Bali tourist eVisa: Required docs and tips

Table of Contents

• What Is Bali’s Tourist eVisa (e-VOA)?
• Who Is Eligible for Bali’s e-VOA?
• What Documents Do You Need for Bali’s eVisa?
• How Much Does the Bali e-VOA Cost?
• Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Bali’s e-VOA Online
• How Long Does e-VOA Processing Take?
• e-VOA vs VOA vs B211A: What’s the Difference?
• Can You Extend Your Bali e-VOA?
• What Happens When You Arrive in Bali with Your e-VOA?
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Frequently Asked Questions About Bali’s Tourist eVisa
• Conclusion

Introduction

Planning your dream Bali getaway involves more than just booking flights and hotels. Understanding how to get a Bali tourist eVisa is crucial because the visa process can make or break your travel plans. Fortunately, Indonesia has simplified everything with their electronic Visa on Arrival system, making it easier than ever to secure your entry before you even leave home.

The Bali tourist eVisa (officially called e-VOA or Electronic Visa on Arrival) lets you skip the long airport queues and arrive in Bali ready to explore. Instead of scrambling to pay for a visa when you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you can handle everything online through the official government portal. This means less stress, faster immigration processing, and more time enjoying those famous beaches and rice terraces.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Who qualifies for Bali’s e-VOA – We’ll break down nationality requirements and help you determine if you’re eligible for this convenient online visa option.
• Exactly what documents you need – From passport validity to proof of accommodation, you’ll get a complete checklist so nothing catches you off guard.
• Step-by-step application instructions – We’ll walk you through the official molina.imigrasi.go.id portal, showing you how to avoid scam websites that charge inflated fees.
• Costs, processing times, and pro tips – Learn the official IDR 500,000 fee, how long approval takes, and insider tricks to ensure a smooth application process.

Let’s dive in and get your Bali visa sorted so you can focus on the fun stuff.

What Is Bali’s Tourist eVisa (e-VOA)?

The Bali tourist eVisa is Indonesia’s Electronic Visa on Arrival, and it’s your ticket to exploring Bali without the airport hassle. Think of it as the digital version of the traditional Visa on Arrival that tourists have been getting at Indonesian airports for years. Instead of waiting in line when you land, you handle everything online before your trip starts.

Here’s what makes the e-VOA unique:

• It’s a single-entry visa valid for tourism and social visits – You can use it for vacations, visiting friends or family, attending cultural events, or general sightseeing. However, you can’t work, conduct business, or earn money while on this visa.
• You get an initial 30-day stay with extension options – Your Bali tourist eVisa allows you to stay in Indonesia for 30 days from your arrival date. If you fall in love with Bali and want to stay longer, you can extend it once for another 30 days, giving you a maximum total of 60 days.
• It covers all of Indonesia, not just Bali – While most people use it for Bali trips, your e-VOA actually grants access to the entire country. You can island-hop to Java, Lombok, or anywhere else in Indonesia during your stay.

One important clarification: despite the name “eVisa,” this isn’t a traditional electronic visa that you apply for weeks in advance. Instead, it’s simply a pre-paid, digitally processed version of the Visa on Arrival. The conditions, cost, and validity period remain identical to the airport VOA—you’re just skipping the queue.

Who Is Eligible for Bali’s e-VOA?

Your eligibility for the Bali tourist eVisa depends entirely on your passport nationality. Indonesia maintains different entry requirements for different countries, so you’ll need to verify your specific situation before applying. The good news is that most major tourist countries qualify for either visa-free entry or the paid e-VOA system.

Here’s what you need to know about eligibility:

• Citizens from over 90 countries can apply for the e-VOA – This includes travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most European Union countries, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and many others. These nationalities must pay the IDR 500,000 fee to enter Indonesia.
• Some nationalities get completely free entry – If you’re from ASEAN countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, or Vietnam, you can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days without paying anything. However, these free entries typically can’t be extended like the paid e-VOA.
• A few nationalities require different visa types – Citizens from certain countries need to apply for a traditional visa at an Indonesian embassy before traveling. These travelers can’t use the e-VOA system at all.

To confirm your specific eligibility, visit the official molina.imigrasi.go.id portal and check their nationality list. Don’t rely on third-party websites or outdated information—visa policies change regularly, and you want accurate details straight from the source.

What Documents Do You Need for Bali’s eVisa?

