What Is the Difference Between e-Visa and Visa on Arrival in Bali?

Quick Answer: An e-Visa is any visa issued electronically before travel, including both short-term tourist visas and longer-stay options. A VOA (Visa on Arrival) is a short-term visa obtained at the airport after landing, valid for 30 days and extendable once. An e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) is the same as a VOA but applied for online before departure, offering a faster, queue-free arrival process.

e-Visa vs VOA vs e-VOA: Clarifying the Terms

To avoid confusion, here’s what each term typically refers to in the Bali visa system:

• e-Visa: A general term for any visa issued electronically. This includes e-VOA, C1/211A (60-day single entry visa), and other types. But in tourism blogs and immigration info, “e-Visa” usually refers to the e-VOA.
• VOA (Visa on Arrival): A 30 or 60-day tourist visa you apply at the airport when you land.
• e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival): The same visa as VOA, but you apply online before arriving in Indonesia.

In summary, e-VOA = a type of e-Visa, but not all e-Visas are e-VOAs.

What Is an e-Visa?

An e‑Visa is a general term for any type of visa that is issued electronically before you enter a country. In Indonesia, it acts as an umbrella category for visas that are applied for online, whether for short visits or longer stays.

This includes both:

• Short-term visas like the eVOA (electronic Visa on Arrival), and
• Long-stay visas for tourism, business, retirement, or other specific purposes.

Unlike eVOA, which is meant for short visits and easy entry, other e‑Visa types may allow you to stay longer in Indonesia, extend your visa multiple times, or live in Bali for work or retirement, depending on the visa’s purpose and conditions.

Most e‑Visas must be processed online through Indonesia’s official immigration portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. However, the system can be overwhelming for many travelers, especially when the visa type requires a local sponsor, multiple supporting documents, or strict formatting. Errors in submission can lead to delays, rejections, or missed travel dates.

That’s why many visitors choose to work with Visa BaliEasy, a trusted local partner who ensures everything is submitted correctly, on time, and in accordance with the latest immigration regulations. We take care of the complexities so you don’t have to worry about navigating the process alone.

For longer stays or visa types that allow more freedom to live and work in Bali, explore our complete overview here: Long-Term Living in Bali for Foreigners

Not sure which visa best fits your travel plans, length of stay, or purpose in Bali? Our Bali visa comparison guide breaks down the key differences and helps you choose the right one for your trip.

What Is Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

A Visa on Arrival is available to eligible passport holders who simply arrive at an approved Indonesian entry point (such as Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali) and pay the visa fee on the spot.

Key characteristics of VOA for Bali:

• Valid for 30 days, and extendable once for another 30 days
• Available at most airports and seaports across Indonesia
• Requires no pre-application
• You must wait in line to process it after landing
• Payment is made at the airport (IDR 500,000)

If you’re unsure what documents are needed or how the application process works, this step-by-step guide to Bali Visa on Arrival explains how to apply both online and at the airport.

While the VOA is convenient for spontaneous or last-minute trips, it often comes with long queues at the airport and no guarantee of a quick entry process.

So what’s the better option? That’s where the eVOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) comes in. Let’s take a closer look at what eVOA is and why it’s the preferred choice for travelers visiting Bali today.

What Is an eVOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)?

The eVOA is essentially an improved, digital version of the regular VOA. It is applied for before travel, through Indonesia’s official immigration website: evisa.imigrasi.go.id

Key benefits of using eVOA for Bali:

• You skip long queues at the visa counter upon arrival
• Online payment avoids currency issues
• Your visa is pre-approved, reducing risk of rejection
• Ideal for travelers who want to reduce airport hassle
• Also valid for 30 days, with one extension possible

However, navigating the online application can sometimes be confusing, especially if it’s your first time or if the system experiences errors.

That’s why many travelers choose Visa BaliEasy.

We handle the entire eVOA process for you, from submission to approval, so your visa is ready before you land in Bali. No stress, no mistakes, just fast approval.

Ready to apply? Apply for Your eVOA with Visa BaliEasy here

Bali Tourist Levy: What It Is and How to Pay

As of February 14, 2024, the government of Bali has introduced a mandatory tourism levy for all foreign visitors entering the island. This fee is separate from your visa and must be paid once per visit, regardless of how long you stay.

