A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Indonesian Visa Based on Your Purpose, Stay Duration, and Nationality
Choosing the right visa for your trip to Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re coming for a quick vacation, an extended stay, business meetings, or even remote work, your visa type will depend on your purpose of visit, how long you plan to stay, and where you’re from.
This guide will help you navigate your options and choose the most suitable visa for your situation.
Quick Overview: Common Bali Visa Options
Visa Type | Best For | Max Stay | Extension | Needs Sponsor? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Tourists, family visits, short business | 30 days | 1× 30-day extension | ❌ |
e-Visa (e-VOA) | Same as VOA, applied online | 30 days | 1× 30-day extension | ❌ |
C211A Tourist Visa | Tourism, culture, visiting family | 60 days | 2× 60-day extensions | ✅ |
B211A Visit Visa | Long stays for non-commercial visits | 60 days | 2× 60-day extensions | ✅ |
KITAS (Work/Investor/Retiree) | Work, investment, retirement | 6–24 months | Renewable | ✅ |
Multiple Entry Visa (D1/D2) | Frequent travel for business/tourism | 1–5 years | Multiple entries | ✅ |
Remote Worker Visa (E33G) | Digital nomads | 1 year | Renewable | ✅ |
Pre-Investment Visa (C12) | Market research & early-stage investment | 180 days | Not extendable | ✅ |
Read more: Bali Visa on Arrival (VoA): Documents & How to Apply Online or at the Airport
Determining the Right Visa for Your Situation
1. How Long Are You Staying?
- Up to 60 days: Use a VOA or e-Visa (e-VOA). Perfect for tourists or short-term visits.
- 60 to 180 days: Consider C211A or B211A Visit Visa, both extendable.
- 6 months or longer: You’ll need a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit), depending on your purpose (work, investment, retirement).
Not sure whether to get an e-VOA or a C1/211A Tourist Visa? If you’re thinking of staying in Bali longer than 30–60 days or just want more flexibility, check out our simple guide that compares both visas. It’ll help you decide which one works best for your trip and budget.
2. Why Are You Coming to Indonesia?
Purpose | Recommended Visa |
---|---|
Tourism | VOA, e-Visa, C211A Tourist Visa |
Visiting Family | VOA, C211A |
Business Meetings | B211A, Multiple Entry Visa, C12 (Pre-investment) |
Remote Work | Remote Worker Visa (E33G) |
Working in Indonesia | KITAS (Work ITAS – E31) |
Retirement | Retirement ITAS (E33F) |
Studying | Student KITAS |
Important: You cannot work or study on a VOA, e-Visa, or Visit Visa. Doing so is illegal and can result in deportation.
3. What’s Your Nationality?
Visa eligibility varies by country:
- Some countries are eligible for Visa Exemption (free 30-day stay, non-extendable).
- Others may require pre-approved e-VOA or sponsorship-based visas like B211A.
- Use our nationality filter on the homepage to check which visas are available for your passport.
Reminder: No matter which visa you choose, you’ll also need to pay the mandatory Bali tourism levy of IDR 150,000. Read our guide on how to pay the Bali tourist tax easily.
4. Will You Be Traveling In and Out of Indonesia Often?
If you plan to travel frequently to Indonesia for business or family reasons:
- Consider a Multiple Entry Visa (D1/D2), valid for up to 1–5 years.
- You won’t need to reapply every time, saving you both time and money.
5. Planning to Work, Study, or Retire?
You’ll need a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit), which is a long-term visa solution that allows:
- Employment (Work ITAS)
- Running a business (Investor ITAS)
- Remote working (Remote Worker ITAS)
- Studying (Student ITAS)
- Living in Bali without working (Retirement ITAS)
Each of these visas has specific requirements, and Visa BaliEasy will help guide you through the process.
Recommendation Summary
If You’re… | Use This Visa |
---|---|
A short-term tourist | VOA or e-Visa |
Visiting for up to 6 months | C211A or B211A |
Staying long-term or planning to work | KITAS (Work, Investment) |
Retiring in Bali | Retirement ITAS |
Working remotely from Bali | Remote Worker ITAS |
Traveling in and out frequently | Multiple Entry Visa (D1/D2) |
Still Not Sure Which Visa to Choose?
Click here to get your Bali Visa – select based on your nationality and purpose.
Need personal guidance? Chat with us via WhatsApp +6281 239 382 588 or email visa@balieasy.com — fast replies, no bots. We’re here to make things easy!
Read more: Top 11 Mistakes That Can Delay Your Bali Visa Application (and How to Avoid Them)