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Bali Visa for US Citizen – FAQ for US Citizens Coming to Bali

Fabio Andretti

Bali visa for US citizen - photo of a breathtaking view of Bali temple

As a US citizen, you’re probably excited about your upcoming trip to Bali. Before you pack your bags, though, there’s something important you need to understand: the visa process. You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months and has two blank pages. Plus, there are several visa options, like the eVOA, Visitor Visa, and Retirement Visa, each with its own cost and duration. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it. Stay tuned to find out more about the essential details that will make your journey hassle-free.

Key Takeaways

  • US citizens need a visa for Bali, options include eVOA, Visitor Visa, and Retirement Visa, with costs ranging from $35 to $320.
  • Visa applications can be done online, and e-Visa approval takes several days after form completion and payment.
  • Visa overstaying incurs significant fines, potential detention, and deportation, especially for overstays over 60 days.
  • Working in Bali requires a proper visa; a tourist visa does not permit legal work.
  • COVID-19 vaccination is recommended but not mandatory for US citizens visiting Bali.

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Bali?

Yes, as a US citizen, you do need a visa to visit Bali, Indonesia, regardless of the duration of your stay. Please be aware that your passport must have at least six months of validity and two blank pages. Don’t consider the ‘endorsement’ page at the back of your passport as a blank page.

Now, you’ve got a couple of options for obtaining a visa. For short visits, you can apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) or a Visitor Visa online. The eVOA allows you to stay in Bali for up to 30 days, while the Visitor Visa grants a stay of up to 60 days. The e-Visa costs around $35 and can be extended once for another 30 days for an additional fee.

If you’re planning a longer stay, exceeding 60 days, you’ll need to secure a Visitor Visa C6. This visa must be obtained from a visa agency, Indonesian embassy, or consulate before you travel and allows stays of up to 180 days.

So, remember, while visa-free entry is available for some nationalities, it’s not an option for US citizens.

What are the requirements for a US citizen to get a Bali tourist visa?

To get a Bali tourist visa as a US citizen, you’ll need to meet several key requirements, including passport validity, visa application, and documentation. Your passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date of entry into Indonesia, with a minimum of two blank pages for visa and entry stamps.

The required documents include a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay, and a return or onward ticket. Be aware that overstaying your visa will incur a hefty fine per day, so it’s important to adhere to the validity period of your visa.

How much does a Bali visa cost for Americans?

When exploring the cost of a Bali visa for Americans, you’ll find that it hinges on the type and duration of the visa you intend to apply for. The Visa on Arrival (VOA), valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days, costs about $35. You get this one at airports, seaports, and specific land crossings upon arrival in Indonesia.

If you prefer to apply online to save time at the airport, you can opt for the e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA), which also costs around $35 and has the same validity and extendability as the regular VOA.

For stays longer than 30 days, up to 180 days, you’ll need the C6 Visitor Visa. It’s obtainable from an Indonesian embassy or consulate before your arrival, costing between $90-150, or you can opt for Fabio Visa Agency service with a 100% money-back warranty.

Then there’s the Multiple-Entry Visa D2, allowing you to enter Indonesia multiple times, each lasting up to 60 days, valid for one year from the date of issuance. This option is pricier, costing approximately $320 in total fees.

Therefore, depending on the duration of your stay, you’ve got options ranging from $35 to $320.

Can US citizens get a retirement visa for Bali?

Now, if you’re thinking about spending your golden years in Bali, you’ll be glad to know that US citizens can indeed secure a retirement visa for this tropical paradise. The official term is the KITAS Retirement Visa. You must be at least 60 years old and have income proof of at least $3000 US per month.

This KITAS is valid for a year but can be renewed annually for up to five years. After this period, you can apply for a KITAP, a permanent residency permit.

Remember, you can’t work or earn income in Indonesia with this visa. For the yearly Kitas extension, you must also have valid health and life insurance in Indonesia, a rental agreement, or proof of property ownership.

Since 2024, you can start the retirement KITAS application offshore via the online portal or onshore in Indonesia by converting from another visa type. It’s recommended that you use a reputable visa agent to help you navigate the application process.

Are there any special visa considerations for US citizens?

Surely, as a US citizen planning a trip to Bali, it’s important to be aware of some unique visa considerations that specifically apply to you.

For starters, Indonesia doesn’t accept the 12-page US emergency passport. Instead, you’ll need a regular US passport, valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

And don’t forget about medication – some commonly prescribed drugs in the US are illegal in Indonesia. So, it’s wise to check with the Indonesian embassy before packing your pills.

If you overstay your visa, you’re looking at a hefty fine of 1,000,000 IDR (around $70 USD) per day. Push it any further, and you might face detention and deportation.

And lastly, remember that your tourist visa doesn’t grant you the right to work in Indonesia. If you’re planning on working or conducting business, you’ll need the appropriate permits and visas.

Where can US citizens apply for a Bali visa?

Ready to start on a trip to Bali? Let’s explore where you, as a US citizen, can apply for a Bali visa.

You have a couple of options. For a stay of up to 30 days, you can apply for the Indonesia electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) or the Indonesia Visitor Visa. Conveniently, you can apply for the eVOA online before your trip on the official Indonesia e-Visa website. You’ll need to register an account, fill out the application, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fee online.