Key Details:

• Who Must Pay: All international tourists (regardless of visa type)
• Fee Amount: IDR 150,000 (~USD 9)
• When to Pay: Before arrival or upon entering Bali
• How to Pay:

1. Online at the official website: lovebali.baliprov.go.id
2. At the airport upon arrival (cash or card accepted)
3. Directly through Visa BaliEasy when arranging your visa for a smooth, all-in-one process

For detailed instructions and common questions, check our full guide: How to Pay the Bali Tourist Tax (2025).

Why It’s Important:

Proof of payment is now a requirement at immigration checkpoints. If you haven’t paid in advance, expect to be redirected to payment counters, which can delay your entry process.

To avoid lines and confusion, it’s best to pay the levy online before your flight. You can also pay the Bali Tourist Levy directly through Visa BaliEasy, we’ll process the payment on your behalf and send you the official confirmation, so you’re fully prepared when you arrive in Bali.

Key Similarities: e-VOA and VOA

The e-VOA and the VOA share many important similarities:

• Purpose: Both allow entry for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending business meetings (no employment).
• Eligibility: Available to passport holders from a broad range of countries. For a full and up-to-date list of eligible nationalities, see the complete country list here to check whether your country qualifies.
• Entry Type: Both are single-entry visas.
• Duration: Both allow an initial stay of 30 days, with the option to extend once for an additional 30 days.
• Maximum stay: 60 days total
• Cost: IDR 500,000 (~USD 30)

What Makes the e-Visa and e-VOA More Convenient?

1. Apply Before You Fly

Everything is done in advance. You apply, pay, and receive your visa approval before departure online. When you land in Bali, you simply head straight to the immigration counter without stopping at the VOA payment line .

2. Faster Entry with Autogate Access

Indonesia has introduced autogate lanes at Ngurah Rai (Bali) and Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta) airports for travelers who hold an e-Passport and e-VOA. The inspection process takes as little as 35–60 seconds, significantly reducing waiting times compared to manual processing .

3. Secure Online Payment

All payments are made online with major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, or JCB so there’s no need to prepare cash or worry about exchange rates on arrival .

4. Transparent Requirements & Real-Time Tracking

The e-VOA portal clearly lists all requirements, visa fees (IDR 500,000), and stay rules, including a 30-day validity, extendable once for another 30 days. You can also track your application online to see when your approval is issued .

5. Clear List of Eligible Countries & Ports of Entry

The Indonesian government regularly updates the list of nationalities eligible for VOA and e-VOA, along with approved airports, seaports, and land borders . You can check the latest list here: Eligible Countries for e-VOA

6. Option to Extend Your Stay

The e-VOA allows a 30-day stay, which can be extended once for another 30 days, so in total you can stay up to 60 days in Indonesia.If you plan to stay longer, you can easily extend your eVOA through Visa BaliEasy.

Visa BaliEasy also provides assistance for other visa extensions, like the C1/211A Tourist Visa, helping you stay legally in Bali with minimal hassle and complete peace of mind. If you’re unsure whether to choose an e‑VOA or a 211A visa, our e‑VOA vs. C1/211A comparison guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide.

Why Apply Through Visa BaliEasy

While the e-VOA system offers great convenience, the application process can still feel unfamiliar for first-time visitors, especially when preparing documents or navigating online requirements. That’s where Visa BaliEasy makes the process smoother.

Visa BaliEasy isn’t just an eVOA service. It’s your reliable partner for every step of your stay in Bali, whether you need help with an eVOA, a C1/211A Tourist Visa, a C2 Business Visa, or an extension of your existing permit. Our team ensures every application is submitted accurately, approved on time, and fully compliant with Indonesia’s latest immigration rules.

With Visa BaliEasy, you can focus on your travel plans while we handle the paperwork, fast, secure, and stress-free.

Apply for Your Visa with Visa BaliEasy here.

Key Takeaways

In short, an e-Visa is any visa issued online before travel, covering both short and long stays. A VOA is a short-stay visa you get at the airport, while an e-VOA is the same visa, but applied for in advance to skip queues and speed up arrival.

For most travelers, the e-VOA offers the best balance of convenience and flexibility. And if you want a smooth, error-free process, Visa BaliEasy can handle it all for you, from e-VOA to long-stay visas and extensions.