Dreaming of a Bali getaway from Delhi or Mumbai? Navigating the latest immigration rules can feel overwhelming, especially with the 2026 updates to digital entry forms and payment gateways. While the “Visa on Arrival” remains popular, understanding the nuances of eligibility and extension rules is crucial to avoid airport chaos.
For Indian passport holders, the process has shifted towards a fully digital ecosystem. Gone are the days of manual paperwork; today, it is about QR codes, the “All Indonesia” arrival card, and choosing the right permit for your itinerary. A simple mistake in your application or passport validity can turn a dream holiday into a stressful ordeal at the border.
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the Indonesia visa for Indians in 2026. We break down the differences between the e-VOA and the B211A Visit Visa, explain the exact costs, and highlight the critical “do’s and don’ts” to keep your status legal. Whether you are coming for a quick honeymoon or a two-month sabbatical, this is your roadmap to a hassle-free entry. Official Immigration Portal
Table of Contents
- Overview of Entry Options for Indian Nationals
- The Short Stay Solution: VOA and e-VOA
- The Long Stay Solution: B211A Visit Visa
- Mandatory Pre-Arrival Health and Customs Forms
- Long-Term Residency and Special Categories
- Real Story: A Honeymoon Hiccup in Ubud
- Common Risks: Overstay and Illegal Work
- The Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist
- FAQ's about Indonesian Entry for Indians
Overview of Entry Options for Indian Nationals
In 2026, the regulatory landscape for Indian travelers is defined by the purpose and duration of the visit. Generally, Indian citizens have two primary pathways for entering the archipelago for tourism or social purposes. The first is the standard Visa on Arrival (VOA), which is suitable for short trips up to a month. The second is the B211A Visit Visa, designed for those who wish to explore the islands for a longer period without the hassle of a monthly visa run.
It is vital to verify your eligibility on the official e-Visa portal before booking flights, as regulations can shift. While India is consistently on the approved list for VOA, ensuring your passport has at least six months of validity is non-negotiable. Attempting to travel with a passport nearing its expiry date is the most common reason for denied boarding at Indian airports.
The Short Stay Solution: VOA and e-VOA
For the majority of Indian tourists planning a 1-2 week holiday in Bali, the Indonesia visa for Indians via the VOA scheme is the most efficient choice. This permit grants an initial stay of 30 days. It can be purchased in two ways:
- e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival): Applied for online 14 days to 48 hours before departure. This allows you to use the “autogates” at Ngurah Rai Airport, bypassing the manual queues.
- Counter VO Purchased upon landing at the airport hall.
Cost and Validity The fee is IDR 500,000 (approx. INR 2,700). If you decide to extend your holiday, this visa can be renewed one time for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. The total maximum stay is strictly 60 days. Remember, the 30-day count includes your arrival and departure days, so calculate carefully.
The Long Stay Solution: B211A Visit Visa
If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, or if you want to avoid the hassle of visiting an immigration office during your holiday, the B211A Visit Visa is the superior option. Unlike the VOA, this visa must be applied for offshore, meaning you need to secure it before you leave India.
The B211A is typically issued with an initial validity of 60 days. The key advantage is that it is extendable twice, with each extension granting another 60 days. This allows for a total stay of up to 180 days (approx. 6 months). To apply, you will need a scan of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and proof of funds (usually a bank statement showing at least USD 2,000). While you can manage this process yourself, many travelers use a trusted villa management company or visa agency to handle the sponsorship letters and ensure the address requirements are met correctly.
Mandatory Pre-Arrival Health and Customs Forms
Beyond the visa, 2026 entry protocols require strict adherence to digital reporting. Every traveler, regardless of visa type, must complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card (formerly the electronic customs declaration) within three days prior to departure.
You can access this form via the official customs website or app. Once completed, you will receive a QR code. Save this screenshot on your phone. You will not need to show this to board your flight, but you will need to scan it at the customs checkpoint after collecting your baggage in Bali. Failure to have this ready will force you to queue at the manual input computers, wasting valuable holiday time.
