Planning a long-term escape to Bali often hits a snag when travelers realize the standard arrival stamp only lasts 30 days. For those dreaming of a sabbatical or an extended exploration of the archipelago, the constant worry of monthly renewals and visa runs can quickly ruin the island vibe. Navigating the shifting regulations of Indonesian immigration is crucial to avoid deportation or hefty fines that can turn a dream trip into a legal nightmare.
The solution for many is the pre-approved 60-day visit permit, often referred to by travelers as the offshore tourist visa. This document provides a secure legal footing for up to six months, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture without the ticking clock of a short-term pass. Understanding the specific requirements for 2026 is the first step toward a stress-free journey, ensuring your focus remains on the sunsets rather than the immigration office queues.
This guide details everything you need to know about securing this essential document, from the new e-visa system to finding a reliable sponsor. Whether you are a digital creative on a break or a family planning a summer in Ubud, we break down the costs and procedures to keep your stay compliant. For official applications, always refer to the Directorate General of Immigration.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the B211A Visit Permit
- Who Should Choose This Over VoA?
- Core Requirements: Sponsors and Funds
- Official Fees and Validity Periods
- Real Story: Julian’s Sabbatical in Canggu
- Step-by-Step E-Visa Application Process
- Major Risks: Illegal Work and Overstay
- Comparison: Visit Permit vs. Visa on Arrival
- FAQ's about Indonesia's 60-Day Tourist Visa
Understanding the B211A Visit Permit
The Single Entry Tourist Visa (Index C1, formerly known as B211A), is the gold standard for travelers who want more than a brief holiday. In 2026, this permit grants an initial stay of 60 days upon arrival. Crucially, it is extendable within the country for two additional 60-day periods, allowing for a maximum continuous stay of 180 days (approximately six months).
Unlike the Visa on Arrival, which is a quick fix for short trips, this permit must be applied for before you enter Indonesia. It is designed for tourism, social visits, pre-investment inquiries, and business meetings. However, it is strictly a non-work visa. Holding this document does not grant you the right to earn money from an Indonesian source or take up employment.
Who Should Choose This Over VoA?
While the Visa on Arrival is convenient for many, the Single Entry Visa Indonesia 2026 is the superior choice for specific categories of travelers. First, it is available to all nationalities, including those who are not on the restricted list of 97 countries eligible for VoA. If you hold a passport from a country that requires pre-approval, this is your primary route in.
Secondly, it is the best option for “slow travelers.” If you plan to rent a villa in Ubud for three months or surf in Uluwatu for an entire season, the Index C1 saves you the hassle of a visa run to Singapore after 60 days. It offers the peace of mind of having your long-term entry secured before you even board the plane, eliminating the uncertainty of on-arrival processing.
Core Requirements: Sponsors and Funds
Securing this visa requires more than just a passport. The most critical component is the Indonesian sponsor. This can be a local individual or a registered company (PT or PT PMA) that guarantees your conduct while you are in the country. In 2026, the immigration system digitally links your application to your sponsor’s ID, making them legally liable for your overstay or violations.
Financially, applicants must prove they can support themselves. The standard requirement is a bank statement showing a balance of at least USD 2,000 (or equivalent) over the last three months. You must also provide a passport with at least six months of validity (sometimes 12 months is recommended for longer intended stays) and proof of an onward or return ticket to demonstrate you do not intend to reside permanently.
Official Fees and Validity Periods
The cost structure for the visit visa is distinct from on-arrival fees. As of the latest regulations, the official government fee for the 60-day Single Entry Visit Visa is IDR 2,000,000*. It is important to note that this fee goes directly to the state treasury. If you use an agency to provide sponsorship and handle the application, they will charge a service fee on top of this, often bringing the total to USD 200–300.
The validity of the visa issuance (the window you have to enter Indonesia after approval) is typically 90 days. Once you enter, your 60-day stay clock begins. The estimated cost for an extension through an agency is approximately IDR 2,600,000* (including government fees and courier services) per 60-day block. It is a “pay-as-you-go” system for long-term tourism, offering flexibility without the commitment of a residency permit.
(*Disclaimer: All prices may be revised at any time without prior notice by the authorized authority.)
