for or earn money from any Indonesian company on this visa.
- Cost: The official government fee is IDR 1,000,000 for the initial 60-day visa.
- Duration: You get 60 days upfront, and you can extend it twice, with each extension granting another 60 days. This brings your total possible stay to 180 days.
- Requirements: Besides a valid passport and flight details, you’ll need to provide a personal bank statement from the last three months showing a minimum balance of USD $2,000 to prove you can support yourself during your stay.
- Pros: The longest possible stay on a tourist visa, giving you plenty of time to explore Bali and beyond. It’s the best option for digital nomads and long-term travelers.
- Cons: Requires more documentation and a higher financial proof upfront. The application process is more involved than the simple VoA.
Read More: Indonesia Bridging Visa for a Longer Stay in Bali: Full Tutorial to Apply
The Visa Extension Process: The New Biometric Rule
Extending your holiday visa Bali used to be a bit simpler, but there’s a new rule you need to know about.
Starting in June 2025, anyone extending a visa or stay permit must visit a local immigration office in person for biometric verification. This means they will take your fingerprints and a new photo.
One of our friends from the Netherlands once visited Bali and went through this process. She found that although it adds an extra step, it’s actually a simple security measure.
Our advice is to start your extension process at least two weeks before your current visa expires to ensure everything is processed smoothly. You can handle it yourself or use a reputable visa agent to guide you for more seamless process.
Important Rules & Regulations to Remember
To keep your Bali trip happy and hassle-free, always keep these rules in mind:
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens from 13 countries, including all ASEAN member states, can enter Indonesia visa-free. However, this is strictly for short tourist visits of a maximum of 30 days and is non-extendable. If you enter visa-free, you must leave on or before the 30th day.
Overstay Penalties
This is one rule you don’t want to break. Overstaying your visa in Indonesia comes with a hefty fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day. It can also lead to more serious consequences, so always keep a close eye on your visa’s expiration date.
Working on a Holiday Visa
We can’t stress this enough: it is strictly illegal to perform any kind of paid work for an Indonesian company or client on a holiday visa.
The C1 visa is great for remote workers whose clients are based outside of Indonesia, but earning an income locally will get you in serious trouble.
Read More: Indonesia’s Golden Visa: Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion: Which Bali Holiday Visa is Right for You?
So, after breaking it all down, what type of visa for holiday in Bali should you choose?
For a classic two-week to one-month vacation, the Visa on Arrival (VoA/e-VoA) is the best option. It’s fast, easy, and gives you up to 60 days to enjoy the island’s magic.
However, if you’re planning a deep dive into Balinese culture, want to work remotely, or simply wish to escape for a longer period, the C1 Tourist Visa is hands-down the best choice. The ability to stay for up to 180 days is a game-changer.
No matter which you choose, don’t forget to pay your Bali Tourism Levy and complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card before you fly. A little planning goes a long way, taking care of these essentials ensures a smooth arrival, so you can kick off your Bali adventure the moment you step off the plane.
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FAQ
1. Is it better to get a Bali visa online or at the airport?
The e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) is very convenient. When I used it, the e-gates were fast and easy, and I cleared the airport in about an hour after landing—even with the wait for luggage.
2. Can I get a Bali tourist visa online?
Yes, you can. You’ll need to apply for an e-VOA at least 48 hours before your flight. The application, along with the arrival card, can be completed through the official All Indonesia website under the “Travel” section.
3. How many days before should we apply for a Bali visa?
If you plan to stay beyond 60 days, you must apply for a C-Type (211A) Visit Visa before arriving in Bali. It’s valid for 60 days and can be extended twice, giving you a maximum of 180 days before you must leave the country.
4. What documents are required for a Bali visa on arrival?
To get a VoA, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months, proof of an onward or return flight, and evidence of sufficient funds. The visa is issued directly at the airport, making it a simple option for most travelers.
5. How long do Bali e-visas take to process?
Processing time depends on the service you choose:
- Standard option usually takes 10–14 working days after payment and submission.
- Express option is faster, taking around 5–7 working days.