Long-Term Residency and Special Categories
For Indian nationals looking to move to Bali for retirement, investment, or remote work, tourist visas are insufficient. Indonesia offers specific categories such as the Second Home Visa (requires proof of substantial funds/luxury property) or the KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) linked to investment (PMA) or employment.
Investors from India often look at the Golden Visa options, which provide 5-10 year residency permits in exchange for significant capital placement in Indonesia. These applications are complex and require detailed financial vetting. Do not attempt to “live” in Bali on back-to-back tourist visas, as this is a red flag for immigration officials and can lead to interrogation.
Real Story: A Honeymoon Hiccup in Ubud
The Story: Rahul and Ananya, along with their two young children, arrived in Bali for a long-awaited family getaway in early 2026. Their flight from Mumbai touched down at Ngurah Rai International Airport on a Monday night at 11:50 PM. Exhausted from the journey with kids in tow, they quickly paid for four VOA stickers, cleared the “All Indonesia” digital customs gate, and headed to their villa in Ubud.
They calculated their 30-day stay starting from Tuesday—their first full morning in Bali. However, the Indonesian immigration system counts the calendar day of arrival as Day 1. By landing just 10 minutes before midnight on Monday, they had technically used up an entire day in minutes.
On what they thought was Day 30, Rahul went to the airport to check on their return flight, only to be told the whole family was officially overstaying. Because they hadn’t accounted for that Monday arrival, all four of them were on Day 31. This “10-minute mistake” resulted in a total fine of IDR 4,000,000 (approx. ₹22,000) for the family of four. “Paying for four people was a massive hit to our budget,” Ananya recalls. “We learned that with kids, you can’t leave anything to chance.” They now advise every family: “In 2026, the digital gates are unforgiving. If you land late at night, hire a professional agent by Day 15 to handle your extensions so you can focus on your holiday, not the calendar.”
Common Risks: Overstay and Illegal Work
Indian travelers must be vigilant about two major risks: overstaying and illegal employment.
- Overstay Fines: The penalty for overstaying is IDR 1,000,000 (approx. INR 5,400) per person, per day. If you overstay by more than 60 days, you face deportation and a blacklist.
- Illegal Work: The VOA and B211A are strictly for visits. You cannot work, even for an Indian company if you are being paid to provide services locally in Indonesia (like photography or consulting). Digital nomads exist in a grey area; however, overtly working from a cafe or co-working space can draw unwanted attention. Always maintain the profile of a tourist unless you hold a specific remote worker permit (E33G).
The Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist
To ensure your journey from India to Indonesia is seamless, follow this checklist:
- Passport Check: Ensure 6 months validity from the arrival date.
- Visa Decision: Apply for e-VOA (for <30 days) or B211A (for >60 days).
- Digital Forms: Complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card 48 hours before flying.
- Return Ticket: Print a confirmed return flight ticket (immigration often asks for hard copies).
- Accommodation: Have the full address of your first hotel or villa ready.
- Funds: Carry some USD or IDR cash for emergencies, even if you plan to use cards.
FAQ's about Indonesian Entry for Indians
-
Can I pay the VOA fee in Indian Rupees (INR)?
No. The counters at Bali airport do not accept INR. You must pay in IDR, USD, AUD, or Euro. Credit cards are accepted but can be unreliable; carrying USD cash is the safest backup.
-
Is the VOA extendable online?
Only if you applied for the Electronic Indonesia visa for Indians (e-VOA) initially. If you bought the sticker at the airport counter, you generally must visit the immigration office in person for the extension.
-
Do Indian children need a separate visa?
Yes. Every passport holder, regardless of age, requires a full visa and must pay the full fee.
-
Can I convert my tourist visa to a work KITAS?
No. You cannot convert a VOA or B211A into a working permit (KITAS) while inside Indonesia. You must exit the country and apply for a new work visa from abroad.
-
What if my return flight is on Day 31?
You will need to extend your visa. The VOA is valid for exactly 30 days, not one month. Day 1 is your arrival day. If you leave on Day 31, you are overstaying by one day and will be fined.
