Most visitors need an Indonesian visa to visit Bali. Bali follows Indonesia's immigration rules, not a separate Balinese visa system.
If you hold a United States passport, you can normally enter Bali with an Indonesian Visa on Arrival (VoA) or electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA). The visa allows an initial stay of up to 30 days and can usually be extended once, giving you up to 60 days in total.
Bali Visa Requirements at a Glance
| Travel situation | Entry permission | Maximum stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist from an eligible country | Visa on Arrival or e-VoA | 30 days | IDR 500,000 |
| Tourist who wants a longer stay | VoA extended once | Up to 60 days | Extension fee applies |
| Tourist from an eligible visa-free country | Visa-free entry | 30 days | No visa fee |
| Longer visit planned in advance | C1 tourist visa | 60 days initially, extendable | IDR 1,000,000 |
The Indonesian C1 tourist visa is a single-entry visa. It allows an initial stay of up to 60 days and can be extended for a longer total stay.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Bali?
Yes. US citizens need an Indonesian visa to visit Bali, but most tourists do not need to apply through an embassy.
US passport holders are eligible for Indonesia's Visa on Arrival program. You can:
- Apply for an e-VoA before travelling through Indonesia's official e-Visa system.
- Buy a VoA when you arrive at an eligible Indonesian airport, including Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport.
- Stay for up to 30 days.
- Extend the visa once for a total stay of up to 60 days.
The standard VoA fee is IDR 500,000.
What Documents Do You Need to Enter Bali?
VoA and e-VoA applicants generally need:
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- A return ticket or an onward ticket to another country.
- A visa that matches the purpose of the trip.
- Proof of the approved e-VoA if you applied online.
Indonesian Immigration can refuse entry if your passport, visa information or travel documents do not meet the requirements. An e-VoA also does not guarantee admission. The final decision rests with immigration officers at the port of entry.
Can You Visit Bali Without a Visa?
Some nationalities can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days.
The visa-free list includes passport holders from several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Timor-Leste.
Visa-free entry is separate from the Visa on Arrival system:
- It has no visa fee.
- The stay is limited to 30 days.
- It cannot be extended.
- Eligibility depends on your passport nationality, not your country of residence.
Do not assume that every passport qualifies. Check Indonesia's current Immigration nationality list before travelling.
Do You Need a Visa for a Short Bali Holiday?
For most eligible tourists, the 30-day Visa on Arrival or e-VoA is the simplest option. It covers activities such as:
- Holidays and sightseeing
- Visiting friends or family
- Attending meetings, conventions or exhibitions
- Transit through Indonesia
The VoA does not permit ordinary employment or paid work in Indonesia. If you plan to work, study or carry out activities outside tourism, you need the appropriate Indonesian visa or residence permission.
What If You Want to Stay in Bali for More Than 30 Days?
You have two main options:
- Enter with a VoA and extend it once, giving you a total stay of up to 60 days.
- Apply for a C1 tourist visa before travelling, which provides an initial 60-day stay and can be extended for a longer visit.
The C1 visa may suit you if you already know that your trip will exceed 30 days or you want to arrange a longer stay before departure.
Is Bali's Tourist Levy the Same as a Visa?
No. Bali's foreign tourist levy is separate from the Indonesian visa.
Foreign tourists must pay a Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000 through the official electronic payment system. The charge applies whether you enter Bali directly from overseas or arrive through another part of Indonesia.
Bottom Line
If you are travelling to Bali on a US, UK, Australian, Canadian or many European passports, plan to obtain an Indonesian e-VoA or Visa on Arrival. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, and you should have a return or onward ticket.
Before departure, check your nationality on Indonesia's official Immigration website. Visa-free eligibility and entry rules depend on the passport you will use.