How to Apply for a Bali Visa: Complete Guide Under the New 2023 Regulation
How to Apply for a Bali Visa: Current Rules and Visa Types for 2025
Since August 2023, Indonesia has updated its entry regulations for foreign nationals. As of late 2025, these changes remain in effect and are important for tourists, investors, families, and anyone planning to work or live in Bali. This article provides comprehensive information on available visas, updated requirements, and online application methods. We'll also cover the new regulations introduced by Ministry of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 22 of 2023, which implemented digital and simplified application procedures.
Contents
- What's Changed in Indonesia's Visa Regulations?
- Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)
- Second Home Visa
- Social-Cultural Visa (B211A)
- Business Visa (Single Entry, B211A)
- Work Visa (KITAS with Work Permit)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Choose the Right Visa: Summary
What's Changed in Indonesia's Visa Regulations?
In August 2023, Regulation No. 22/2023 was enacted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights and came into force on August 24. Key updates include:
- e-VOA became available online prior to arrival;
- The "Second Home Visa" was introduced, targeting investors and affluent expats;
- Visa extension and category switching were simplified without the need to leave the country;
- Digital processes for applications and migration registration reduced paperwork significantly.
As of the end of 2025, these rules are still in effect across Bali and all of Indonesia.
Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)
What is the e-VOA?
The Electronic Visa on Arrival is a pre-approved digital visa that can be obtained online before traveling. It replaces the traditional VOA and speeds up the immigration process.
Who is the e-VOA for?
This visa is available to citizens of 97 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, EU nations, the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. It’s ideal for:
- Tourism and leisure stays up to 60 days;
- Short-term business activities (meetings, seminars, site visits);
- Visiting friends or family (without a formal invitation).
Conditions and Validity
- Initial validity: up to 30 days;
- Extension: one-time extension for 30 days (total stay of 60 days);
- Fees: IDR 500,000 (~$32 as of late 2025);
- Where to Apply: molina.imigrasi.go.id.
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months at entry;
- Return or onward flight ticket;
- Color photograph (not always required).
Important: Getting the visa in advance electronically is not mandatory, but highly recommended to save time and reduce the risk of entry denial.
Second Home Visa
Introduced in 2023, the Second Home Visa is a long-term temporary stay permit for foreign nationals wishing to live in Bali for 5 years or more, without engaging in employment.
Who is it for?
- Foreigners wanting to live in Bali long-term without working;
- Retirees, entrepreneurs, and investors;
- Families planning permanent residency.
Key Features:
- Duration: 5 or 10 years (selectable upon application);
- Type of stay permit: KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit with no work rights);
- No employment rights granted.
How to Obtain the Second Home Visa?
Applicants must fulfill one of the following requirements:
- Place a deposit of at least IDR 2 billion (~$128,000) in an Indonesian bank; or
- Purchase property valued at $1 million or more. The property must have verifiable market value and long-term ownership rights.
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 3 years;
- Supporting documents: bank certificate or property purchase agreement;
- Photo (4×6 cm);
- Family composition certificate (for dependents);
- Proof of familial relationships (if applying with family).
Applications are submitted via the official immigration portal.
Social-Cultural Visa (Visa Sosial Budaya B211A)
This visa type is suitable for extended stays related to cultural exchange, local community engagement, family support visits, and similar non-commercial activities.
Who is it for?
- Foreigners visiting friends or long-term partners;
- Those participating in cultural events or field studies;
- Individuals residing temporarily with a local sponsor (person or organization).
Visa Conditions:
- Initial validity: 60 days;
- Extension: up to 180 days if criteria are met;
- Mandatory: a local sponsor in Indonesia is required.
Applications can be submitted online or through an Indonesian consulate prior to arrival.
Business Visa (Single-Entry B211A)
Used for short-term business visits to Bali, like attending conferences, meeting partners, or market research.
Conditions:
- Valid for up to 60 days with possible extension to 180 days;
- Paid employment is prohibited;
- Sponsor and purpose of visit must be provided.
Suitable for solo entrepreneurs as well as corporate representatives.
Work Visa in Indonesia (KITAS with Work Permit)
If your goal is to be officially employed in Indonesia, including Bali, you’ll need a work visa that includes the following:
- KITAS – Temporary Stay Permit (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas);
- IMTA – Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower.
Key Requirements:
- An Indonesian employer must act as your sponsor.
- Visa validity: 6 or 12 months, renewable;
- All paperwork is handled through your sponsoring company.
This visa requires an employment contract and payment of the government's manpower placement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I extend my e-VOA in Bali?
Yes, the e-VOA can be extended once for 30 days. Extensions can be processed online via molina.imigrasi.go.id or at any immigration office in Bali.
Can I work under the Second Home Visa?
No. The Second Home Visa does not grant the right to engage in paid employment. A Work KITAS with IMTA is required for that.
How much does a Bali visa cost?
It depends on the visa type:
- e-VOA – around $32;
- B211A – from $50 to $150;
- Second Home – no government fee, but investment or deposit required;
- Work KITAS – from $600 to $1000 (including agency fees and government charges).
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Yes, if you apply for a regular VOA. However, priority is given to e-VOA, which is recommended to be secured in advance – at least 3–5 working days before travel.
Where can I apply for an Indonesian visa?
Most applications can be submitted online through the official Molina platform. For B211A types, accredited agents are also available.
How to Choose the Right Visa: Summary
Your choice of visa depends on your purpose:
- Tourism up to 60 days: go for the e-VOA;
- Long stay without employment: Second Home Visa;
- Looking to work: Work KITAS;
- Visiting for business or events: Business Visa B211A;
- Volunteering or visiting friends: Social B211A Visa.
As of 2025, most visas can be obtained remotely without visiting a consulate. Nonetheless, it’s essential to carefully check requirements for each visa category and prepare all documents in advance. For complex cases like investment visas, consulting a licensed migration agent is recommended.
