Arriving in Bali should be the start of a paradise getaway, but the shifting immigration rules in 2026 can quickly turn excitement into anxiety. Many travelers land at Ngurah Rai Airport assuming old “visa-free” rules apply, only to face long queues or rejection due to missing digital forms. The fear of being turned away at the border is real, especially with stricter enforcement on passport validity and return tickets.
The agitation of standing in a humid arrival hall, fumbling for Wi-Fi to complete a mandatory customs declaration you didn’t know existed, is a terrible way to begin a holiday. Missing the electronic health pass or not having the right payment method for the entry fee can lead to hours of delay. Worse, misunderstanding the strict “no work” regulations attached to this permit could lead to serious legal trouble and potential deportation before you even unpack your bags.
Fortunately, entering the archipelago is straightforward if you prepare correctly. This guide breaks down everything from the new digital customs forms to the exact steps for securing your Visa on Arrival Indonesia. By following this 2026 protocol via the official e-Visa website, you ensure a smooth passage through immigration, letting you focus on the beaches and culture waiting outside.
Table of Contents
- Core Definition and Purpose of the Visit Visa
- Eligibility and Mandatory Documents for 2026
- The Digital Shift: Electronic Arrival Card and Levies
- Applying Online (e-VoA) vs. Payment at the Counter
- Real Story: Liam’s Last-Minute Extension in Seminyak
- Fees, Validity, and Renewal Costs
- The Extension Process: How to Stay for 60 Days
- Prohibited Activities and Overstay Risks
- FAQ's about Indonesian Entry Permits
Core Definition and Purpose of the Visit Visa
The primary entry permit for most tourists in 2026 remains the standard visit visa, known locally as the VoA. It is designed strictly for short-term stays, covering purposes such as tourism, social visits to friends or family, transit, and limited non-remunerated business activities like attending meetings. It is crucial to understand that this permit is absolutely not a work visa. You cannot earn money, manage a business, or take up employment while in the country on this status.
This permit provides an initial stay of 30 days, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days, giving a maximum total stay of 60 days. It is a single-entry document, meaning if you leave the country for a quick trip to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, your remaining days are void, and you must pay for a new visa upon return.
Eligibility and Mandatory Documents for 2026
While the list of eligible nationalities has expanded to around 97 countries, eligibility is not guaranteed for everyone. Travelers must verify their specific country status against the latest 2026 immigration decrees. If your nationality is not on the list, you must apply for a B211A Visit Visa in advance.
Regardless of nationality, every traveler must present a passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry. Immigration officers are uncompromising on this rule; even one day short can result in denied boarding. Additionally, you must show a confirmed return or onward ticket scheduled within the 30-day (or 60-day) window. Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or a letter from a host, is also frequently requested to verify your residence during the stay.
The Digital Shift: Electronic Arrival Card and Levies
Indonesia has fully embraced digital border control. As of 2026, all travelers must complete the “All Indonesia Electronic Arrival Card” within 72 hours before departure. This digital form combines the previous customs declaration and health disclosure into a single QR code that you must scan upon arrival. Failure to complete this before you fly can cause significant bottlenecks at the airport.
Furthermore, travelers entering the province of Bali are subject to the specific Bali Tourism Levy. This provincial fee is separate from the national visa cost and goes towards cultural preservation and environmental management. While it can sometimes be paid on arrival, officials strongly recommend settling this online to generate your levy voucher in advance, speeding up your exit from the terminal.
Applying Online (e-VoA) vs. Payment at the Counter
Travelers now have the choice between the traditional queue and the modern digital path. The physical counter method involves lining up at the airport, presenting your passport, and paying the fee in cash (IDR, USD, AUD, Euro) or via card. You receive a receipt, which you then take to the immigration desk for your stamp.
The superior option for 2026 is the electronic application, or e-VoA. By registering on the official immigration portal before you travel, you can pay the fee online and receive a digital visa PDF. This allows you to use the dedicated automated gates (autogates) at major airports like Ngurah Rai and Soekarno-Hatta, bypassing the manual counters entirely. This streamlined process is highly recommended for avoiding fatigue after a long-haul flight.
