Visa Rule Updates in Bali: What Changed in 2025
Visa Regulations in Bali: What's New in 2025 and How to Choose the Right Option
Starting in 2025, Indonesia has updated its visa regulations, simplifying the process for both entry and long-term stay—particularly benefiting travelers, freelancers, investors, and expats planning to move to Bali. The new rules introduced more electronic visa formats, streamlined application procedures, and even free options for citizens of select countries. In this article, we’ll break down the key changes, available visa categories, and who they are best suited for.
1. Entering Bali in 2025: What Has Changed
Since early 2025, new visa policies are in effect for both short-term and long-term stays:
- Free Visa on Arrival (VOA) is now available for several countries, including Singapore, Thailand, and others (see full list below).
- The electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) system is now mandatory for most foreign nationals.
- Long-stay visa options have been updated, including a pilot program for a Digital Nomad Visa.
- Travel insurance is no longer required but is still strongly recommended.
These changes aim to better structure entry and support various categories of foreigners—tourists, digital nomads, expats, and investors.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Now Free for 10 Countries
Indonesia has retained the 30-day VOA policy, but as of 2025, it’s free for citizens of the following nations:
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Brunei
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Papua New Guinea
Travelers from these countries can now enter Indonesia for free without prior visa arrangements. However, there are limitations:
- Stay is limited to 30 days, with no extensions or status changes permitted.
- This visa is strictly for tourism purposes (not valid for work or study).
Citizens of other countries may still obtain the standard VOA for 500,000 IDR (~32 USD), which can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
3. Electronic Visa (eVOA): Now Required in Advance
In 2025, the electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) has become the preferred—and for many, required—option for entering Indonesia. It is suitable for most foreign nationals, including those from CIS countries.
Key highlights:
- Must be applied for prior to arrival via the official website molina.imigrasi.go.id.
- Processing takes between 24–72 hours and requires uploading a passport, photograph, and paying a fee.
- You receive confirmation via email and present the QR code upon arrival.
🔹 Tip: eVOA is the best choice for those looking to skip long queues at the airport and ensure smooth entry.
4. Long-Stay Visas: What to Choose If You’re Relocating or Working Remotely
If you’re planning to stay in Bali for more than a few months, several visa types are available in 2025. Choosing the appropriate type depends on your intended purpose.
| Visa Type | Target Audience | Validity | Extension | Work Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D12 | Retirees, relocators, non-working individuals | 1–2 years | Yes | No |
| ITAS (Employment) | Employed professionals | 6 months – 2 years | Yes | Yes |
| ITAS (Investor) | Foreign investors, business owners | 1–5 years | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Nomad Visa (in pilot phase) | Freelancers, remote workers | Expected to be 1 year | Planned | Yes, with proof of remote income |
🎯 Note: The D12 visa is ideal for living in Bali without engaging in work. It does not grant employment rights but allows stays of up to 180 days per visit and can be extended. However, D12 does not offer a direct path to a Stay Permit/KITAS—it requires a separate process.
5. What Freelancers, Investors, and Relocators Need to Know
If you’re moving to Bali for the long term, consider the following:
💻 Remote Workers / Digital Nomads
A full-fledged Digital Nomad Visa is still pending, with official launch expected by mid-2025. In the meantime, consider an investor-based ITAS or a standard visa with regular renewals.
🏠 Investors
The investor ITAS requires opening a business in Indonesia or investing in an existing company. Minimum investment is 140 million IDR for small business activities.
📦 Relocators
Best options are a D12 or a sponsored ITAS (via an agency or employer). You’ll gain access to a bank account, long-term property rental rights, and legal residency.
6. Health Insurance: Not Mandatory, But Strongly Advised
While health insurance is no longer a requirement to enter Indonesia as of 2025, it is still highly recommended.
Bali does not include foreigners in its public healthcare system. Treatment at private clinics such as BIMC, Siloam, and International Medical Centre can cost millions of rupiah—especially in case of hospitalization.
It’s better to have:
- Travel insurance covering EUR 100,000–200,000
- or an international policy (e.g., Allianz, Cigna, IMG) if you're a freelancer or relocator
7. Choosing the Right Visa Format: Common Scenarios
✔️ Visiting for a 2–3 week holiday?
Use the VOA (if you’re from an eligible country) or apply for the eVOA online. Nothing more is needed.
✔️ Frequently traveling to Bali while working remotely?
Consider the D12 or wait for the Digital Nomad Visa (expected by end of 2025). Avoid using tourist visas for long stays.
✔️ Looking to invest in property or a business?
Go for the investor ITAS. It grants a Stay Permit/KITAS for 1–5 years and the right to conduct business.
✔️ Relocating without the intention to work?
D12 is an ideal option. It can be extended and allows long-term living in Bali without breaching immigration rules.
Conclusion: Bali is Becoming More Accessible and Transparent for Foreigners
Indonesia has made considerable strides in simplifying the visa process in 2025. Entry and stay formats are now clearer for different types of foreigners, digital systems are more accessible, and visa policies have become more predictable.
Whether you’re visiting, relocating, or investing in Bali—be sure to choose your visa type in advance and apply online. It will save you time and help avoid surprises at immigration.
