U.S. citizens traveling to Bali for tourism most often use a Visa on Arrival or a Tourist/Visit Visa. Travelers who plan to stay for longer than 60 days may apply for a long-term Golden Visa. Most visas have an application fee of USD $30. It’s essential to get the right visa for your itinerary.

Are you a U.S. citizen planning to visit Bali soon? Do you need to find the right visa for your trip and learn how to apply for it?

This article is meant for you! We will introduce over 15 types of visas in Bali (believe it or not, there are over 80 types in Indonesia!), and eight easy steps to apply for them.

By the end of this guide, U.S. citizens will have a solid idea of how to apply for a visa to Bali. It will also be beneficial to learn how the healthcare system in Bali works before you travel. You won’t want to miss our complete guide on how to get a visa on arrival in Bali as well!

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Types of Bali Visas Available for U.S. Citizens

There are over 80 types of visas in Bali available for U.S. citizens, and the most commonly used ones include the Visa on Arrival, the Tourist Visa (requested before entering the country), and one of the Golden Visas designed for long-term residency in Indonesia.

Let’s look at a few of the most common Bali visas below:

1. B1 Visa on Arrival: The B1 Visa on Arrival is a single-entry visa to Indonesia with a maximum initial stay of 30 days, calculated from the date of arrival. This stay permit can be extended once and can be transferred to another stay permit through a bridging visa mechanism.
2. A1 Tourist Visa Free: The A1 Tourist Visa is a single-entry visa into Indonesia for a maximum of 30 days, calculated from the date of arrival. Applicants must apply before entering the country. This visa-free stay permit cannot be extended and cannot be transferred to another stay permit.
3. E33 Second Home Visa: The Second Home Visa is a limited-stay visa for those who wish to stay in Indonesia for up to five years. Renewal of your stay permit can be done online.
4. Golden Visa Indonesia: The Golden Visa is a long-term visa for Indonesia travelers that lasts from one to 10 years, further explained below.

Remote workers will want to read all about the visa for digital nomads traveling to Bali.

*Find the full list of visa types at Indonesia’s official Immigration and Corrections website.

Golden Visa in Bali, Indonesia: What it Is

The Golden Visa provides an easy route to long-term residency in Indonesia for U.S. citizens. It is best for exceptional individuals—such as investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, high-achieving students, and those who’ve made notable humanitarian efforts or served in critical frontline roles.

Here are some of the various criteria/purposes for the Golden Visa:

1. E28B Investor Visa: The Investor Visa is for those who are investing, engaging in business-related activities, investments, and establishing companies. Visas E28C and E28D are similar.
2. E33E Senior Citizens’ Visa: The Senior Citizens’ Visa is for those who are residing in Indonesia and are over the age of 55.
3. E33G Remote Worker Area: The Remote Worker Visa is for those who are living in Indonesia to carry out tasks from foreign companies.
4. E32B Visa for Former Indonesian Citizen: The Former Citizen Visa is for those who are living and carrying out work-related activities, as well as studying in Indonesia as long as you follow the applicable provisions. Visa E32D is similar.

Steps to Apply for a Visa in Bali as a U.S. Citizen

U.S. citizens should follow these simple steps to apply for a visa in Bali, Indonesia:

1. Choose the right visa for your trip
2. Check your passport and basic entry rules
3. Prepare required documents
4. Apply for your visa
5. Understand what happens at arrival
6. Extend your short-stay visa while in Indonesia
7. Don’t work on a tourist visa
8. Leave the country on time or risk penalties

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa for Your Trip

Decide how long you want to stay and what you will do in Bali so you can apply for the correct visa. For most short tourism trips, U.S. citizens use either a Visa on Arrival (VoA/e-VOA) for 30 days or an e-Visitor/Visit visa (B211A/C1) for 60 days.

If you plan to work or live long-term in Indonesia, you’ll need a sponsored residence/work permit (KITAS) instead. Confirm which category fits your purpose before you apply. 

Step 2: Check Your Passport and Basic Entry Rules

Visitors going to Bali should make sure their U.S. passport is valid for at least six months from their arrival date and has enough blank pages (airlines and Indonesian immigration enforce this strictly). Also have a return or onward ticket. Failing these can get you denied boarding or entry.

Remain up to date on the travel requirements in Bali before you leave.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

To apply for an Indonesia visa, applicants will need these typical documents (and others if your individual visa has additional requirements):

• Valid passport photo page (scan and bring the physical passport)
• Passport-style photo(s) (digital file and/or printed)
• Proof of onward/return ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds or bank statement (some e-visas ask for this)

For sponsored visas (B211A social, business), applicants will need:

• A letter of invitation or sponsor details from an Indonesian host or company

For long-stay or work visas, applicants will need:

• Employment letters
• RPTKA (for work)
• Marriage certificate (spouse KITAS)
• Other specific document for your visa

Read the specific checklist on the official e-visa page before you start. 