Real Story: Julian’s Sabbatical in Canggu
Julian, a freelance architect from Berlin, was living his best life. He had secured his Single Entry Visa (Index C1) and spent his first month sketching designs in a bamboo villa in Ubud. Feeling adventurous, he decided to go off-grid for a diving trip in the remote Raja Ampat islands for his second month.
Deep in the archipelago with spotty signals, Julian lost track of time. One evening, he checked his calendar and his blood ran cold. His 60-day visa was set to expire in five days. He had completely forgotten that the extension required a mandatory biometric scan (photo and fingerprints) at an immigration office. He was thousands of miles away from his sponsor in Bali, and the ferries were infrequent.
Panic set in. Overstaying meant a fine of IDR 1,000,000* per day and a potential blacklist. Julian managed to contact a Visa Agency via WhatsApp on a weak connection. They couldn’t stop the clock, but they quickly registered his extension application online before the deadline. Crucially, they arranged for him to do his biometrics at the nearest local immigration office in Sorong (Papua), saving him a frantic and expensive flight all the way back to Bali.
Julian took a speedboat to Sorong, completed his biometrics just 24 hours before his visa expired, and got his extension approved. He learned a valuable lesson: “The 60-day visa gives you freedom, but the extension deadline is a hard wall. Never go off-grid in your 8th week without a plan.”
(*Disclaimer: All prices may be revised at any time without prior notice by the authorized authority.)
Step-by-Step E-Visa Application Process
The application process has moved entirely online, streamlining what used to be a paperwork-heavy ordeal.
- Sponsor Registration: Your sponsor must register on the immigration portal.
- Account Creation: Create an account on the official e-Visa website.
- Document Upload: Upload color scans of your passport bio-page, photo, bank statements, and sponsor letters.
- Payment: Pay the visa fee via credit card or billing code.
- Verification: Immigration verifies the data (typically takes 5 working days).
- Issuance: The e-Visa is emailed to you as a PDF.
Print this PDF and keep a digital copy. You will show this, along with your passport and return ticket, at the immigration counter upon arrival.
Major Risks: Illegal Work and Overstay
The most significant risk for Index C1 holders is the temptation to work. “Digital nomadism” exists in a grey area, but working for an Indonesian client, selling products locally, or even DJing at a bar for free meals is considered illegal work. The penalties are severe: detention, deportation, and a blacklist ban from re-entering Indonesia.
Overstaying is another critical risk. The Single Entry Visa Indonesia 2026 has a hard limit. If you forget to process your extension before the 60th day, you face a fine of IDR 1,000,000* per day. Immigration authorities in Bali are vigilant, and “forgetting” the date is not accepted as a valid excuse. Always start your extension process at least 14 days before your current stamp expires.
(*Disclaimer: All prices may be revised at any time without prior notice by the authorized authority.)
Comparison: Visit Permit vs. Visa on Arrival
Choosing the right permit depends on your timeline.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Costs IDR 500,000*. Valid for 30 days, extendable once for 30 days. Maximum stay: 60 days. Best for short holidays.
- Single Entry Visit Visa (Index C1): Costs IDR 2,000,000*. Valid for 60 days, extendable twice for 60 days each. Maximum stay: 180 days. Best for sabbaticals, pre-investment, and long winters.
If you are unsure of your return date, the Index C1 is the safer bet to avoid the need for a mandatory exit flight after two months.
(*Disclaimer: All prices may be revised at any time without prior notice by the authorized authority.)
FAQ's about Indonesia's 60-Day Tourist Visa
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Can I apply for the visit visa without a sponsor?
Generally, no. The system requires sponsor details. However, some authorized visa agencies can act as your sponsor for a fee.
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Can I leave Indonesia and return on the same visa?
No. As the name implies, it is a Single Entry visa. Once you leave the country, the visa is invalid, and you must apply for a new one to re-enter.
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How long does the application take?
Standard processing is about 5 to 7 working days, though express services (for an extra fee) can speed this up to 3 days depending on the agency.
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Can I convert this visa into a KITAS (residency permit)?
Yes, in many cases, a Index C1 can be converted into a KITAS onshore without leaving the country, provided you have the correct sponsor and requirements for the KITAS.
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Do I need a return ticket for the application?
Yes, you must upload proof of a return or onward ticket to show you intend to leave Indonesia eventually.
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Is the IDR 2,000,000 fee refundable if rejected?
No, the government fee is a processing charge and is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
