Bali Visa Guide 2025: Requirements for U.S., Canada, & Europe

Key Takeaways

• Most travelers can enter Bali with visa-free access (30 days, non-extendable) or a Visa on Arrival (VOA) (30 days + 30-day extension)

• VOA costs IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD) and can be paid at the airport or online

• For stays over 60 days, apply for an e-Visa or a long-stay visa like the 211A Social-Cultural Visa

• Overstaying your visa = IDR 1,000,000/day fine (~$65) and possible deportation

• Always check your passport validity (6+ months), keep proof of onward travel, and apply for extensions at least 7 days before expiry

Bali doesn’t care how cool your passport is.

You could be holding a shiny U.S., Canadian, or European one, but without the right visa, you’re not getting past that friendly-but-firm immigration officer at Ngurah Rai International Airport. No amount of charm, smiles, or “but I’m just here to find myself” speeches will work.

Here’s the thing: Indonesia’s visa rules are like a complicated coffee order. Simple if you know what you’re doing, but weirdly overwhelming if you don’t. Visa-free? VOA? e-Visa? It sounds like alphabet soup, but with legal consequences.

But don’t worry, this guide isn’t another boring checklist. It’s everything you need to know, broken down with zero fluff, a sprinkle of wit, and actual tips you’ll use (because nobody has time for “common sense” advice that isn’t common or helpful).

Let’s make sure the only thing you overstay in Bali is your welcome at that beach bar, not your visa.

Do You Need a Visa for Bali?

The short answer? Probably.

The longer answer? It depends on where you’re from, how long you’re staying, and what you plan to do (besides perfecting your tan).

Indonesia offers different visa options depending on your nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay. Whether you’re from the U.S., Canada, Europe, or anywhere in between, I’ve got the details broken down for you.

Visa Options for Bali in 2025

1. Visa-Free Entry (For Quick Trips)

If you’re from one of the 86 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe, you can enter Bali visa-free for up to 30 days.

• Purpose: Tourism only (no business, work, or sneaky freelance gigs).

• Catch: Non-extendable. If you fall in love with Bali (which you will), you’ll need to leave and re-enter to reset the clock.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – The Flexible Favorite

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is Bali’s most popular option, perfect for tourists who like flexibility.

• Who’s Eligible: Over 90 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and most of Europe.

• Cost: IDR 500,000 (about $35 USD).

• Validity: 30 days, with the option to extend for another 30 days without leaving Indonesia.

How to Get It:

• Pay at the airport upon arrival (cash or card).

• Bring a passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of onward travel, and a smile (optional but recommended).

3. e-Visa (Skip the Airport Queue)

Hate lines? Enter the e-Visa.

• Apply Online: Through Indonesia’s official immigration site.

• Processing Time: 3-10 business days.

• Perfect For: Digital nomads, long-term travelers, or those who just like to be extra prepared.

🇺🇸 Bali Visa for U.S. Travelers

Good news, Americans! You’ve got options.

• Visa-Free Entry: Up to 30 days (tourism only, no extensions).

• VOA: 30 days + 30-day extension (most popular choice).

• e-Visa: For stays over 60 days or business purposes.

What You’ll Need:

• Passport valid for 6+ months.

• Proof of onward/return flight.

• Proof of sufficient funds (just in case).

Pro Tip: Don’t overstay. The fine is IDR 1,000,000/day (~$65), and yes, they will make you pay.

🇨🇦 Bali Visa for Canadian Travelers

O Canada, you’ve got it easy too!

• Visa-Free: 30 days, no extensions.

• VOA: 30 days + extendable for another 30 days.

• Long-Term Stay: Apply for an e-Visa or Social-Cultural Visa if you’re staying longer.

Don’t Forget:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

• Canadians are known for being polite. Don’t ruin your reputation by overstaying.

🇪🇺 Bali Visa for European Travelers

From Germany to Greece, France to Finland, most European passport holders can:

• Enter visa-free for 30 days.

• Opt for the VOA if you want to extend.

• Apply for an e-Visa for longer stays or remote work.

Schengen Visa Holders: Just because you’ve got Schengen access doesn’t mean it works in Bali. This is Indonesia, not Italy.

Visa Extension Process (Without Leaving Bali)

Want to stay longer? Here’s how to extend your VOA:

1. Start Early: Apply at least 7 days before your visa expires.

2. Go to Immigration: Offices are in Denpasar, Jimbaran, and Singaraja.

3. Documents Needed: Passport, current visa, extension form, and payment.

4. Processing Time: 3-7 business days.

5. Feeling Lazy? Hire a visa agent to do it for you (expect to pay extra for convenience).

What Happens If You Overstay? (Spoiler: It’s Not Fun)

• Fines: IDR 1,000,000/day (~$65)

• Over 60 Days: Possible deportation and blacklisting

• Moral of the Story: Set calendar reminders, and don’t mess around.

Required Documents for Any Bali Visa

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Proof of return/onward travel

• Sufficient funds for your stay

• COVID-19 documents (if required check latest updates)

Common Visa Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Assuming Visa-Free Equals “No Rules”: There are still conditions!

• Forgetting to Extend on Time: Don’t leave it till the last minute.

• Overstaying “Just a Few Days”: Fines add up fast.

• Trusting Shady Visa Agents: Always go through official channels or trusted agencies.

Conclusion

Bali is more than just a destination. It’s an experience that sticks with you long after the tan fades and your suitcase is unpacked. From the misty rice terraces of Ubud to the electric beach vibes of Canggu, every corner of this island has a story to tell. But here’s the thing: none of that magic matters if you’re stressed out over visa issues. Nothing ruins a sunset quicker than realizing you’ve overstayed your welcome, not metaphorically, but legally.

So, let’s recap the essentials. If you’re visiting for a quick holiday, the Visa-Free Entry or Visa on Arrival (VOA) will have your back, just make sure to mark your calendar if you plan to extend. 

Digital nomad? The e-Visa is your golden ticket to longer stays without the airport paperwork shuffle. Thinking of turning your vacation into a six-month “finding yourself” retreat? There’s a visa for that too, just handle the extensions properly and avoid last-minute scrambles to immigration offices.

The most important takeaway? Don’t wing it. Indonesian immigration is efficient, but they’re not here for excuses. Overstaying even by a day comes with a hefty fine, and trust me, that’s money better spent on another surf lesson, spa day, or, let’s be honest, a ridiculous amount of Nasi Goreng.

So set reminders, stay informed, and treat your visa like the ultimate travel buddy. It won’t be the most exciting part of your trip, but it’s the one that makes everything else possible.

Now, with the boring-but-essential stuff sorted, go enjoy Bali. Watch the sun dip below the horizon in Uluwatu, get lost in Ubud’s jungle paths, or spend an unreasonable amount of time debating whether to have your third coconut of the day. Bali’s waiting, and now you’re ready.