Getting a Bali visa for US citizens seems straightforward – apply, pay, wait. But, there are vital details you should be aware of for a hassle-free visa application.
What are the requirements? What’s the cost of a Bali visa? Are there regulations for US citizens? Not knowing the answers to these questions could impact your overall travel experience.
This guide covers all the ins and outs of acquiring a Bali visa as a US citizen. We will delve into the nuances of the process. And even help you determine what kind of visa best fits you. Let’s dig in!
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Bali?
Yes, all US citizens need a visa to enter Bali, Indonesia. It’s necessary regardless of the purpose of your trip or the length of your stay.
The most common option is the Visitor Visa (also known as Visa on Arrival). It’s the most suitable Bali visa for US citizens who plan to stay on the island for less than 30 days.
For stays longer than 180 days, you may need to apply for a visa at the Indonesian consulate or embassy in the US or through a visa agency.
Types of Visas for US Citizens Traveling to Bali
You can apply for different types of visas depending on how long you intend to stay. In addition, the requirements for a Bali visa for US citizens vary based on the purpose of the trip.
1. Visa-Free Entry
To date, visa-free entry to Bali isn’t an option for US citizens. It’s available only to nationals of the ASEAN, Timor Leste, Colombia, and Hong Kong. Additionally, it’s only for tourism purposes, valid for no more than 30 days, and not extendable.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Also known as a Visit Visa, a VOA allows US nationals to stay in Bali for 30 days. You can obtain it in two ways: buy it online before traveling or apply for one in person when you arrive.
The type you acquire online is an electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) or e-Visa. The one you get on-site is called Visa on Arrival (VOA), which you can get at designated counters at the airport or harbor.
The VOA is mainly for tourism, but it can also be used for government duties, attending business meetings, procuring goods, and medical visits.
It costs approx. $35 (IDR 500,000) per person. If acquiring at the airport, you can pay over the counter in cash or with a credit card (Mastercard, Visa, JBC; no AMEX.) Extra fees might apply for visas bought online.
You can extend the VOA for another 30 days only once. In other words, the maximum period you can stay in Bali with this visa is 60 days. No exception.
To get a VOA, your passport should be valid for at least six months upon arrival. You should also present a return or outbound ticket.
Most e-Visas are processed within five working days. But we advise that you apply at least two weeks before your travel date to give a leeway for any delays.
The VOA is strictly single-entry and can’t be used to enter Bali multiple times. You should apply for a new one if you leave Bali and want to return.
3. Tourist Visa (C1)
The C1 Tourist Visa, previously known as B211A, is a Bali visa for US citizens who want to stay on the island for up to 60 days. It can be extended twice for 60 days each, for a total of 180 days.
You can apply for a Tourist Visa on the official immigration website or at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in the US. For convenience and expert guidance, you can use a reputable visa agency.
The price ranges between $150 and $300, when using a visa agency. The visa is usually available within ten to 14 working days from the time of application.
To get a tourist visa, you need a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket. You should also show a bank statement with a $2,000 balance minimum.
4. Business Visa
For Bali business trips, you can get a Single-Entry Business Visa (Index C2) or a Multiple Entry Business Visa (D2.) A business visa allows you to sign contracts, join conferences, negotiate with partners, conduct research for investments, and purchase goods at production sites.
However, it doesn’t permit you to start or run a business. You can’t use it for money-making services like becoming a yoga instructor or wellness coach. You have to apply for a work visa for those.
The Single-Entry Business Visa is valid for 60 days. You can extend it twice, adding another 60 days each time, for a maximum of 180 days.
The Multiple Entry Business Visa lets you re-enter Bali as often as needed for one year. Each visit grants you 60 days. It’s the better option if you need to visit Bali several times for ongoing business transactions.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months to qualify for a Single-Entry Business Visa and at least 18 months for a Multiple Entry Business Visa. You should also have at least $2,000 in your bank account.
An invitation letter from the Bali company sponsoring the business event is required. Or you may present an endorsement from your US employer, indicating the reason for your trip.
The business visa cost depends on the length of your stay. Expect the price range to be around $200 to $300. Visa applications are available at the Indonesian embassy or consulate, on the official immigration website, or through a visa agency.
5. Retirement Visa
US citizens who want to live in Bali in their golden years can get a One-year Retirement Visa (E33F) or the Silver Hair Visa (E33E.)
To qualify for a Retirement Visa, you must be 60 or older. You must have a minimum bank balance of $2,000 and a monthly allowance of at least $3,000 in the form of a pension, investment, property, or any income.
You need a sponsor to get a One-year Retirement Visa. If the application is approved, you’re given a temporary residency permit. You can extend it for another year and up to four times for a maximum stay of five years.
