The beautiful Indonesian island of a Bali is among a most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Every year, countless tourists visit Bali to enjoy its stunning beaches, dense rainforest, Hindu culture, and friendly locals. However, visiting Bali also needs the appropriate paperwork and respect to regional visa laws and regulations. This blog will provide all the necessary information about Bali visa requirements to help travellers plan their trip smoothly.
Eligibility for Visa on Arrival in Bali
Citizens of over 160 countries are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival when entering Bali through its international airports. The 30-day validity of the arrival visa cannot be extended. Major nations whose nationals are qualified for Bali visas on arrival include:
- Australia
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong and Macau SARs)
- European Union countries
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- United States
Travelers from eligible countries need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Indonesia. They also need to provide one recent passport size photograph and pay the visa fee of IDR 500,000 or approximately USD 35 upon arrival in Bali.
Requirements for Visa
Citizens of several countries are required to apply for an eVisa or visa in advance before traveling to Bali. This includes countries like:
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
Travelers from these countries need to apply for an eVisa at the official Indonesian eVisa portal at least 7 days before the date of travel. They need to fill an online application form, upload required documents like passport scan and photograph, and pay the visa processing fee. Once approved, they can print the eVisa approval letter to travel to Bali.
Visa Requirements for Long Term Stays
For stays longer than 30 days in Bali, travelers need to convert their visa into appropriate long term visa categories within their visa validity period. Some of the popular long term visa options in Bali include:
- Social Cultural Visa: For activities like study, teaching, research. Valid for 6-12 months as well as can be extended.
- Retirement Visa: For retirees aged minimum 55 years. Initial visa is for 1 year and renewable.
- Business Visa: For self-employment or working with a company in Bali. Initial visa is for 1 year.
The application process for long term visas involves medical checkup, police clearance, proof of funds and other documents. It is advisable to apply for extension at least 1 month before the current visa expires. Overstaying can attract heavy fines or even deportation.
Visa Requirements for Specific Activities
Bali has some additional visa requirements for certain activities like diving, medical tourism, volunteering etc.
- Diving Visa: Required for multiple or consecutive dives. Can be obtained by converting normal visa.
- Medical Tourism Visa: For those coming to Bali specifically for medical treatments. Valid for 3 months.
- Volunteering Visa: Required for volunteering stints longer than 30 days. Organization assists with application.
It is important for travellers to be aware of any special visa rules applicable for their planned activities in Bali to avoid complications during entry or stay. Consulting a local immigration lawyer is also advisable for complex visa cases.
Conclusion
With its stunning beauty and cultural richness, Bali continues to attract millions of global visitors every year. Adhering to the Indonesian government’s visa rules and application procedures discussed in this guide will help travellers enjoy their Bali experience without any immigration hassles. Proper planning and documentation are key to a relaxing and fulfilling tropical getaway in this idyllic Indonesian island. Consider utilizing a multicurrency travel card to facilitate convenient financial transactions during your visit.
