VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Indonesia (Bali) for Families

A complete guide to navigating Indonesia's visa and entry requirements for a stress-free family vacation in Bali.

Overview

Dreaming of a family adventure in Bali? Picture yourselves exploring ancient temples, splashing in turquoise waters, and soaking up the vibrant culture. Before you can get to the fun part, there’s a little bit of administrative work to take care of: understanding Indonesia’s visa and entry requirements. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the Visa on Arrival (VOA) to the new e-VOA, ensuring a smooth start to your family's Indonesian journey. We'll cover the requirements for different nationalities, the application processes, and provide practical tips specifically for families traveling with children.

Visa Requirements by Nationality

Indonesia's visa policy can seem complex, but for many nationalities, it's quite straightforward. Here’s a breakdown for common passports:

• US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian Citizens: Citizens of these countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. You can also apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) before your trip, which is highly recommended for families to save time and hassle at the airport.

• ASEAN Countries: Citizens of most ASEAN countries (including Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. This is a great option for families from neighboring countries looking for a quick getaway.

Required Documents

Whether you're getting a VOA or have a visa-free entry, you'll need to have the following documents ready for each member of your family, including infants:

• A passport with at least six months of validity from your date of entry. Ensure that the passport is in good condition, as damaged passports can be a reason for entry denial.
• At least two blank pages in your passport for the visa sticker and entry and exit stamps.
• A confirmed return ticket or an onward ticket to another country. This is to prove that you don't intend to stay in Indonesia indefinitely. A printout of your flight confirmation email is usually sufficient.
• Proof of accommodation. This can be a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Indonesia. It's a good idea to have the address and contact number of your first night's accommodation readily available.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The VOA is the most common option for tourists. Here’s what you need to know:

• Cost: The VOA costs IDR 500,000 (approximately $35 USD) per person, including children. It's payable in cash (Indonesian Rupiah, US Dollars, Euros, or Australian Dollars are generally accepted, but it's best to have Rupiah) or by credit card (Mastercard or Visa). To be safe, carry enough cash for the whole family in case the card machines are not working.
• Validity: The VOA is valid for 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days at an immigration office in Indonesia.
• Process: You can get the VOA at the dedicated counter in the arrivals hall of Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali and other major Indonesian airports. Look for the ’VOA’ or ‘Visa on Arrival’ sign. The process is usually quick, but it can get crowded during peak season.

e-VOA Application Process

To save time upon arrival, you can apply for an e-VOA online before you travel. This is the best option for families with young children. Here’s a more detailed guide:

1. Visit the official website: Go to the official Indonesian Immigration e-Visa website: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/. Beware of fake websites; only use the official government link.
2. Create an account: You'll need to register with your email and create a password. You can create one account and apply for up to five people at the same time, which is convenient for families.
3. Fill out the application: Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel details. Double-check all the information for accuracy before submitting.
4. Upload documents: You'll need to upload a clear, color copy of your passport's biodata page (the page with your photo) and a recent passport-sized photo with a white background. The files should be in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format.
5. Pay the fee: Pay the e-VOA fee of IDR 500,000 online using a Mastercard, Visa, or JCB credit card. The payment gateway is secure.
6. Receive your e-VOA: Once approved, your e-VOA will be sent to your email within a few working days. You should print a copy for each family member and keep it with your travel documents.

VOA Extension Process

If you fall in love with Bali and want to stay longer, you can extend your VOA once for another 30 days. Here's the process:

1. Visit an immigration office: You'll need to go to an immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) in Indonesia. In Bali, there are offices in Denpasar, Jimbaran, and Singaraja. The Denpasar office is known to be very busy, so consider visiting the others if they are more convenient for you.
2. Submit documents: You'll need to provide your passport, a copy of your flight ticket out of Indonesia, and fill out the extension form (Formulir Perpanjangan Izin Tinggal Kunjungan). You can download the form online or get it at the immigration office.
3. Pay the fee: The extension fee is IDR 500,000. You will be given a bill to pay at a local bank or post office.
4. Biometrics: After you have paid the fee, you will be given a date to return for your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).
5. Collect your passport: After your biometrics have been taken, you will be given another date to return and collect your passport with the extended visa. The whole process can take up to 10 working days, so it's best to start the process at least a week or two before your initial 30-day visa expires.

Processing Times

• VOA: The VOA is issued on the spot upon arrival, but you may have to queue for 30-60 minutes during peak hours.
• e-VOA: The e-VOA is typically processed within 5 working days, but it's best to apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
• VOA Extension: The extension process can take up to 10 working days, so plan accordingly.

Tips for Families

• Apply for e-VOAs in advance: This is the most important tip for families. It will save you a lot of time and stress at the airport, especially after a long flight with children.
• Have all documents ready: Keep all your family's passports, tickets, e-VOAs, and other documents in a waterproof folder and in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Bring cash for VOA: While credit cards are accepted, it's always a good idea to have enough cash in the correct currency to pay for your VOAs, just in case there are any issues with the card machines.
• Pack snacks and entertainment for kids: The immigration process can take time, so have some snacks, drinks, and entertainment for your children to keep them happy.

Entry Requirements for Children

Children, including infants, must have their own passport with at least six months of validity. They also require their own VOA or e-VOA, which costs the same as an adult's. There are no special entry requirements for children, but it's always a good idea to carry a copy of your child's birth certificate, especially if you have a different surname.

Customs Limits

Indonesia has strict customs regulations. Here are some of the limits for tourists:

• Alcohol: 1 liter of alcoholic beverages per adult.
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 100 grams of tobacco per adult.
• Currency: You must declare any cash exceeding IDR 100,000,000 (approximately $7,000 USD). It's best to use a credit card or withdraw money from ATMs in Bali.
• Prohibited items: Drugs, firearms, and pornography are strictly prohibited and carry severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Plan Your Trip

Now that you're up to date on the visa requirements, it's time to plan the fun part of your trip! Here are some helpful resources:

• Flights: Find the best deals on flights to Bali for your family with Aviasales.
• Activities: Discover and book amazing family-friendly tours and activities, from water parks to cultural experiences, with Klook.
• Airport Transfers: Don't worry about finding a taxi after a long flight. Pre-book a reliable and safe airport transfer with Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups.
• eSIM: Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM from Yesim. It's easy to install and you can choose a data plan that suits your needs.
• Flight Compensation: If your flight is delayed or canceled, don't stress. AirHelp can help you get the compensation you deserve.