After the fourth extension, you can convert the One-year Retirement to a permanent residency permit or Silver Hair Visa. A deposit of $50,000 in a state-owned bank is needed as a final requirement.
With a Retirement Visa, you can leave and return to Indonesia anytime, open a bank account, lease land, and qualify for government-owned health insurance. However, it doesn’t permit you to work with a locally-registered company.
6. Work Visa
The Work Visa includes a KITAS and a working permit (IMTA.) A KITAS is a temporary residence permit that lets you stay in Bali for three months to one year, depending on your contract and job description. The IMTA allows you to work with a company registered in Indonesia.
Work Visas are granted for jobs with higher qualifications and specific expertise. For instance, you can’t get a work permit as a food server. It’s to protect the workforce, ensuring locals have access to jobs.
Your company is responsible for obtaining your KITAS, IMTA, and the approval to hire you from the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. The visa can’t be processed if you don’t have an employer.
Indonesian law requires that you apply for a Work Visa offshore. But, if you’re already in Bali on a tourist or business visa, you’ll have to exit at some point and return when the Work Visa is approved.
Getting a Work Visa can take several months. Companies handle most of the application process for their employees. Still, you have to provide all the documents, which can be taxing. For ease, consider consulting with an expert visa agency.
7. Remote Worker Visa (E33G)
As Bali is becoming a hub for digital nomads, the government launched the Remote Worker Visa (E33G) in 2024. This visa is ideal for US citizens who want to enjoy Bali while working online.
The visa allows you to stay in Bali under a one-year residence permit. While the visa can’t be extended beyond one year, it can be renewed.
The Remote Worker Visa costs around $750 when applying with a visa agency.
To qualify, you should be a full-time employee of a company registered outside Indonesia. It doesn’t allow working for and receiving salary from Indonesian-licensed companies or individuals. You’re only considered a remote worker if you’re working for a foreign entity.
Another requirement is your annual income should be at least $60,000 or $5,000 monthly. Also, you should have proof of sufficient funds, with at least a $2,000 balance in your bank.
The Remote Worker Visa is multiple-entry, so you can exit and re-enter Bali as long as the visa is valid. You can also bring your family members if they qualify.
Steps to a Hassle-Free Bali Visa Application for US Citizens
Acquiring a Bali visa for US citizens doesn’t have to be tedious and complicated. Follow these steps for a smooth-sailing visa application.
1. Determine the Type of Visa You Need
Carefully choose the visa type that best fits your purpose. Consider how long you’ll stay in Bali. Doing so can save you time, money, and effort.
When in doubt, you can always consult with a reputable visa agency. Bali Entry offers free consultation and guidance for a hassle-free visa application.
2. Gather Required Documents
Ensure all requirements are on hand. Depending on the type of visa, these could include invitation letters from sponsors, bank statements, and other documents that may take time to obtain. Double-check the validity of your passport (at least six months upon arrival and one blank page.) Get all required vaccinations.
3. Apply Online or In Person
Some visas, like the eVOA and 30-day Business Visa, are available on the immigration website. Others may require a personal appearance. Get in touch with the Indonesian embassy or consulate if you have inquiries. You can also contact a visa agency for guidance.
4. Wait for Approval
It may take five business days for most visas to get approved, but allow at least two weeks for more complicated visas. Consider applying early to account for delays. You’ll receive an email with your visa approval. Check your spam folder.
5. Receive Your Visa
Congratulations! You can now travel to Bali. Once the visa is issued, you have 90 days to arrive in Indonesia.
FAQs About Bali Visas for US Citizens
Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Bali?
Yes, all US citizens need a visa to visit Bali. The type of visa you get depends on the purpose of the trip and the length of stay. You may obtain a visa online, at the Indonesian consulate or embassy in the US, or through a visa agency. You can apply for the 30-Day Visit Visa (VOA) when you arrive at the airport.
Can I Extend My Stay Beyond 30 Days?
Yes, you can extend your 30-day Visit Visa only once. The extension gives you a maximum of 60 days in Bali. If you wish to stay in Bali for more than 60 days, consider getting another type of visa.
Can I Work in Bali on a Tourist Visa?
No, you can’t work in Bali on a Tourist Visa. To work legally, you should have a Work Visa processed by the Indonesian-registered company that hired you. If you don’t have a locally-based employer, you can get a Remote Worker Visa as long as you meet the qualifications.
What Happens if I Overstay My Bali Visa?
Overstaying a Bali visa for US citizens can lead to various consequences, depending on the severity of the violation. These include a daily fine of Rp 1,000,000 (about $70), deportation, and entry ban for a specific period. If you overstay for more than 60 days, you could face imprisonment for a maximum of five years.
If needed, visit the immigration office or consult with a visa agency. The extension should be processed within a week or seven days of your visa expiration date. Please note that there is an extension fee.
