How Long Can You Stay in Bali: What Are The Visa Options?

Bali’s pristine beaches and vibrant culture draw you in, but visa regulations determine how long you can actually stay. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or considering an extended tropical adventure, understanding your visa options is essential. You might qualify for a simple visa-free entry or need a more complex digital nomad arrangement. The right choice depends on your passport, purpose, and planned duration—and making the wrong one could cut your paradise experience unexpectedly short.

Key Points

• Visitors can stay in Bali for 30 days visa-free (ASEAN citizens only) or with a Visa on Arrival (extendable to 60 days).
• Single-Entry Tourist Visa allows up to 180 days total stay with two 60-day extensions beyond the initial 60 days.
• Multiple-Entry Visit Visas permit frequent entries over 1-5 years, with each stay lasting up to 60 days (extendable).
• Digital Nomad/Business Visas allow 60-180 day stays for remote workers with proper documentation and sponsorship.
• All visa extensions require advance planning, proper documentation, and in some cases, sponsor letters or visa agent assistance.

Visa-Free Entry: The 30-Day Tourist Option

While many travelers hope for hassle-free entry to Bali, the visa-free option is surprisingly limited to citizens of ASEAN nations and Timor-Leste only.

Despite Bali’s popularity, visa-free entry is exclusively reserved for ASEAN members and Timor-Leste travelers.

If you’re from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, or Timor-Leste, you’ll qualify for automatic 30-day entry.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. You’ll need proof of onward travel when entering. This visa-free stay cannot be extended beyond the initial 30 days. It’s important to start your application at least one month before your planned travel date to avoid any delays.

This option is strictly for tourism or family visits—no business activities allowed.

Visa on Arrival (VOA): Extending Your Paradise Stay

For many international visitors to Bali, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) offers the perfect balance between convenience and flexibility. You’ll receive 30 days initially for about $32 USD, payable at the airport upon landing. All you need is a passport valid for 6+ months and proof of onward travel.

Want to stay longer? You can extend once for another 30 days, giving you a maximum 60-day stay. The extension process requires submitting your original passport, photos, proof of accommodation, and onward ticket at immigration offices in Denpasar, Jimbaran, or Singaraja. If you’re planning to explore Bali’s famous Uluwatu surf spots, consider staying near the immigration office in Jimbaran to simplify your visa extension process.

You’ll pay another IDR 500,000 and undergo biometrics, with processing taking 10-14 days. For convenience, many travelers choose to use trusted visa agents who can handle the paperwork and reduce the number of immigration office visits required.

Single-Entry Tourist Visa: Planning for a Longer Bali Experience

Looking to learn about Bali for more than just a quick holiday? The single-entry tourist visa (C211A) is your ticket to a more extended stay. Available to all nationalities, it initially grants you 60 days and can be extended twice—each time adding another 60 days—for a total of 180 days in paradise.

You’ll need to apply online or through an Indonesian embassy before your trip. Remember to plan your extensions about a week before your visa expires. Each extension comes with additional fees, typically payable in local currency or USD. While in Bali, make sure to visit Ubud’s cultural center for a truly authentic Balinese experience.

Important: Once you leave Indonesia, your visa is cancelled. This visa is also known as the C-Type Visa in official documentation. You can’t work or volunteer on this visa, but you’re free to explore all of Indonesia’s islands during your stay.

Multiple-Entry Visit Visa: For Frequent Bali Travelers

If you’re constantly shuttling between Bali and other destinations, the Multiple-Entry Visit Visa offers unmatched convenience and flexibility. Indonesia provides several options:

The D1 visa grants 1-2 years of validity with 60-day stays per entry, while the premium D2 extends this to 5 years. Business travelers may opt for the D12 Pre-Investment Visa, which allows for multiple entries with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.

Each entry permits a 60-day stay, extendable twice at local immigration offices for up to 180 days total. When you exit Indonesia, your stay duration resets, and you can return immediately without reapplying.

Requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. While costlier than single-entry options, frequent travelers save time and avoid repeated visa applications. For your stay in Bali, always be mindful of safety guidelines to ensure a worry-free experience on the Island of the Gods.

Social/Cultural Visa Options for Extended Stays

When you’re planning to learn about Bali’s culture or volunteer with local organizations for several months, the Social/Cultural Visa (C6B) provides an ideal pathway for extended stays.

This visa allows you to remain in Bali for up to 180 days (60 days initially, with two possible extensions). You’ll need an Indonesian sponsor who’ll take legal responsibility during your stay, whether that’s a local friend, organization, or paid agency service.

The application process requires a sponsor letter, passport copy, return ticket, and proof of funds (minimum $2,000). Budget around $275 for visa fees, and plan to visit immigration offices for extensions. Keep in mind that this visa must be used within 90 days from its issue date, so time your application accordingly. For water enthusiasts, be aware that while enjoying Bali’s coastal areas, you may encounter several shark species that inhabit the surrounding waters.

Digital Nomad and Business Visas: Working Legally in Bali

Beyond culture, many travelers now seek to blend Bali’s paradise with professional productivity. The B211a visa offers digital nomads flexibility with either a 60-day option (extendable to 180 days) or a direct 180-day stay. You’ll need to prove at least $2,000 in savings, full COVID vaccination, and valid health insurance.

Remember, this is a single-entry visa—leaving Indonesia means reapplying. You can only work remotely for non-Indonesian employers, as local employment is strictly prohibited. The processing time for the B211a visa typically takes 1-2 weeks to complete. When you need a break from Bali, consider taking a short trip to Jakarta for some adventure activities that offer thrilling experiences in Indonesia’s capital city.

Looking ahead to 2025, the E33G Remote Worker Visa will offer up to 180 tax-free days, with potential five-year stay options emerging. Apply online through the Immigration Officer website with your passport copy, photos, bank statements, and vaccination proof.

Last Words

Whether you’re dipping your toes in Bali’s waters for a quick 30-day escape or diving deep into island life for half a year, there’s a visa option tailored to your journey. The bureaucratic maze might seem intimidating at first, but with the right paperwork, your Balinese dreams won’t be cut short. Remember, time flows differently in paradise—choose the visa that gives you enough of it to truly unwind.