Bali, the Island of the Gods, is a paradise destination located in Indonesia, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world each year. With its stunning beaches, lush green rice fields, cultural temples, and warm hospitality, Bali has become one of the most popular vacation spots in Southeast Asia. In this article, we will explore why Bali is a great destination to visit and the requirements needed to enter the country.
One of the most striking features of Bali is its natural beauty. The island is home to countless beaches that range from secluded coves to bustling tourist hotspots. Some of the most popular beaches in Bali include Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, which offer crystal clear waters, pristine white sands, and world-class surfing waves. Moreover, Bali is also home to breathtaking rice terraces, hidden waterfalls, and lush green forests that make for excellent hiking and nature exploration opportunities.
Apart from its natural wonders, Bali also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The island is dotted with thousands of Hindu temples, each with its unique architecture and symbolism. The most iconic of these temples include the majestic Tanah Lot Temple, which is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean, and the grand Besakih Temple, known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali. Visitors can also witness the traditional Balinese dances, music, and ceremonies that are deeply rooted in the island’s cultural traditions.
What Activities Does Bali Offer Travelers / Tourists?
Bali is a popular destination that offers a wide range of activities for travelers of all ages and interests. Some of the activities that tourists can take part in during their visit to Bali include:
- Surfing: Bali is known for its world-class surfing spots such as Kuta, Uluwatu, and Padang Padang. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Bali has something to offer for everyone. There are many surf schools and surf shops where you can rent surfboards, and instructors can teach you the basics of surfing.
- Exploring: Bali is a beautiful island with a rich cultural heritage. Exploring the island can take you to stunning waterfalls, rice paddies, and temples. The rice paddies of Ubud, for example, are known for their green terraces that extend to the horizon, making for beautiful photo opportunities. Bali’s temples are also worth a visit, with the Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples being the most popular among tourists.
- Culture: Bali has a unique culture that is deeply rooted in religion, art, and tradition. Visitors can participate in traditional Balinese dance performances or attend a Hindu ceremony. A visit to Bali’s art markets is also a great way to learn about Balinese art, with beautiful paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts available for purchase.
- Relaxation: Bali is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and wellness. The island has a wide range of spa and wellness centers offering massages, yoga classes, and meditation sessions. Visitors can also relax on one of Bali’s beautiful beaches, such as Jimbaran or Seminyak, and enjoy the warm sun and sea breeze.
- Cuisine: Bali offers a diverse range of cuisine, with Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and Western dishes available in restaurants and food markets. Visitors can also try traditional Balinese dishes, such as nasi goreng (fried rice) or sate (grilled meat on skewers). Bali is also known for its street food, with food carts selling delicious and affordable snacks such as pisang goreng (fried bananas) or bakso (meatball soup).
- Adventure: Bali is a great destination for adventure seekers, with activities such as hiking, scuba diving, and white-water rafting available. Bali’s Mount Batur is a popular hiking spot, with stunning views of the island from the summit. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities in Bali, with vibrant coral reefs and a wide range of marine life to explore. White-water rafting on Bali’s rivers is also a thrilling experience.
Visa Requirements to Visit Bali in Indonesia
To visit Bali, travelers may need to obtain a visa depending on their nationality, the length of their stay, and the purpose of their visit. Here are the main types of visas needed to visit Bali:
- Visa-free entry: Citizens of around 169 countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia for stays of up to 30 days. This visa cannot be extended, and visitors must exit the country before the visa-free period expires. Visitors entering Bali via Bali’s international airport or seaport are eligible for visa-free entry.
- Visa on arrival (VoA): Citizens of around 61 countries can obtain a VoA upon arrival in Bali. The VoA allows visitors to stay for up to 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. The fee for a VoA is $35 USD, payable in cash upon arrival.
- Tourist visa: If you plan to stay in Bali for more than 30 days, you can apply for a tourist visa before your arrival. The tourist visa allows visitors to stay for up to 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days while in Indonesia. The visa must be obtained before arrival at an Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Social/cultural visa: The social/cultural visa is a type of visa that allows visitors to stay in Indonesia for up to 180 days. This visa is issued for social or cultural purposes, such as attending a wedding or visiting family. The visa must be obtained before arrival at an Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Business visa: The business visa is for visitors who intend to conduct business activities in Bali. This visa allows visitors to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days. The visa must be obtained before arrival at an Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.
It is important to note that visa regulations can change, so it is recommended to check with your embassy or consulate for the latest visa requirements before your visit to Bali.
Steps to Obtain Entry into Indonesia
To enter Indonesia, foreign visitors must comply with the country’s immigration regulations. Here are the steps to obtain entry into Indonesia:
- Check visa requirements: Foreign visitors should check the visa requirements for Indonesia on the website of the Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country. The visa requirements may vary depending on the nationality of the visitor, the purpose of the visit, and the length of stay.
- Prepare required documents: Depending on the type of visa required, visitors must prepare the necessary documents such as passport, visa application form, photograph, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. Some visas also require an invitation letter or a sponsor.