Real Story: Liam’s Last-Minute Extension in Seminyak
Liam, a 34-year-old designer from the UK, arrived in Bali with a simple plan: surf the Uluwatu peaks and clear his head. At the airport, he bypassed the digital e-VoA kiosks and opted for a traditional paper sticker at the “Payment Counter”—a decision he would regret 27 days later.
When the “island fever” set in and Liam decided to stay another month, he realized his mistake. Because he had a physical sticker, he couldn’t use the one-click online extension. He had to visit the Jimbaran Immigration Office in person. To make matters worse, Bali was preparing for Galungan; the offices were closing early for temple ceremonies, and the streets were blocked by towering Penjor bamboo poles.
“I was staring at a 1-million Rupiah daily overstay fine and a potential ‘black mark’ on my travel record,” Liam recalls. He didn’t have his NIB (Registration) from his villa, which was required for the manual filing. A quick-thinking local villa manager saved the day, rushing over a digital copy of the property’s registration and a QR-coded domicile letter. Liam slipped through the immigration doors just ten minutes before the holiday closure. Now, he’s back on his board in Uluwatu, but he’ll never skip the e-VoA again.
Fees, Validity, and Renewal Costs
The government fee for the initial 30-day permit is strictly set at IDR 500,000. If you pay in foreign currency at the counter, the exchange rate offered may be less favorable than the market rate, so paying in Rupiah or by card is often wiser. The e-VoA carries the same base fee, though small credit card processing charges may apply.
If you choose to extend your stay, the renewal fee is also IDR 500,000 for the second 30-day period. It is important to note that third-party agencies will charge a service fee on top of this government rate to handle the passport pick-up and drop-off, which can save you multiple trips to the immigration office but increases the total cost.
The Extension Process: How to Stay for 60 Days
Extending your stay requires proactive planning. You cannot simply pay a fee online and stay; you must undergo a formal process. If you have a physical visa sticker, you must visit the nearest immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) at least 7 to 10 days before your initial 30 days expire. This process typically involves three trips: one to submit documents, one for photos and fingerprints, and one to collect your passport.
For those who entered via the e-VoA, the extension can often be done online through the same portal used for the initial application, provided the system is functioning correctly. This digital extension eliminates the need for office visits. However, if the digital system fails or you miss the window, you must revert to the manual office process immediately to avoid falling into overstay status.
Prohibited Activities and Overstay Risks
The most critical rule of the visit visa is the prohibition on work. You are strictly forbidden from earning income from Indonesian sources or acting in a capacity that resembles local employment. Digital nomads exist in a grey area; while working remotely for an offshore company is generally tolerated if discreet, publicizing your services locally is dangerous.
Overstaying your visa is a serious offense. In 2026, the administrative fine is IDR 1,000,000 per day. Short overstays (under 60 days) are usually resolved by paying the fine at the airport. However, overstaying more than 60 days can lead to detention, deportation, and a long-term blacklist ban from re-entering Indonesia. Always count your days carefully—day one is the day you land, not the day after.
FAQ's about Indonesian Entry Permits
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Can I convert my visit visa into a work KITAS?
Generally, no. The visit visa is not designed for conversion; you usually need to exit Indonesia and apply for a new visa type offshore.
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What happens if I lose my arrival card QR code?
You can usually retrieve it from your email, or you may need to fill out a manual form upon arrival, which will cause delays.
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Is the 30-day validity based on 24-hour cycles?
No, it is based on calendar days. If you arrive at 11:50 PM, that counts as your first full day.
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Can I pay the visa fee with US Dollars?
Yes, major currencies like USD, AUD, and EUR are accepted at physical counters, but change is given in IDR.
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Do I need a return ticket if I plan to extend?
Yes, you still need a return or onward ticket within the initial 60-day window to prove you do not intend to stay illegally.
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Are children exempt from the visa fee?
No, all travelers, including infants and children, must pay the full visa fee and have their own passport.
