Planning a long-term escape to the Island of the Gods often starts with a bureaucratic headache: deciphering the alphabet soup of Indonesian immigration rules. You want to stay longer than the standard 30 days, but online forums buzz about the “B211A” while the official government portal strictly lists the “C1” permit. This discrepancy creates genuine anxiety for travelers who fear applying for the wrong document or misunderstanding extension rights is a major agitation for anyone looking to spend up to six months in paradise.
The fear of administrative limbo is a heavy cloud over what should be an exciting sabbatical. Misunderstanding the regulations for the C1 tourism index can result in accidental overstays, missed biometric appointments, or even deportation if the visa purpose is misconstrued. As we move through 2026, the immigration system has become more digitized but also more rigorous in its enforcement, meaning “winging it” is no longer a viable strategy.
The reality of the long-stay holiday visa landscape is actually straightforward once you decode the terminology. The government has modernized the system, effectively transitioning the legacy B211A into the digital C1 index to streamline processing while strictly enforcing stay limits. This guide cuts through the confusion, explaining exactly how to secure your 60-day entry, handle the mandatory biometric extensions, and avoid the common pitfalls that catch out unprepared travelers. For official updates, always check the Molina Portal before flying.
Table of Contents
- The Name Game: Is B211A the Same as C1?
- Who Should Choose the C1 Visitor Visa?
- Stay Duration and Extension Rules (60 to 180 Days)
- Application Process: Online vs. Agent
- Real Story: The Extension Panic in Uluwatu
- Cost Breakdown: Government Fees vs. Agency Rates
- Critical Risks: Working on a Tourist Visa
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
- FAQ's about Single Entry Tourist Visa Bali
The Name Game: Is B211A the Same as C1?
The short answer is: yes, for all practical purposes. In the past, the Single entry tourist visa Bali was universally known as the B211A. However, under the Directorate General of Immigration’s updated system, visa categories have been re-indexed. The code “C1” is now the official designation for a tourist visit visa. If you visit the official government e-visa portal, you will select the C1 category, but many agents and embassies still use the legacy “B211A” terminology in their marketing and correspondence to avoid confusing long-time visitors.
Understanding this nomenclature is crucial because it affects how you fill out your forms. The “211A” refers to the specific purpose code (Tourism/Social Visit), while “C1” is the broader visa index. Whether your agent calls it a B211A or the immigration officer stamps “C1” in your passport, you are holding a C1 permit that grants you an initial 60-day stay. Do not panic if the codes on your PDF approval look slightly different from blog posts written in 2023; the function remains the same.
Who Should Choose the C1 Visitor Visa?
This visa is specifically designed for travelers whose plans exceed the 30 or 60 days offered by the standard Visa on Arrival (VoA). If you intend to surf, practice yoga, or explore the archipelago for two to six months without exiting the country, the long-term visitor visa is your best option. It is also the primary solution for nationalities that are not eligible for the VoA or Visa-Free entry.
It is vital to distinguish this from a residence permit. The C1 is strictly for tourism, social visits, or family reconnections. It is not a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) and does not grant you the right to open a local bank account or sign long-term utility contracts in your name. If your goal is a sabbatical or a “try-before-you-buy” living experience, this is the correct permit. However, if you are conducting business meetings or inspecting factories, you should look at the business-specific variants (like C2) to ensure compliance.
Stay Duration and Extension Rules (60 to 180 Days)
One of the biggest selling points of the 211A entry is its longevity. Upon arrival, you are granted an initial stay of 60 days. Unlike the VoA which can only be extended once, the C1/B211A allows for two subsequent extensions, each for 60 days. This brings the total 180-day maximum stay within reach for extended holidays.
However, these extensions are not automatic. In 2026, while the initial application is digital, the extension process often requires a “hybrid” approach. You or your agent must initiate the extension application online before your current stay expires—ideally 10 to 14 days prior. In many cases, you will still need to visit a local immigration office (Jimbaran, Denpasar, or Singaraja) for an in-person biometric appointment (photos and fingerprints). Once you hit the 180-day mark, there are no further extensions. You must leave Indonesia. You cannot convert this C1 permit into a new one onshore; you must exit and re-apply.
Application Process: Online vs. Agent
You have two primary routes to secure your visitor permit. The first is the “DIY” method via the Digital visitor application system. You will need to create an account, upload a passport scan (valid for at least 6 months), a passport photo, and proof of funds (usually bank statements showing ~$2,000). You will also typically need a local sponsor letter, which can be tricky for solo tourists without Indonesian contacts.