Getting your documents ready before starting your Bali tourist eVisa application saves time and prevents frustrating delays. The Indonesian government requires specific paperwork to verify you’re a genuine tourist with plans to leave the country. Fortunately, most travelers already have everything they need or can quickly gather the required items.

Here’s your complete document checklist:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining – Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Indonesia. Make sure you have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying.
• Proof of departure from Indonesia – You’ll need a return flight ticket to your home country or an onward ticket to another destination. Immigration wants confirmation that you won’t overstay your visa. Screenshot or PDF copies of your flight confirmation work perfectly.
• Accommodation proof for your stay – Upload a hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or invitation letter if staying with friends or family. This proves you have a legitimate place to stay during your visit.
• Recent digital passport photo – Prepare a passport-style photo with a plain background, taken within the last six months. Most smartphones can capture acceptable photos with good lighting.
• Working email address – You’ll receive your e-VOA approval letter via email, so provide an address you check regularly. Double-check for typos before submitting.
• International payment method – Have a credit or debit card ready that works for international transactions. Some banks block overseas purchases by default, so notify your bank beforehand to avoid payment failures.

How Much Does the Bali e-VOA Cost?

The official government fee for the Bali tourist eVisa is IDR 500,000 per person, which converts to approximately $32-35 USD depending on current exchange rates. This standardized price applies to all eligible nationalities regardless of where you’re traveling from. Understanding the costs upfront helps you budget correctly and avoid getting scammed by unauthorized websites.

Here’s what you need to know about e-VOA pricing:

• Everyone pays the same flat rate – Whether you’re an adult, child, or infant, the fee remains IDR 500,000. There are no age discounts or family rates, so factor this into your travel budget if you’re bringing kids.
• Payment happens through secure online methods – The official molina.imigrasi.go.id portal accepts major international credit and debit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Make sure your card allows international transactions before starting your application.
• Watch out for overpriced third-party sites – Many unofficial websites charge $50-75 or more for the same Bali tourist eVisa that costs just $32-35 directly from the government. These sites add unnecessary “processing fees” and “service charges” that line their pockets, not yours.
• The fee is completely non-refundable – If Indonesian immigration denies your entry for any reason, you won’t get your money back. Additionally, if you make mistakes on your application or change your travel plans, there are no refunds.
• This single fee covers both initial stay and extension rights – Your IDR 500,000 payment gives you the 30-day visa plus the ability to extend for another 30 days (though the extension itself costs an additional IDR 500,000).

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Bali’s e-VOA Online

Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through exactly how to get a Bali tourist eVisa using the official government portal. The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth application without any hiccups.

Here’s your complete application walkthrough:

• Step 1: Navigate to the official portal – Type molina.imigrasi.go.id directly into your browser and verify the URL before entering information. Avoid clicking on sponsored ads or third-party sites that charge extra fees.
• Step 2: Create your account – Click registration, provide your email, create a password, and verify through the confirmation email. If you’ve applied before, simply log in with existing credentials.
• Step 3: Fill in your personal details – Enter your full name exactly as shown on your passport, plus date of birth, nationality, and passport number. Double-check every character because typos can cause rejection.
• Step 4: Upload your required documents – Submit your passport bio page photo, headshot, and departure flight proof. Ensure files meet size requirements listed on the portal (usually JPEG or PDF under 2MB).
• Step 5: Enter your travel information – Specify your arrival date, airport (Ngurah Rai for Bali), and accommodation details. You’ll need your hotel’s full address or host contact information.
• Step 6: Review everything thoroughly – Check all information for accuracy before submitting. Look for spelling errors, wrong dates, or mismatched numbers. Making corrections after payment is difficult.
• Step 7: Complete your payment – Enter your card details to pay the IDR 500,000 fee. The system processes payment immediately and generates a receipt.
• Step 8: Receive and save your approval – Within minutes to 48 hours, you’ll get an email with your Bali tourist eVisa approval letter. Print two copies and save a digital version on your phone for immigration.

How Long Does e-VOA Processing Take?

Most Bali tourist eVisa applications get approved within minutes, though some take up to 24-48 hours depending on system load and verification requirements. The Indonesian immigration system processes applications automatically in most cases, so you’ll typically receive your approval email quite quickly. However, giving yourself buffer time prevents last-minute panic if something unexpected happens.