Step 4: Apply for Your Visa

U.S. citizens should next fill out and submit a visa application at Indonesia’s official Immigration website according to their individual visa’s requirements.

Visa on Arrival (VoA) or e-VOA

If you want a short-stay visa of 30 days or less, the easiest is the Visa on Arrival. You can buy VOA on arrival at international airports/seaports or apply and pay online (e-VOA) before travel via the official Indonesian e-Visa portal.

The VOA/e-VOA is valid for 30 days and may be extended once for another 30 days. The standard VoA fee is IDR 500,000 (roughly USD $30–40). Pay at the immigration/BRI counter. Some ports accept card or cash. Keep your stamped entry card and follow the immigration officer’s instructions.

Visit / B211A (60-day) e-Visa

If you will spend  more than 30–60 days in Bali, apply for a Visitor/Visit visa (commonly referenced as B211A or C1 or Visit Visa). These e-visas are submitted through the official evisa.imigrasi.go.id portal (or at an Indonesian consulate) and typically allow 60 days initial stay.

In many cases these are extendable: some visitor visas allow extensions up to a total of 180 days via multiple extensions, but rules depend on the visa subtype and sponsor.

Some B211A categories require a registered sponsor (travel agency, family member, company) to apply or support the application. Processing time and fees vary, so read the e-Visa FAQ for the exact fee and timing for the visa subclass you select.

How to Submit the e-Visa Application and Pay

Use the official Indonesian e-Visa portal to submit the application and pay your required fees. You can do this when you create an account on evisa.imigrasi.go.id, choose the visa type, complete the forms, upload your scanned documents, and pay with the accepted payment methods (cards / SIMPONI).

Keep screenshots or PDFs of your submission and the visa approval email. For some visa types, you must print the e-visa or have the approval code to present at the airport. Processing times vary, so plan ahead. Some visitor e-visas process in a few working days. 

Step 5: What Happens at Arrival

At Ngurah Rai (Bali) or other entry points, have your passport, printed e-visa/approval or VOA receipt, and onward ticket ready. Follow the signs for visa holders/VOA holders if you bought VOA or “e-visa” lanes if online. Expect passport control to check documents and stamp your immigration card.

Keep the arrival stamp and the date of expiry because that’s your legal last day. If unsure, ask the immigration officer where to apply for an extension. 

Step 6: Extending a Short-Stay Visa While in Indonesia

U.S. citizens who need more time in Bali can apply for a visa extension. The Visa on Arrival can normally be extended one time for 30 days by applying at a local immigration office before the visa expires and paying the extension fee. The Visit visa can be extended multiple times, though it depends.

Always begin the extension process at least a week before expiry to avoid overstay. Recent reports indicate some extension steps now require an in-person appointment and biometric verification, so start extensions early and confirm current local rules.

Step 7: Don’t Work on a Tourist Visa

Tourist and visitor visas do not permit employment or paid work in Indonesia. If you intend to work (remote or local), you must get the appropriate work permit and KITAS; doing paid work on a tourist visa risks fines, deportation, and bans.

Check the e-visa FAQ and embassy guidance for permitted activities. 

Step 8: Leave the Country on Time or Risk Penalties

Overstaying in Indonesia is costly and serious. Short-term overstays are typically fined around IDR 1,000,000 (USD $62.10) per day overstayed, and long overstays can lead to deportation or entry bans. If you risk an overstay, contact the nearest immigration office and your consulate immediately. 

Final Tips: If you Plan to Live or Work in Bali

For long-term residence or employment, U.S. citizens generally need a VITAS/KITAS card. To get one, an employer/ spouse/ sponsor in Indonesia usually files paperwork (RPTKA for work), and the foreign national gets a VITAS from an Indonesian consulate.

After arrival you convert the VITAS into an ITAS/KITAS (residence ID card). This process involves Indonesian ministries, mandatory sponsor documents, and in-country steps, so start these months ahead. Consult a specialist or immigration agent and use official immigration guidance.

Costs to Get a Bali Visa: For U.S. Citizens

A Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA costs U.S. citizens IDR 500,000 (about USD $30–40) for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days for the same fee. A 60-day Visit Visa (B211A/C Visa) typically costs around USD $150–200, with extension fees for longer stays.

Work or residence permits (KITAS) can cost several hundred USD or more, depending on type and sponsor.

