Indonesia offers several immigration options, including the Free Visa, Visa on Arrival (VoA), electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) and other pre-arranged visas depends on your nationality, purpose of travel and intended length of stay.
This guide is made to accommodate Indian citizens who plan a trip to Bali, explaining the main visa options and what Indian citizens should know before travelling.
Bali Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders may be eligible for Indonesia’s Visa on Arrival, subject to the immigration requirements applicable at the time of travel.
The VoA visa required for short visits or used as transit visa, providing an initial 30-day stay and may be extendable for a further 30 days, subject to the applicable rules.
Travellers can obtain a VoA at the Immigration office in designated port of entry facilities, including participating airports and seaports. Alternatively, eligible travellers may complete an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) application before travelling, which can make the arrival process more convenient.
The visa fee applies separately from airline tickets and other travel costs, so travellers should check the current fee before departure.
What Indian Travellers Need for a VoA
Before travelling to Bali, Indian passport holders should prepare the required documents, which generally include:
- A valid passport;
- A return ticket or onward travel ticket;
- Relevant visa documentation;
- Proof of eligibility where required; and
- Other documents requested by Indonesia Immigration.
Your passport should meet the validity requirements applicable to the visa you are using.
Can Indian Citizens Apply for an e-VoA?
Eligible Indian travellers can apply for an e-VoA online before travelling to Indonesia.
The electronic visa application can help reduce the need to complete the visa process after arriving at the airport. However, having an e-VoA does not remove the need to pass through immigration checkpoints.
After arrival, travellers still need to present their passport and travel documents at the immigration checkpoint.
The e-VoA should also not be confused with a visa exemption. A traveller who is not eligible for visa-free entry may still need a visa even if they can apply online before departure.
Single Entry Visa Indonesia
For travellers planning to stay longer than the period permitted under a VoA, a Single Entry Visa may be more appropriate.
A Single Entry Visa is obtained before travelling and can be issued for different purposes, including tourism and other permitted activities. The validity, permitted stay and extension conditions depend on the specific visa type.
For someone planning an extended stay in Bali, choosing the correct visa from the beginning can be more practical than relying on repeated short-term arrangements.
Travellers should also distinguish between the visa’s validity period and the period they are permitted to stay in Indonesia. These are not necessarily the same.
Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS)
Indian citizens who intend to live in Indonesia for longer periods may need a residence-based immigration arrangement rather than a tourist visa.
A KITAS, or Temporary Stay Permit, can be available for several purposes, including employment, investment, family relationships, retirement and other qualifying circumstances.
Many KITAS categories require an Indonesian sponsor. The application process and required documents vary according to the purpose of stay.
If you are considering moving to Bali rather than simply visiting, it is worth reviewing your immigration position before entering Indonesia. Using a tourist visa for activities that require another permit can create complications with immigration authorities.
What About a Multiple Entry Visa?
A Multiple Entry Visa may be suitable for certain foreign nationals who expect to travel to and from Indonesia repeatedly.
Unlike a single-entry arrangement, a multiple-entry visa can allow qualifying travellers to make multiple visits during its validity, subject to the conditions of the specific visa.
Eligibility depends on nationality, purpose and the relevant Indonesian immigration regulations. Travellers should therefore check the current requirements before making travel arrangements.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Bali?
Whether an Indian citizen requires a visa depends on the immigration rules applicable to Indian passport holders at the time of travel and the purpose of the visit.
Indian passport holders should not assume that a previous trip or an older visa policy still applies. Indonesia’s visa requirements can change, and information found online may not always reflect the latest regulations.
Before booking a flight, check whether you are eligible for a VoA, e-VoA, visa exemption or another visa category.
FAQs
Can Indian passport holders travel to Bali without a visa?
Indian passport holders should check the current Indonesian visa requirements before travelling. Eligibility for visa exemption, VoA or other visa categories depends on the applicable regulations and purpose of travel.
If you are not eligible for a visa exemption, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa before or upon arrival, depending on the visa type.
Can I get a tourist visa for Bali?
Yes. Indian travellers may be able to obtain an appropriate tourist visa depending on the planned length and purpose of their stay.
The correct tourist visa should be selected based on your travel plans rather than simply choosing the visa with the longest available validity.
Can I extend my Bali Visa on Arrival?
A VoA is generally extendable once for an additional 30 days, subject to the applicable immigration requirements.
Travellers who intend to stay longer should consider their visa options before the initial stay expires. An extension should not be confused with automatically obtaining a new visa.
Can I apply for my Bali visa online?
Eligible travellers may be able to complete an online visa application, including an e-VoA application.
The online visa application process does not necessarily mean that you can skip immigration procedures. You will still need to pass through the relevant immigration checkpoints when you arrive in Indonesia.
Do I need a return ticket?
Travellers may be required to show a return or onward ticket as part of Indonesia’s visa requirements. Airlines and immigration authorities may also request evidence of onward travel before allowing a traveller to board or enter Indonesia.
It is therefore advisable to have the required travel documents ready before departure.
Can I get a visa at the airport?
Eligible travellers can obtain a VoA at designated arrival facilities at participating Indonesian airports and other authorised points of entry.
However, travellers should confirm that their nationality and intended purpose of travel qualify for a VoA before flying.
What happens at the immigration checkpoint?
Upon arrival, foreign nationals proceed through Indonesia’s immigration checkpoint, where officers verify passports, visas and other relevant travel information.
Even if you have completed your visa application online, you must still comply with immigration procedures at the airport or other port of entry.
Do I need a sponsor for a tourist visa?
A sponsor is not required for every Indonesian visa category. Some longer-term visas and stay permits, however, may require an Indonesian sponsor.
The requirement depends on the specific visa and the purpose of the foreign national’s stay.
Can I travel directly from India to Bali?
Yes. Indian travellers can travel directly to Bali where suitable flight routes are available. Your visa requirements are determined by Indonesian immigration rules, not simply by whether your flight is direct or involves transit.
Before departure, ensure your passport, visa and required supporting documents are ready.
Apply for Your Bali Visa with Lets Move Indonesia
Indonesia’s visa system offers several routes for foreign nationals, but choosing the correct one is important. A short holiday may require a different solution from an extended stay, business activity or relocation to Bali.
Lets Move Indonesia provides Immigration Consultation for foreign nationals travelling to and staying in Indonesia. Our team can help assess your circumstances, explain the relevant visa requirements and assist with the application process.
For travellers who want a more hassle-free experience, professional assistance can also help ensure that the required documents are prepared before departure.
If you are an Indian citizen planning to travel to Bali, contact Lets Move Indonesia to discuss your visa options before your trip.
Found this article interesting? Then check out these useful guides about Indonesia Visas:
The Indonesia Visa on Arrival – Everything you need to know now!
Bali Visas – Guide to Bali Visa for UK Citizens
Indonesia Visas – How to extend your Indonesia Visas
LetsMoveIndonesia – 2022 Bali Visas Recap
Jakarta Visas – How to Get a Jakarta Visa on Arrival
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