Here’s what to expect with processing times:

• Apply at least 3-5 days before your departure – While many travelers get instant approval, technical glitches or verification delays can happen. Applying several days early ensures you have time to resolve any issues without risking your flight.
• Check your spam and junk folders regularly – Approval emails sometimes get filtered into spam, especially if your email provider flags messages from unfamiliar Indonesian government domains. Add the molina portal to your safe sender list to avoid missing important notifications.
• Incomplete applications cause the longest delays – If you submit blurry photos, incorrect passport numbers, or missing documents, immigration officers will need to manually review your application. This manual review process can extend processing to several days instead of hours.
• Contact support if approval exceeds 48 hours – The molina portal includes a help desk contact option if your application remains pending beyond the expected timeframe. Have your application reference number ready when reaching out for assistance.

e-VOA vs VOA vs B211A: What’s the Difference?

Indonesia offers several visa options for tourists, and understanding the differences helps you choose the right one for your trip. The Bali tourist eVisa, traditional VOA, and B211A Visit Visa each serve different needs and travel styles. Choosing wisely can save you money, time, and hassle during your Bali adventure.

Here’s how these three visa types compare:

• e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) – Apply online before your trip through molina.imigrasi.go.id and skip the airport queues entirely. It costs IDR 500,000, grants 30 days (extendable once for another 30 days), and gets approved within 24-48 hours. This option works best if you want convenience and hate waiting in lines.
• VOA (Traditional Visa on Arrival) – Get your visa at the airport immigration counter when you land in Bali. It costs the same IDR 500,000, offers identical 30-day validity with one extension option, and has the same conditions as the Bali tourist eVisa. The only difference is applying in person, which means queues that can take 30-90 minutes during busy periods.
• B211A Visit Visa – Apply at an Indonesian embassy or through a visa agent before traveling if you need longer stays. This visa costs significantly more (around $100-150 USD), grants 60 days initially, and extends up to four times for 60 days each (maximum 180 days total). It’s perfect for digital nomads or anyone planning extended exploration.

For most short-term tourists visiting Bali for under 60 days, the e-VOA offers the best balance of convenience and cost. However, if you’re planning a multi-month adventure, the B211A makes more financial sense than repeatedly extending shorter visas.

Can You Extend Your Bali e-VOA?

Yes, you can extend your Bali tourist eVisa once for an additional 30 days, giving you a maximum total stay of 60 days in Indonesia. Many travelers fall in love with Bali and decide they need more time to explore the island’s hidden gems. Fortunately, the extension process is straightforward, though it requires visiting an immigration office in person and paying an additional fee.

Here’s everything you need to know about extending your stay:

• Apply before your initial 30 days expire – Submit your extension request at least 7 days before your visa expires to avoid overstay penalties. Indonesian immigration takes overstays seriously, with fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day and potential deportation.
• Visit a local immigration office in Bali – Head to the nearest immigration office (the main one is in Denpasar) during business hours with all required documents. You cannot extend online or at the airport—this must be done in person.
• Prepare to pay another IDR 500,000 – The extension costs the same as your initial Bali tourist eVisa fee. Bring cash in Indonesian Rupiah, as some offices don’t accept credit cards reliably.
• Gather your required documents – You’ll need your passport with the original entry stamp, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or cash), and accommodation details. Some offices may request additional documents, so call ahead to confirm.
• Wait 3-7 working days for processing – Immigration will keep your passport during processing and provide a receipt. Avoid booking international flights during this period.
• Understand the 60-day hard limit – After your one extension, you cannot extend further. You must leave Indonesia and cannot return on another tourist visa immediately without spending time outside the country first.

What Happens When You Arrive in Bali with Your e-VOA?

After your long flight to Bali, you’ll breeze through immigration much faster than travelers who didn’t apply for their Bali tourist eVisa in advance. The arrival process is simple and straightforward, especially since you’ve already completed the paperwork online.

Important Note: With a e-VOA you are eligible to use the new Auto Gates and skip the long queues for the Immigration Counters, find how here.

Understanding what to expect helps you navigate Ngurah Rai International Airport confidently and start your vacation without unnecessary delays.

Here’s how the arrival process works:

• Have your e-VOA approval ready – Present either a printed copy or digital version on your phone to the immigration officer at the checkpoint. While digital copies usually work fine, having a printed backup prevents issues if your phone dies or the officer prefers paper documents.
• Show your passport with 6-month validity – The officer will verify that your passport matches your Bali tourist eVisa application and check the expiration date. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your arrival date.
• Wait for document verification and stamping – The immigration officer will scan your documents, verify your information in their system, and stamp your passport with your entry date. This process typically takes just 2-3 minutes compared to 30-90 minutes for VOA applicants in the regular queue.
• Check your entry stamp carefully – Note the date stamped in your passport because this marks day one of your 30-day visa period. Keep your passport safe throughout your trip, as you’ll need this stamp for visa extensions or when departing Indonesia.

