What Is the Difference Between Visa C1 and B211A? (Updated 2025 Guide)

Quick Answer: Visa C1 and Visa B211A are the same visa.
The Indonesian immigration system simply updated its classification. What used to be called B211A Visa is now categorized as C1 Single-Entry Visit Visa.

Quick Overview: Are They the Same?

 

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Why Did the Name Change?

Indonesia updated its immigration regulation system in 2024–2025.

• “B211A” was part of the B visa category in older regulations.
• With the new C visa classification system, the same visa is now labeled as C1.
• So nothing changed in function, only the name and category code are updated.

What Is Visa C1?

Visa C1 is a single-entry visit visa issued to foreigners who want to stay longer than a Visa on Arrival (VoA).

Main purposes:

• Tourism or vacation
• Visiting friends/family
• Business meetings, seminars, or non-paid events
• Exploring options for long-term living in Bali as a foreigner

Key facts:

• Stay up to 60 days on arrival
• Can be extended twice, total stay of 180 days
• Cannot be used for work or earning income
• Requires a local sponsor (agency or company, like Visa BaliEasy)

What Was Visa B211A?

Visa B211A was the previous name of the same visa.

It became popularly known as the “Social Visa” or “Tourist B211A Visa”, especially during and after COVID-19 when the VoA was temporarily suspended.

Since late 2024, immigration offices and e-Visa systems now use Visa C1 as the updated term.

Still deciding which visa suits you best? Read our guide: e-VOA vs C1/211A Which Bali Tourist Visa Is Better?

Quick note: Extensions are now done with biometric registration at immigration (photo, digital signature, and fingerprints), as required by new regulations. You can check the process in the biometric visa extension guide.

Requirements for Visa C1 / B211A

Typical documents include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Bank statement (min. USD 2,000 balance)
• A recent color photograph

How the Application Process Works

1. Submit your passport, flight ticket, and details to your visa agency.
2. Agency uploads application to the Immigration e-Visa system.
3. Processing takes 10-14 working days.
4. Visa is issued via email (PDF e-Visa).
5. Print it or save it on your phone to show at immigration.
6. After arrival, you get 60 days of stay, then extend if needed.

You can also check the full guide here: Indonesia Single Entry Tourist Visa (C1/B211A)

FAQs

What is C1 visa Indonesia?

A single-entry tourist or social visit visa valid for 60 days, extendable to 180 days. It replaced the B211A visa name.

Can I work on a C1 Visa?

No. You cannot work, receive salary, or freelance legally using C1/B211A.

What is Visa A2 in Indonesia?

A2 is a business visa for non-paid business activities like meetings, negotiations, or purchasing goods.

Can I convert C1 to a KITAS (residence permit)?

Yes, in some cases, if you have a sponsor willing to convert it to a Work, Retirement, or Investor KITAS.

Conclusion

• Visa C1 and B211A are the same type of visa.
• C1 is simply the new immigration category replacing the older B211A label.
• It’s one of the best options for staying in Indonesia up to 6 months without working.
• Perfect for long holidays, business trips, digital nomads, families, or those exploring life in Bali.

Need help applying?

If you don’t have a local sponsor or want a stress-free process, Visa BaliEasy can act as your official sponsor and handle the entire C1/B211A visa application for you, from submission to approval. You just provide the documents, and we take care of the rest.

Ready to start your application or have questions? Contact our team anytime.