Bali, Indonesia’s stunning tropical island, is one of the most sought-after travel destinations for UK citizens seeking sun, surf, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. But before you pack your bags and prepare to explore the beaches, temples, and vibrant cities of Bali, it’s essential to understand Indonesia’s visa requirements for UK travelers. In this post, we’ll walk through the various visa options, eligibility requirements, costs, and practical tips to help ensure your Bali trip goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Overview of Bali Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
As of now, UK citizens have several visa options for visiting Bali, depending on the length and purpose of the stay. Here’s a quick overview of your choices:
- Visa-Free Entry (Tourist) – Available for short stays of up to 30 days.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) – For stays of up to 30 days, extendable for an additional 30 days.
- B211A (Visit Visa) – For longer tourist or business visits of up to 60 days, extendable up to 180 days.
- KITAS – For long-term stays, work, study, or retirement purposes.
Let’s dive into each of these options to determine which one suits your travel plans best.
2. Visa-Free Entry
For UK citizens visiting Bali for a short stay, Indonesia offers visa-free entry for tourism purposes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duration: 30 days (non-extendable).
- Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or short-term leisure.
- Requirements: A passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
This visa-free entry is straightforward, and you’ll have the freedom to explore Bali without any pre-application process. However, keep in mind that this option is non-extendable; if you think you’ll want to stay longer, consider other visa options.
3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a popular choice for UK citizens wanting to extend their Bali visit beyond 30 days. Here are the main points:
- Duration: Initially valid for 30 days, but you can extend it once for an additional 30 days, giving you a total of 60 days.
- Cost: Approximately IDR 500,000 (around £25).
- Application: Pay upon arrival at designated entry points like Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.
- Requirements: Passport valid for at least six months, return or onward travel ticket, proof of sufficient funds.
The VOA is simple to obtain and allows for a bit more flexibility, making it ideal for travelers who might want a longer Bali stay but aren’t yet committed to a lengthy stay.
How to Extend Your Visa on Arrival
If you decide to extend your VOA, you’ll need to visit the local immigration office in Bali. The process typically involves three visits to the immigration office over a period of five to seven days, so it’s best to start early if you intend to extend.
4. B211A Visit Visa (Single-Entry)
For those considering a longer stay or planning to work remotely in Bali, the B211A Visit Visa (commonly called the social visa or business visa) is a practical choice:
- Duration: 60 days initially, with the option to extend up to four times in 30-day increments, allowing a maximum stay of 180 days.
- Cost: Initial visa costs around IDR 1,500,000 (approximately £75), with each extension costing around £20-25.
- Purpose: Tourism, social visits, business trips, and digital nomad activities, though employment with Indonesian companies is not allowed.
- Application: You’ll need to apply through an Indonesian embassy, consulate, or a visa agent before arriving in Bali.
To apply for this visa, you may also need a sponsor letter from an Indonesian individual or entity. If you’re planning to stay for the maximum duration, using a visa agent to handle the extensions can streamline the process.
Steps to Apply for a B211A Visit Visa
- Gather Documents: Passport (valid for at least 12 months), return/onward ticket, proof of funds, sponsor letter, and application form.
- Apply via Embassy or Agent: Apply directly through the Indonesian embassy or a reputable visa agent who can handle the process on your behalf.
- Wait for Approval: Visa approval may take anywhere from a few days to a week.
- Arrival and Extension: Once in Bali, arrange for extensions through immigration or your agent.
5. Long-Term Visa Options: KITAS
If you’re looking to stay in Bali for an extended period beyond six months, you’ll need to apply for a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit). There are several types of KITAS depending on your reason for staying long-term:
- Work KITAS: For those employed by an Indonesian company.
- Retirement KITAS: For retirees over 55 who meet certain financial requirements.
- Family KITAS: For those joining an Indonesian spouse or family member.
- Student KITAS: For those attending school in Indonesia.
Work KITAS Requirements and Process
The Work KITAS requires sponsorship from an Indonesian company and approval from Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower. This process can take several weeks and involves a work permit, multiple administrative steps, and a higher cost.
6. The Digital Nomad Visa: An Upcoming Option?
Indonesia has announced plans to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa that would allow foreigners, including UK citizens, to stay in Bali for an extended period while working remotely. While not officially available yet, this visa option could be an ideal solution for UK digital nomads, as it would allow tax-free residency for remote work. Keep an eye out for updates from the Indonesian government for further developments on this visa option.
7. Other Key Considerations
Whether you’re staying for a month or a year, here are some important practical tips to ensure a smooth Bali trip:
1. Health and Safety
The UK government recommends that all travelers to Bali ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. Travel insurance is also strongly recommended, covering healthcare, theft, and travel disruptions.
2. COVID-19 Regulations
While restrictions have generally eased, Indonesia still requires that foreign visitors show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Regulations can change, so check the latest updates closer to your travel date.
3. Climate and Packing Essentials
Bali has a tropical climate, so pack light, breathable clothing, and rain gear if you’re traveling during the rainy season (November to March). Sun protection is essential, as Bali’s beaches are known for their intense sunshine.
4. Cultural Etiquette
Indonesia is culturally rich and diverse, with customs that may differ from those in the UK. When visiting temples, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. It’s also customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or sacred spaces.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I work in Bali on a tourist visa or VOA?
No, working on a tourist visa or VOA is prohibited in Bali. Employment requires a work permit and a KITAS.
Q2: What happens if I overstay my visa in Bali?
Overstaying your visa in Bali results in a fine of IDR 1,000,000 (about £50) per day, and overstays of more than 60 days can lead to deportation or blacklisting from future entry.
Q3: Can I convert my VOA to a long-term visa while in Bali?
No, converting a VOA to a long-term visa is not possible. You would need to exit Indonesia and apply for a new visa that meets the extended stay requirements.
9. Applying for a Visa Online
For convenience, the Indonesian government allows UK citizens to apply for some visas, such as the B211A, online through the e-Visa system. This electronic process is helpful for those who prefer not to apply in person at an embassy. Be sure to have a secure internet connection, as the system may request sensitive information like passport details.
10. Summing Up: Which Visa is Right for You?
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Purpose | Cost | Extendable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | 30 days | Tourism | Free | No |
| Visa on Arrival | 60 days | Tourism | £25 | Yes, once |
| B211A | 180 days | Tourism, business, social | £75+ | Yes, 4x |
| KITAS | Varies | Work, family, retirement | Varies | Yes |
Choosing the right visa for your Bali adventure depends on your intended duration and activities. Whether it’s a short holiday or a long-term stay, being well-prepared with the right visa can set the stage for a memorable Bali experience.