Once you clear immigration, collect your luggage and head through customs to start exploring beautiful Bali. Your 30-day adventure officially begins the moment that stamp hits your passport.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced travelers make avoidable mistakes when applying for the Bali tourist eVisa, and these errors can derail your entire trip. Learning from others’ mishaps saves you time, money, and the stress of dealing with visa problems at the airport. Let’s cover the most frequent mistakes so you can dodge them completely.

Here are the top errors to avoid:

• Using fake third-party websites – Scam sites charge $75-100 for the same visa that costs $32-35 directly from the government. Always verify you’re on molina.imigrasi.go.id before entering payment information.
• Applying with an expiring passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date. If it expires in five months, immigration will deny entry even with an approved Bali tourist eVisa.
• Missing proof of departure – Immigration requires evidence that you’ll leave Indonesia within your visa period. Book your return or onward flight before applying and have confirmation ready.
• Not saving your approval documents – Some travelers forget to print or download their e-VOA approval letter. Save multiple copies on your phone and email, plus print one physical backup.
• Payment failures from blocked cards – Many banks automatically block international transactions as fraud protection. Call your bank before applying to authorize payments to Indonesian government sites.
• Last-minute applications – Applying the day before your flight leaves no room for errors. Submit your application at least 3-5 days early to handle unexpected issues.
• Typos in critical information – Wrong passport numbers or travel dates cause rejections. Triple-check every field before submitting.
• Overstaying without extension – Forgetting to extend or leave before day 30 results in IDR 1,000,000 daily fines. Mark your calendar and set reminders for your expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bali’s Tourist eVisa

Do I need an eVisa for Bali if I’m staying less than 30 days?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia can enter visa-free, but most Western travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU must get a Bali tourist eVisa (IDR 500,000) or VOA at the airport.

What’s the official website to apply for Bali’s e-VOA?

The only official government website is molina.imigrasi.go.id. Always type this URL directly to avoid scam sites that charge inflated prices through search engine ads.

How much does the Bali e-VOA cost in USD?

The official fee is IDR 500,000, approximately $32-35 USD. Avoid third-party websites charging $50-100+ for the same visa.

Can I apply for a Bali eVisa on arrival at the airport?

Yes, it’s called Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport. The cost (IDR 500,000) and conditions are identical to the Bali tourist eVisa, but you’ll wait 30-90 minutes in queues versus skipping lines with the e-VOA.

How long does it take to get approved for Bali’s e-VOA?

Most applications get approved within minutes to 48 hours. Apply at least 3-5 days before departure for buffer time, and check your spam folder if you don’t receive confirmation.

Can I extend my Bali e-VOA beyond 30 days?

Yes, extend once for another 30 days (60 days total maximum) at a Bali immigration office before your initial 30 days expire. The extension costs another IDR 500,000 and takes 3-7 working days.

What happens if my e-VOA application is rejected?

Rejections are rare but happen due to incorrect information or invalid passports. The fee is non-refundable, so double-check all details match your passport exactly and ensure 6+ months validity.

Do children need a separate e-VOA for Bali?

Yes, every traveler including infants needs their own Bali tourist eVisa with separate applications and full IDR 500,000 fees. Parents can submit applications using each child’s passport information.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to get a Bali tourist eVisa through the official Indonesian government portal. The process is straightforward: visit molina.imigrasi.go.id, submit your documents, pay IDR 500,000 (about $32-35 USD), and receive your 30-day visa approval within 24-48 hours. By applying online before your trip, you’ll skip the airport queues and start your Bali adventure stress-free.

Remember these key takeaways as you prepare your application:

• Always use the official portal to avoid scams – Third-party websites charge double or triple the government price for the exact same visa. Bookmark molina.imigrasi.go.id and verify you’re on the legitimate site before entering any information.
• Double-check your documents before submitting – Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity, your flight details are correct, and all photos meet requirements. Small mistakes cause unnecessary delays or rejections.
• Plan for extensions if needed – Remember you can extend your stay once for another 30 days at a local immigration office, giving you up to 60 days total in paradise.

Ready to make your Bali dream a reality? Head to the official portal now, complete your Bali tourist eVisa application, and get ready to explore stunning beaches, ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture. Your Indonesian adventure awaits—safe travels and enjoy every moment in beautiful Bali!