Falling in love with Bali is easy, but leaving after just 30 days because of visa restrictions is heartbreaking. For many travelers, the standard Visa on Arrival provides barely enough time to scratch the surface of the archipelago, and the constant “visa runs” to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur are both costly and exhausting. You find yourself counting days instead of enjoying the culture, constantly worried about immigration deadlines.
The solution for those seeking a deeper immersion without the hassle of frequent exits is the single entry social visa Indonesia (Index B211/C-type). This permit is specifically designed for foreigners visiting family, engaging in social-cultural activities, or simply wanting a longer sabbatical without employment. It bridges the gap between a short holiday and long-term residency, offering a legal and stable way to remain onshore.
Navigating the application for a C-type sponsored entry permit can seem complex due to strict sponsorship requirements and shifting regulations in 2026. This guide breaks down exactly how to secure your initial 60 days stay and extend it up to six months. We will cover the essential documents, costs, and the critical “do’s and don’ts” to ensure your time in paradise remains stress-free and legally compliant.
Table of Contents
- What is the Single Entry Social Visa?
- Who is Eligible for This Visa?
- Understanding the Sponsorship Requirement
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Real Story: The Anthropologist in Ubud
- Maximizing Your Stay: Extension Strategy
- Costs and Budgeting for Your Stay
- Critical Restrictions and Common Pitfalls
- FAQ's about single entry social visa Indonesia
What is the Single Entry Social Visa?
The single entry social visa Indonesia (often referred to under the B211 or C-type index) is a Visit Visa designed for purposes that go beyond simple tourism but do not involve employment. In 2026, this visa is the primary tool for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for an extended period, initially granted for 60 days. Unlike the Visa on Arrival, which is limited to a maximum of 60 days total, this Social-Cultural visit authorization allows for extensions that can prolong your stay significantly.
It is crucial to understand the “single entry” nature of this permit. Once you leave Indonesian territory, the visa is immediately invalid, regardless of how many days or extensions you had remaining. It does not function like a multiple-entry business visa. It is designed for a single, continuous stay in Bali where you immerse yourself in the local community, culture, or family life without interruption.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
This visa category is ideal for a specific type of traveler. It fits foreigners visiting Indonesian relatives, individuals participating in non-commercial social or cultural exchange programs, and those who simply want to travel slowly through the archipelago. It is also the go-to option for citizens of countries who are not eligible for the Visa on Arrival (VoA) upon landing in Bali.
However, eligibility is strictly tied to non-economic activities. You cannot work, sell goods, or receive a salary from an Indonesian source while holding this specific visit visa. If your intent is to conduct business meetings or inspect factories, you should opt for a Business Visa. If you are a digital nomad in Bali, ensure your activities strictly fall within the grey area of working for offshore clients and not engaging with the local labor market, or consider the Remote Worker visa if applicable.
Understanding the Sponsorship Requirement
The most distinct feature of the Long-term social stay bridge is the mandatory sponsorship. Unlike a tourist visa where you are an independent traveler, this visa requires a local guarantor. This sponsor can be an Indonesian individual, such as a family member or relative, or a registered Indonesian legal entity like a company or foundation (Yayasan) relevant to your social activity in Bali.
The sponsorship role is serious; the sponsor is legally responsible for you during your stay. They must provide a sponsorship letter, their Indonesian ID card (KTP), and Tax ID (NPWP) to immigration. For many tourists without local contacts, this can be a hurdle. In practice, many legitimate visa agencies in Bali act as the corporate sponsor for a fee, handling the sponsorship paperwork and guaranteeing your conduct to the immigration authorities.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application landscape in 2026 has shifted largely to digital platforms. The primary route is through the official Directorate General of Immigration website. First, your provider arranges the sponsorship and registers an account to verify their identity. Once verified, they initiate the application by selecting the appropriate Non-commercial Indonesian visit permit category and uploading your documents, including your passport (valid for at least 6 months), photo, and proof of funds (usually a bank statement showing ~USD 2,000).
