Visit Bali in Indonesia with this Ultimate Guide

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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:

1. Leisure, Tourism
2. Family
3. Social
4. Art and Cultural
5. Government visit
6. Giving Lecture or attend seminar
7. Attend a meeting held by head office or Representative office in Indonesia, and
8. 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:

1. Hold a passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of arrival in Bali.
2. Have a return or onward ticket.
3. Have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Bali.
4. Not have a criminal record or be on any blacklist.
5. 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.