visa for Bali

Bali—an island paradise known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals—has become a bucket list destination for millions of travelers. But whether you’re heading there for a quick vacation or planning a long-term stay, one crucial thing you need to sort out before you land is your Bali visa. The cost of a visa for Bali varies depending on your nationality, length of stay, and visa type. In this guide, we’ll break down the Bali visa cost, help you avoid unexpected fees, and offer tips on when to consider working with a migration agent.

1. Do You Even Need a Visa for Bali?

First things first: some nationalities don’t need a visa to enter Indonesia for short stays. As of 2025, citizens of over 80 countries—including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, most of the EU, and ASEAN countries—can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes.

However, this visa exemption is not extendable, and you cannot convert it to a longer visa while staying in Bali. If you’re planning to stay more than 30 days, work remotely, or explore long-term options, you’ll need to apply for a different visa.

2. Visa on Arrival (VoA) – The Most Popular Option

Most tourists who plan to stay up to 60 days in Bali opt for the Visa on Arrival (VoA). Here’s how it works:

  • Initial cost: USD $35 (paid at the airport or online)

  • Duration: 30 days

  • Extension: Extendable once for an additional 30 days

  • Extension cost: Approx. USD $60–$80 (depending on whether you do it yourself or use an agent)

Total VoA Cost for 60 Days:

  • DIY approach: ~$95

  • Using a migration agent: ~$110–$150 (includes service fees)

Using a migration agent can save you time and avoid bureaucratic headaches, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Indonesia’s immigration process. They typically handle paperwork, appointment scheduling, and accompany you to immigration offices.

3. Social-Cultural Visa (B211A) – For Longer Stays

If you’re planning to stay in Bali for more than 60 days but don’t want to commit to a long-term residence visa, the B211A Social-Cultural Visa is your best bet.

  • Initial cost: ~$110–$150

  • Valid for: 60 days initially

  • Extendable up to: 180 days (with 2 x 60-day extensions)

  • Extension costs: ~$60–$80 per extension

  • Total 180-day cost: Around $230–$310 (DIY) or $350–$450 (with agent)

This visa is commonly used by digital nomads, long-term tourists, or people exploring a more extended stay without permanent relocation.

4. Digital Nomad and Business Visas

Indonesia has announced interest in creating a dedicated digital nomad visa, but as of early 2025, there’s no official long-term visa specifically for remote workers. However, many digital nomads use the B211A Business Visa or Social Visa as a workaround.

Important Note: These visas do not allow employment in Indonesia. Working remotely for a foreign company is usually tolerated, but earning money locally or freelancing for Indonesian clients is not allowed.

If you’re unsure which option applies to you, a consultation with a migration agent in Bali is strongly recommended to avoid violating visa terms

5. KITAS – The Long-Term Stay Visa

For those who want to stay in Bali for a year or longer, the KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) is the way to go. There are various types of KITAS, including retirement, investor, spouse-sponsored, and work KITAS.

Approximate KITAS Costs:

  • Retirement KITAS: ~$1,200–$1,800 annually

  • Work KITAS: ~$1,500–$2,500 annually (usually paid by employer)

  • Investor KITAS: ~$1,000–$2,000+

Applying for a KITAS involves more paperwork and regulations. Most expats use a migration agent to handle the process due to the complexity and language barriers.

6. Other Potential Fees to Consider

When calculating your Bali visa cost, don’t forget to factor in these extras:

  • Overstay Penalty: ~$70 per day if you exceed your visa duration

  • Migration Agent Fees: Usually range from $50–$300 depending on visa type and services

  • Airport Fast Track Service: Optional, but costs around $30–$50 for quicker immigration processing

7. Should You Use a Migration Agent?

If you’re comfortable dealing with immigration processes and speaking some Bahasa Indonesia, you can save a bit by handling visa matters yourself. But for most travelers—especially long-term visitors—a migration agent offers peace of mind.

Pros of using a migration agent:

  • Saves time and stress

  • They speak the language and know the system

  • Can help with tricky extensions or KITAS applications

  • They can offer legal advice to ensure you remain compliant

There are many reputable migration agents in Bali, especially in areas like Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Denpasar. Always check reviews, ask about pricing upfront, and avoid agents who promise too-good-to-be-true solutions.

8. Final Thoughts: What Will Your Visa Cost?

Ultimately, your Bali visa cost depends on your travel goals:

Visa Type Length of Stay Total Cost (Approx.)
Visa Exemption 30 days Free
Visa on Arrival (60 days) 60 days $95–$150
Social Visa (B211A) 180 days $230–$450
KITAS 1 year $1,200–$2,500

Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or retiree, there’s a visa option for you. Just be sure to research thoroughly, plan your stay length ahead of time, and when in doubt, reach out to a trusted migration agent in Bali.

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