After the documents are uploaded, the system generates a billing code (SIMPONI). You or your sponsor must pay the visa fee using a credit card or local bank transfer. Once payment is confirmed, the processing time is typically 3 to 10 working days. Upon approval, the e-Visa is emailed to you. You must print this out and present it upon arrival at immigration in Bali; there is no need to visit an Indonesian embassy abroad unless specifically directed by local procedures.
Real Story: The Anthropologist in Ubud
Meet Paul, a 45-year-old anthropologist from France. He planned to spend six months in Bali and Toraja to research traditional funeral rites for his upcoming book. A 30-day tourist visa was insufficient, and a work KITAS wasn’t applicable as he wasn’t employed by an Indonesian company. He needed a legal way to stay long-term to build trust with the local communities.
Paul connected with a cultural foundation in Ubud that agreed to provide sponsorship for his B211 application. With their sponsorship letter, he applied online and received his visa in five days. He entered Bali in January, extended his stay twice at the Denpasar and Palopo immigration offices, and successfully completed his 180-day research trip without having to leave the country once. This Social-Cultural visit authorization gave him the stability he needed to focus entirely on his work.
Maximizing Your Stay: Extension Strategy
To get the most out of your C-type sponsored entry permit, you must master the extension game. Your initial visa grants 60 days. Before this expires—ideally 7 to 14 days prior—you must apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office. In 2026, the common practice allows for two extensions of 60 days each, or four extensions of 30 days, generally capping the total stay at 180 days.
Each extension requires a visit to the immigration office for biometric scanning (photo and fingerprints) and payment of the extension fee. Your provider of sponsorship usually handles the paperwork, but your physical presence is required. If you plan to stay the full six months in Bali, look for accommodation that offers flexibility. A trusted villa management company can often negotiate lease terms that align with your visa extensions, ensuring you aren’t tied to a rental if your plans change.
Costs and Budgeting for Your Stay
Budgeting for this visa involves more than just the initial government fee. The official state revenue (PNBP) fee for a 60 days visit visa is typically around IDR 2,000,000 (approx. USD 130). However, if you use an agency in Bali to provide sponsorship and handle the application, the total cost for the initial visa often ranges from IDR 3,500,000 to IDR 5,000,000.
Extensions also incur costs. The immigration extension fee is lower, but agent facilitation fees apply for each renewal. If you plan to stay for the full 180 days, you should budget for the initial visa plus two major extensions. While more expensive than a VoA, the cost is often lower than purchasing multiple international flights for visa runs, making this Long-term social stay bridge a cost-effective choice for long stays in Bali.
Critical Restrictions and Common Pitfalls
The most severe pitfall is engaging in prohibited activities. This Non-commercial Indonesian visit permit strictly forbids any form of employment or business operations. You cannot sell products, offer surfing lessons, or work for a local café in Bali. Immigration conducts spot checks, and violations can lead to deportation and blacklisting.
Another major risk is overstaying. The fine for overstaying is IDR 1,000,000 per day. Always track your expiry date religiously. Also, remember that this is a single-entry visa. If you fly out for a weekend wedding in Thailand, your visa is void, and you must restart the entire application process, including securing new sponsorship, to re-enter. Plan your travel itinerary to remain within Indonesia for the entire duration of your permit.
FAQ's about single entry social visa Indonesia
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Can I convert my social visa into a KITAS?
Yes, in certain cases, such as marrying an Indonesian or securing a job, you can convert this visit visa into a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) onshore without leaving the country.
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Do I need a return ticket to apply?
Yes, immigration typically requires you to show a ticket leaving Indonesia. It doesn't have to be to your home country; a cheap flight to Singapore or Malaysia within the 60 days window usually suffices.
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Can I sponsor myself for this visa?
No, you strictly need a local Indonesian sponsorship (individual or entity). Self-sponsorship is not possible for this visa category.
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Is the 180-day maximum stay guaranteed?
No, the initial grant is 60 days. Extensions are subject to approval by the local immigration office and are not an automatic right, though they are rarely denied for genuine applicants with valid sponsorship.
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Can I apply for this visa while already in Indonesia?
Generally, the initial application is for entry from abroad (Offshore). However, specific "Onshore" application mechanisms exist under different indices if you are already here on a valid stay permit.