Alternatively, you can get a Visa on Arrival at select international airports and seaports in Indonesia, including Bali, for around $35. However, to avoid any potential delays or issues upon arrival, it’s recommended that you apply online in advance.

Are you planning to stay longer than 60 days? You’ll need to obtain a Visitor Visa C6 from a well reputable visa agency like Fabio or an Indonesian embassy or consulate before you travel. This visa allows stays of up to 180 days. So, whether you’re planning a short vacation or an extended stay, you’ve got options.

How long does it take to get a Bali visa for Americans?

If you’re gearing up for a trip to Bali, it’s important to know how long it takes to get your visa sorted out. For the C6 visa, which allows stays up to 180 days, you’re looking at an average processing time of 1-2 weeks. You’re advised to use a visa agent for this longer-term visa and apply well in advance of your travel date.

If you’re planning a shorter stay, the Indonesia e-Visa or Visa on Arrival (VOA) are quicker options. The e-Visa approval is nearly instant once you’ve filled out the online form and paid. However, you should apply at least 48 hours before departure, even though you can apply up to 14 days in advance. Most e-Visas are processed within 5 working days.

On the other hand, if you choose to get your VOA at the airport in Bali, it’ll take about 5–30 minutes, depending on the queue. This visa is also valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. So, plan accordingly and enjoy your trip without visa-related worries.

Can US citizens work in Bali on a tourist visa?

Despite the common practice among digital nomads, it’s important to understand that, as a US citizen, you can’t legally work in Bali on a tourist visa. Even though you may see others doing it, keep in mind that it is against the law.

If you’re planning to work remotely for a foreign company during your stay in Bali, you’ll need a remote worker visa E33G. To learn about a remote worker visa or digital nomad visa, please consult with Fabio Visa Agency Bali. We have been helping hundreds of digital nomads obtain the remote worker Indonesia E33G.

In brief, to work legally in Bali, you must obtain the proper visa.

Do US citizens need any vaccinations or health checks for a Bali visa?

When planning your trip to Bali, it’s important to know that while there are no compulsory vaccinations for U.S. citizens, certain immunizations and health checks are recommended for your safety.

Although not mandatory, it’s wise to make sure your routine vaccines are up-to-date. These include MMR, DPT, and polio. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and typhoid are also suggested as you can contract these illnesses through contaminated food or water. Depending on your travel plans and health situation, you might consider vaccines for hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and cholera.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Indonesia. Therefore, consider taking prescription antimalarial drugs and implementing insect precautions, depending on your specific destinations.

Can US citizens extend their Bali visa while in Indonesia?

Yes, you can extend your Visa on Arrival (VOA) during your stay in Bali, Indonesia. This visa lets you stay for 30 days, but it’s extendable for another 30, giving you a total of 60 days in Bali. If you’ve secured your VOA online (e-VOA), you can also extend it online by logging into your account and choosing the ‘extension’ option. The extension fee is IDR 500,000, roughly $35.

However, if you got your VOA at the airport, the extension process is a bit different. You’ll need to contact an agent or visit the local immigration office in person 7-14 days before your visa expires. Bring your passport, proof of accommodation, and arrival/departure tickets. Using an agent saves you time, cutting down on three required immigration office visits to just one for biometrics.

What happens if a US citizen overstays their Bali visa?

If you’re a US citizen and you overstay your Bali visa, you’ll face a hefty fine and potentially more severe consequences, especially if the overstay exceeds 60 days. Each day you overstay, you’re slapped with a fine of IDR 1,000,000 (approximately $70). You’ll need to pay this in full at the immigration office before you’re allowed to depart Indonesia.

If your overstay is less than 60 days, you generally have no other issues, given that the fine has been paid. This is considered an administrative violation. Still, it’s not a good look and can affect future visa applications.

The stakes rise considerably if you overstay by more than 60 days. Besides the daily fines, you could be detained, investigated, deported, and blacklisted from re-entering Indonesia for a certain period. The officials will closely examine your activities during the overstay period to check for any other violations.

Overstaying isn’t a smart way to extend your stay in Indonesia. It’s best to extend your visa properly or leave before it expires to avoid these complications.

Are there any COVID-19 related requirements for US citizens visiting Bali?

Exploring the COVID-19 related requirements for US citizens visiting Bali, you’ll find that, as of June 9, 2023, there are largely no specific restrictions in place. Most travelers entering Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival don’t need to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The requirements include a valid passport and proof of onward flight bookings.

Indonesia’s government has eased its immigration laws, stating that both foreign and domestic travelers don’t need to show proof of vaccination. As such, regardless of your vaccination status, you can enter Indonesia without restrictions. You’re not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result. Also, mask usage isn’t compulsory in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Conclusion

So, if you’re a US citizen planning a trip to Bali, it’s essential to know your visa options. Whether you’re eyeing a tourist visa or a retirement one, make sure your passport is valid and apply at least 48 hours before departure.

Be mindful of the costs and don’t overstay to avoid fines. With this knowledge, you’re set for a smooth journey to Bali.

Free visa consultancy 

Fabio Andretti

Fabio Andretti is a Visa Indonesia Expert and the owner of FABIO VISA AGENCY in Bali. His experience and knowledge is always a big help for his clients worldwide.
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