Bali Visa Guide for US, Canada, & Europe

Key Takeaways

• Most travelers can enter Bali with 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 passport, but without the right visa, you won’t be 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. Who Can Enter Bali Without a Visa in 2025?

As of 2025, visa-free entry to Indonesia is only available to a select group of countries, primarily members of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Citizens of countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Brunei can enter Indonesia visa-free for tourism, typically for 14 to 30 days, depending on their nationality.

However, if you’re from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, or any European country, you are not eligible for visa-free entry. Instead, you’ll need to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or an electronic VOA (e-VOA) before or upon arrival. While visa-free travel was more widely available pre-pandemic, current regulations remain stricter, so always double-check before you book your flight.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – The Standard Tourist Entry

Most travelers to Bali in 2025, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and the EU, must enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

• Eligibility: 90+ countries

• Cost: IDR 500,000 (~€30 / $35 USD)

• Validity: 30 days

• Extension: One-time extension for 30 more days (total 60)

• Purpose: Tourism only, with no business, remote work, or paid activities

How to Get the VOA:

• Option 1: Pay at the airport (card or cash accepted)

• Option 2: Apply online in advance via molina.imigrasi.go.id (called e-VOA)

💡 Tip: Apply online ahead of time if you want to skip queues or land during peak hours.

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: Entry is simple.

• VOA (Visa on Arrival): 30 days + 30-day extension

• e-VOA: Same as VOA, just done online

• Longer stays or business: Apply for a B211A or Social-Cultural Visa before arrival

Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months

• Proof of onward or return travel

• Funds for your stay

• Optional: travel insurance

🇨🇦 Bali Visa for Canadian Travelers

• VOA: 30 days, extendable once

• e-VOA: Apply in advance online

• For stays longer than 60 days: Social-Cultural or Business Visa (apply before arrival)

No more visa-free access anywhere from around after COVID-19. Everyone needs a VOA.

🇪🇺 Bali Visa for European Travelers

• Most EU countries require a VOA

• VOA is valid for 30 days, extendable once

• Apply via airport or molina.imigrasi.go.id

Schengen access doesn’t apply. Bali is in Indonesia, not part of the EU.

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.

For the official information, please visit the official e-visa website for Indonesia. Check more Bali visa regulations based on nationality here and the latest updates here.

Once your visa’s sorted, let the fun begin. Our Bali Travel E-Guide is packed with itineraries, hidden gems, and a custom Google Map to help you explore stress-free.