Bali is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The beachside landscapes, water sports and delectable cuisines have attracted tourists from all over the world. This place caters to the demands of different groups of people, such as wedding trips, family trips, etc. As it takes about 6 hours to fly from the East Coast, Bali is also a top destination for Australians traveling abroad.
In 2023, here comes the good news. Border restrictions due to the epidemic in the past few years have been lifted. If you are planning to restart your trip to Bali from Australia, there are lots of things to take care of, such as passports, visas, air tickets, accommodation, etc. and today we are going to talk about how to get a visa for Bali from Australia.
Do Australians Need a Visa for Bali?
Yes. No matter what activities you are going to join, a visa is required. Depending on how long you stay, you can choose a Bali visa on arrival or a single-entry visitor visa.
Bali Visa on Arrival (VoA & eVoA)
Australian citizens should get a Bali visa on arrival (VoA) while landing in Bali. With this visa, you can visit family/friends, tour, purchase goods, have meetings or transfer to Indonesia. The fee for VoA is IDR 500,000 (about AUD 50). It allows for a 30-day stay or shorter after payment.
Additionally, given the possible long queue on arrival, tourists can also apply for an electronic Bali visa on arrival (eVoA) before starting. eVoA holders have to enter the country in two designated checkpoints: Soekarno Hatta International Airport (Jakarta) and Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali).
Both VoA and eVoA are extendable once for extra 30 days if you want to stay for a longer time. However, please note that the VoA cannot be converted into other residence visas, work visas, etc. That is to say, you have to leave the country after 60 days.
Single Entry Tourist Visa
Supposing that you are planning a trip long than 60 days for tour or business-related purposes (except for working), you should apply for a single-entry tourist/business visa. This type of pre-arranged visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for 60 days and could be extended twice. Each extension lasts 60 days. That is to say, the visa holders could stay for up to 180 days. The good news is that you can obtain another visa for Bali onshore before it expires. There are 3 types of single-entry visas including b211a, b211b, and b211c. Each of them is designed for different purposes. To apply for this visa, you have to be sponsored by a travel agency or company.
Temporary and Permanent Stay Permits for Australians (KITAS/KITAP)
For retired persons, foreign employees, investors or other individuals who wish multiple entries into Indonesia, KITAS/KITAP is a favorable choice. It requires sponsorship from some organizations or persons, such as employers, spouses, etc and should be applied by an agency on behalf of you.
How to Get a Visa for Bali from Australia
While you have to turn to a travel agency to apply for a single entry tourist visa or KITAS/KITAP, VoA and eVoA could be done by yourself and that is what we are going to explore.
Before arriving in Bali, you can obtain an eVoA online from the Indonesian immigration portal.
While arriving in Bali, you can get a VoA at the airport arrival hall.
Apply for Bali Visa Online
The application for e-VoA could be filed 14 days before your trip. It is suggested to obtain it at least 48 hours before departure.
- First of all, you have to visit the official website for Indonesian immigration. Click the “Apply” button and choose a suitable visa type.
- Provide personal information, document information, arrival information, address in Indonesia and contact information.
- Upload the photocopy of information page of your passport (usually the first page). Make sure the image is clear and sharp, not covered, cropped or folded.
- Upload a passport-style photo. The photo must be at least 400x600px in JPEG, JPG or PNG form. Ensure the file size is less than 2Mb. The head must take up 50% – 60% of the image and the eye height should occupy 50% – 60% of the image’s height.
- Fulfill payment
Acceptable payment methods to apply for Bali tourist visa online include SIMPONI or Mastercard, Visa or JCB credit/debit card.
Make Visa fee payment by SIMPONI or Mastercard, Visa or JCB credit/debit card.
On arrival in Bali
When getting to the immigration checkpoint, follow up the instructions and wait in the “Visa on Arrival” queue. Please make sure to present all documents below in case of being refused to enter. Then pay IDR 500,000 (approx. AUD 50) for the visa on the spot. Payment via debit card or credit card is acceptable, but there might be extra service fees according. Cash would be a better choice if possible.
In order to apply for Bali visa on arrival, you have to prepare the passports with at least 6 months of validity and return or onward tickets before boarding the airplane.
- A passport with 6-month validity or longer upon arrival
- proof of a return or onward ticket
- proof of funds to support your trip during your stay in the country
- immigration/arrival card
How to Extend Visa Duration in Bali
If your visa is going to expire and you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension. You can extend it at the immigration office. This is the cheapest option, but it would take more time because you have to spare 10 days to visit the Immigration office three times.
First Visit
Go to the immigration office as early as possible in case of waiting in a long queue. Ask the officers for a form and complete it. Hand in your forms and documentation at the counter. The officer will keep your documentation to review your application. You will get it back after approval.
Second Visit
You would be asked to visit after 2-4 days. At this time, the officer would take a photo of you and gather your fingerprints. Then they will tell you when to take back your passport and extended Bali visa.
Third Visit
Go back to the immigration office at the scheduled date and get your new visa. It is ready usually after 7-10 days after the first visit. Please check whether the date on the visa is right.
FAQs:
Q: How much is the Bali visa on arrival cost?
A: IDR 500,000 (AUD 50) for each person.
Q: How long does it take to get an e-VoA?
A: Approximately 5 minutes online.
Q: How long does Bali visa application take?
A: The application process takes a few minutes, but the waiting time depends on how long the queue is.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for a single-entry visa?
A: You have to pay around IDR 1.5 Mio (around AUD 148) for tourist visa fee, and IlDR2.000,000 (around AUD 197) for business purposes. And the service fees are subject to the sponsors.
Q: Do children and newborns need a Visa to visit Bali?
A: YES.
Q: What if I overstay in Bali?
A: You would face a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day. You would be detained, deported, or prohibited to enter Indonesia again for a specific period due to sustainable overstay.
Summary
Whether you are going to visit family or friends, tour, conduct business-related activities, purchase goods, or attend meetings/conventions/exhibitions as an attendee, don’t forget to apply for a Bali visa. We hope this passage would address all your problems with Bali visa requirements, application either on arrival or online and extension. It is so convenient to visit Bali from Australia, don’t miss the trip.
Dolores Xiao