- Apply for visa: Visitors who require a visa must apply for it at an Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country. The application process may take several days, so visitors are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
- Obtain visa approval: Once the visa application is approved, the embassy or consulate will issue the visa. Visitors must affix the visa sticker in their passport before they can travel to Indonesia.
- Arrive in Indonesia: Visitors should arrive at one of the designated ports of entry in Indonesia such as the international airports in Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya. Upon arrival, visitors will be subject to immigration checks, where their passport and visa will be verified.
- Register with local authorities: Visitors who plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 90 days must register with the local immigration office within seven days of arrival. Visitors should ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Countries that can visit Bali and Other Locations in Indonesia Visa-free
As of September 2021, citizens of the following 169 countries and territories are eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia for stays of up to 30 days:
1. Albania
2. Algeria
3. Andorra
4. Angola
5. Antigua and Barbuda
6. Argentina
7. Armenia
8. Australia
9. Austria
10. Azerbaijan
11. Bahamas
12. Bahrain
13. Bangladesh
14. Barbados
15. Belarus
16. Belgium
17. Belize
18. Benin
19. Bhutan
20. Bolivia
21. Bosnia and Herzegovina
22. Botswana
23. Brazil
34. Brunei
25. Bulgaria
26. Burkina Faso
27. Burundi
28. Cambodia
29. Canada
30. Cape Verde
31. Chad
32. Chile
33. China (status suspended)
34. Commonwealth of Dominica
35. Comoros
36. Costa Rica
37. Cote D’Ivoire
38. Croatia
39. Cuba
40. Cyprus
41. Czech Republic
42. Denmark
43. Dominican Republic
44. Ecuador
45. Egypt
46. El Salvador
47. Estonia
48. Fiji
49. Finland
50. France
51.Gabon
52. Gambia
53. Georgia
54. Germany
55. Ghana
56. Greece
57. Grenada
58. Guatemala
59. Guyana
60. Haiti
61. Honduras
62. Hong Kong SAR
63. Hungary
64. Iceland
65. India
66. Ireland
67. Italy (status suspended)
68. Jamaica
69. Japan
70. Jordan
71. Kazakhstan
72. Kenya
73. Kiribati
74. Kuwait
75. Kyrgyzstan
76. Laos
77. Latvia
78. Lebanon
79. Lesotho
80. Liechtenstein
81. Lithuania
82. Luxembourg
83. Macau SAR
84. Macedonia
85. Madagascar
86. Malawi
87. Malaysia
88. Maldives
89. Mali
90. Malta
91. Marshall Islands
92. Mauritania
93. Mauritius
94. Mexico
95. Moldova
96. Monaco
97. Mongolia
98. Morocco
99. Mozambique
100. Myanmar
101. Namibia
102. Nauru
103. Nepal
104. Netherlands
105. New Zealand
106. Nicaragua
107. Norway
108. Oman
109. Palau
110. Palestine
111. Panama
112. Papua New Guinea
113. Paraguay
114. Peru
115. Philippines
116. Poland
117. Portugal
118. Puerto Rico
119. Qatar
120. Romania
121. Russia
122. Rwanda
123. Samoa
124. San Marino
125. Sao Tome and Principe
126. Saudi Arabia
127. Senegal
128. Serbia
129. Seychelles
130. Singapore
131. Slovakia
132. Slovenia
133. Solomon Island
134. South Africa
135. South Korea (status suspended)
136. Spain
137. Sri Lanka
138. St Kitts and Nevis
139. St Lucia
140. St Vincent and Grenadines
141. Suriname
142. Swaziland
143. Sweden
144. Switzerland
145. Taiwan
146. Tajikistan
147. Tanzania
148. Thailand
149. Timor-Leste
150. Togo
151. Tonga
152. Trinidad & Tobago
153. Tunisia
154. Turkey
155. Turkmenistan
156. Tuvalu
157. Uganda
158. Ukraine
159. United Arab Emirates
160. United Kingdom
161. Uruguay
162. USA
163. Uzbekistan
164. Vanuatu
165. Vatican City
166. Venezuela
167. Vietnam
168. Zambia
169. Zimbabwe
The above nationals are allowed to stay in the country without visa for period up to 30 days. Visitors must be in possession of valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a return or onward journey ticket. This single-entry visa is not extendable or convertible into another type of stay permit and it is strictly used for the following purposes:
- Leisure, Tourism
- Family
- Social
- Art and Cultural
- Government visit
- Giving Lecture or attend seminar
- Attend a meeting held by head office or Representative office in Indonesia, and
- Continue journey to another country
What are the Requirements for Visa-free Entry into Bali / Indonesia
To be eligible for visa-free entry into Bali, you must:
- Hold a passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of arrival in Bali.
- Have a return or onward ticket.
- Have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Bali.
- Not have a criminal record or be on any blacklist.
- Not engage in any activities that violate Indonesian laws and regulations, such as working or studying.
It’s important to note that if you plan to stay in Bali for more than 30 days or engage in activities that are not permitted under the Visa Exemption program, you will need to apply for a visa before you arrive in Bali.
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