Top Travel Insurance for a Trip to Bali

Allianz Travel, Travel Guard, IMG, SafetyWing, and World Nomads are among the best travel insurance providers for U.S. travelers heading to Bali, Indonesia. Read our guide to getting the best travel insurance in Bali before you choose.

Allianz Travel in Bali

Allianz is a trusted name in travel insurance, offering tiered plans to suit different budgets and trip styles. For U.S. citizens traveling to Bali, Allianz provides strong trip interruption and cancellation benefits alongside reliable emergency medical coverage.

Travel Guard by AIG in Bali

Travel Guard specializes in customizable travel protection. U.S. travelers to Bali can tailor their policy to include extras like adventure sports coverage or rental vehicle protection, while benefiting from solid global medical and trip support.

IMG in Bali

IMG focuses on international medical coverage, with plans like Patriot Travel Medical and iTravelInsured. These are ideal for U.S. citizens in Bali who want comprehensive emergency care and evacuation coverage, often at competitive rates for both short and extended stays.

SafetyWing in Bali

SafetyWing offers flexible, subscription-based travel medical insurance for global travelers. U.S. citizens heading to Bali benefit from its easy online enrollment, affordable rates, and the ability to start or extend coverage while already abroad, ideal for longer or uncertain timelines.

World Nomads in Bali

World Nomads is popular with adventure travelers thanks to its broad coverage of activities like surfing, diving, and hiking—common draws in Bali. U.S. travelers get solid medical and evacuation coverage, trip protection, and the flexibility to extend coverage on the go.

Top International Health Insurance in Bali

AXA, AIA, AIG, Bupa, and GeoBlue are the top international health insurance companies in Bali for long-term U.S. travelers. Each company has established experience in the international industry, customizable plans, and benefits tailored specifically for expats.

Read our full list of the top 10 international health insurance providers in Indonesia to compare more plans.

AXA

AXA is a global leader in insurance with comprehensive international health plans tailored for expats and frequent travelers. For U.S. citizens living or spending extended time in Bali, AXA offers wide hospital networks, direct billing in many countries, and options for routine care.

They also cover chronic condition management and emergency evacuation.

AIA

AIA specializes in health and life insurance across Asia-Pacific, making it a strong choice for U.S. citizens relocating to or residing in Bali. Their international health plans often include wellness benefits, preventive care, and access to excellent regional centers throughout Southeast Asia.

AIG

AIG provides flexible global health coverage for individuals and families abroad, with strong emergency medical and evacuation benefits. U.S. citizens in Bali can count on customizable plans, 24/7 multilingual assistance, and robust support for both routine and specialist care worldwide.

Bupa

Bupa is one of the largest international health insurers, known for its extensive global provider network and high standard of customer care. For U.S. citizens in Bali, Bupa offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage, preventive health programs, and seamless claims processing.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue, affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield, offers international health insurance designed for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad. In Bali, members benefit from access to trusted English-speaking doctors, global telemedicine, and plans that bridge U.S.-based and overseas medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Bali visa?

Online submissions for a 60-day C1 Visa generally take two to five working days, though some can be done in one to two days. Visas on Arrival can be purchased and processed at the airport or seaports in 15–30 minutes. If applying in advance, expect processing to take a few minutes to a few hours.

Is it hard to be approved for a Bali visa?

For most U.S. citizens, getting a Bali visa is straightforward if you meet the requirements with a valid passport (six+ months), onward ticket, correct documents, and pay the fees. Tourist visas and VOAs are rarely denied; longer-stay or work visas require more paperwork and sponsor approval.

Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Bali?

U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Bali. Most use a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA, valid for 30 days and extendable once. Longer stays require a Visit Visa (B211A/C) or other permit. You must have a passport valid for at least six months and an onward or return ticket.

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Conclusion

This article has covered many of the types of visas offered to foreign travelers to Bali and the eight steps to applying for the right visa for your needs. It is highly recommended to supplement your travels with a travel or health insurance plan so you can adventure with peace of mind.

To help you make this decision, we recommend consulting an insurance expert online or via a call at 1-800-868-1451. We also have an invaluable, free resource that can help you find and compare over 50,000 insurance plans in the same database! You can begin comparing now.

If you found value in this article, you won’t want to miss our articles Emergency Medical Services in Bali: What U.S. Citizens Should Expect and B211A Visa: How U.S. Expats Can Stay in Bali for 60+ Days.

Before you’re ready to hop on a plane to Bali, you also need to research the best places to live in Bali, and our guide can help you out.

Good luck on your applications!

• Author
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Serena Fung

Head of Content at Pacific Prime

Serena Fung is the Head of Content at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 6+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.

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