Getting a tourist Visa for Bali, Indonesia

Often one of the additional extra’s you’ll have to pay for whilst travelling are visas. There are a number of countries that offer free tourist visas on arrival (VOA). As a British Citizen, I can travel to many countries for free – Singapore and Malaysia being my most recent two.

Indonesia isn’t one of these countries.
Upon arrival in Indonesia, many citizens from other countries are required to pay $25 in US notes (**note, this is due to increase to $35 from 2nd July 2014) These have to be new and crisp.
Prior to leaving, I read online that you needed two passport photos, but these were handed back to me at Immigration. However, its always good to travel with a few passport sized photos.

You then get a nice sticker in your passport, which allows you to visit for 30 days, you can extend this at an immigration office (in Denpasar) for a further 30 days. You cannot work on this visa. If you outstay your welcome (visa) there is a fine of $20 (US) per day.

Indonesia previously had a 7 day visa for $10, but they no longer offer this.

Upon exiting the country, you are also required to pay. In most other countries the airline adds this onto your ticket price. However, leaving Indonesia, you’ll have to fork out a further 200,000 Rupiah. This was previously 150,000. This is payable in Rupiah. Although in the airport duty free, prices are in US dollars and Rupiah, so they may accept US dollars.

Many people weren’t aware of this cost, and got quite cross at the airport as they had spent their final Rupiah, and having to go back to the ATM again.

If you’re entering Indonesia, make sure you check up whether you are required to pay for a VOA.