Bali Visa on Arrival 2025: The Complete Guide
Planning your dream trip to Bali? The first step after booking your flight is sorting out your visa. While getting a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport is an option, applying for an e-VOA online beforehand is the smartest way to start your holiday stress-free and avoid long queues.
Online e-VOA vs. Airport VOA: A Clear Comparison
Understanding the difference between applying online and waiting until you land can save you significant time and hassle. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is best for your 2025 Bali trip.
| Feature | Online e-VOA (Recommended) | Airport VOA |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Done online from home, anytime before you travel. | Done only after landing at Bali (DPS) airport. |
| Process Time | A few minutes to apply; visa is emailed to you. | Queue times can range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. |
| Payment | Secure online payment with credit/debit card. | Cash or credit card. Card machines can be unreliable. |
| Immigration | Proceed directly to the faster immigration lanes. | Two separate queues: one for payment, one for immigration. |
How to Get a Visa on Arrival at Bali Airport (DPS)
If you choose the traditional route, here's a step-by-step guide on how to get your visa on arrival in Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
-
1
Follow the Signs
After disembarking, follow the signs for "Visa on Arrival" or "VOA Counter". These are clearly marked before you reach the main immigration hall.
-
2
Join the Payment Queue
This is often the longest part. Wait in line at the VOA payment counter. The Bali Visa on Arrival cost for 2025 is IDR 500,000 (approx. USD 35) per person.
-
3
Make the Payment
Pay the fee. While you can pay with a credit card (Visa/Mastercard), it's highly recommended to have cash ready (USD, AUD, EUR, or IDR) in case the machines are down.
-
4
Proceed to Immigration
With your payment receipt, move to the dedicated VOA immigration counter. Present your passport (with at least 6 months validity), your receipt, and your return ticket. The officer will place the VOA sticker in your passport.
Eligible Countries for Bali VOA
Citizens from over 90 countries are eligible for the Visa on Arrival. Here is a partial list of popular countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- China
- Malaysia
- Philippines
For the complete and most up-to-date list, please check the official Indonesia Visa Requirements page.
Pro Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and has at least one full blank page.
- Prepare Cash: Have small denominations of USD or the exact amount in IDR ready. Change may not always be available.
- Check Your Sticker: Before leaving the counter, ensure the officer has stamped your passport correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Don't worry. If you are from an eligible country, you can still get a traditional Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the designated counter upon arrival at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). However, be prepared for potential queues.
The VOA counter at Bali airport accepts several major currencies in cash, including Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), US Dollars (USD), Australian Dollars (AUD), and Euros (EUR). However, bringing crisp, new USD bills is often recommended for the best exchange rates. They also accept payments via Visa and Mastercard credit cards, but it's wise to have cash as a backup in case of technical issues.
The Bali Visa on Arrival is initially valid for 30 days. It can be extended one time for an additional 30 days at an immigration office in Indonesia, allowing for a total stay of up to 60 days.
No. The VOA is strictly for tourism, social visits, or business meetings. Any form of employment or paid work is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe penalties.
Yes, every individual traveler, regardless of age (including infants and children), must have their own visa to enter Bali. The fee and requirements are the same for all applicants.