This is where the second route—using a visa agency—becomes popular. Agents act as your Indonesian visitor guarantor, handle the document upload, and navigate the bureaucratic nuances. While more expensive, this option removes the stress of finding a sponsor and dealing with portal glitches. For the C1 application, agencies often provide an “all-inclusive” package that covers the sponsorship letter and the initial government fees, delivering the e-visa PDF directly to your email.
Real Story: The Extension Panic in Uluwatu
Meet Liam, a 32-year-old surfer from Australia. He arrived in Uluwatu in January 2026 on a long-stay holiday visa, planning to chase waves for six months. He enjoyed the first 50 days, assuming his visa agent would “automatically” handle the extension as they did in the old days. He ignored a WhatsApp reminder from his agent on day 55.
On day 59—one day before expiry—Liam realized he hadn’t submitted his passport for the extension. He rushed to the agent, but it was too late to process the standard extension without a rush fee. Worse, because the system was undergoing maintenance, he couldn’t get a biometric appointment in time. Liam technically overstayed by three days while waiting for the appointment, incurring a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day. The lesson: The Bali C1 index requires proactive management; never leave extensions to the last minute.
Cost Breakdown: Government Fees vs. Agency Rates
Understanding the financial commitment is key. If you apply directly, the official government fee for the initial 60-day tourist entry is significantly lower than agent rates—typically around IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 2,500,000 depending on the specific sub-type and current exchange rates. Extensions also carry a government fee, usually in the range of IDR 2,000,000 per 60-day block.
However, if you use an agency, you are paying for the sponsorship and service. A reputable agent might charge between USD 180 to USD 250 for the initial visa, and similar amounts for each extension. While this effectively doubles the cost, it buys convenience and security. Be wary of agents offering prices that seem “too good to be true” for a C1 visa; they may be using fake sponsor details, which can lead to visa revocation upon arrival.
Critical Risks: Working on a Tourist Visa
The most severe risk associated with the visitor permit for Bali is misuse. Indonesian immigration authorities are highly vigilant regarding foreigners working illegally. This visa strictly prohibits any form of employment or income generation within Indonesia. This includes “digital nomad” work that involves local clients, selling products online to people in Bali, or even “volunteering” in exchange for room and board.
If you are caught working on a 211A visa, the consequences are harsh: immediate deportation, a hefty fine, and a ban from re-entering Indonesia (blacklisting) for at least six months. Officers conduct spot checks in co-working spaces and monitor social media for foreigners advertising services. Keep your activities strictly within the realm of tourism and social visits to stay safe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
A frequent mistake is confusing the C1 tourist visa with the multiple-entry D1 visa. Remember, the C1 is single entry. If you fly to Singapore for a weekend, your visa is void the moment you leave Indonesia, regardless of how many days were left. You will need to apply and pay for a completely new visa to return.
Another error is neglecting the proof of onward travel. Airlines are strict about checking for a return ticket within the 60-day validity period before letting you board. Even if you plan to extend, you usually need a ticket showing you leave within the initial 60 days to satisfy the airline and immigration entry requirements. Finally, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from the date of entry, not just the date of application.
FAQ's about Single Entry Tourist Visa Bali
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Can I apply for the C1 tourism index while already in Indonesia?
No, this is an "offshore" visa. You must be outside Indonesia to apply for the initial C1 visa. You can only apply for extensions while onshore.
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How long does the C1 visa processing take?
Typically, it takes 5 to 10 working days. However, during peak seasons or system updates, it can take longer, so apply at least two weeks before travel.
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Do I need a bank statement for the C1 permit application?
Yes, most applications require proof of funds, usually a bank statement showing at least USD 2,000 (or equivalent) to prove you can support your stay.
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Can I convert my C1 visa into a KITAS?
In some specific cases (like investor KITAS), onshore conversion is possible, but it is complex. Generally, you must exit and enter on the correct visa index for residency.
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Is the C1 visa valid for other Indonesian islands?
Yes, it is a national visa. You can travel freely to Lombok, Java, Komodo, or anywhere else in Indonesia during your stay.
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What happens if I overstay my visa?
You will be charged a daily fine (currently around IDR 1,000,000 per day). Overstaying more than 60 days is a criminal offense leading to detention and deportation.
