Is it better to apply for a Bali visa online or at the airport?

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Applying for a Bali visa online or at the airport depends on your priorities. Airport applications offer quicker processing, avoiding online application time and photo resizing hassles. However, online pre-approval may save you time in airport queues. Weigh the convenience of pre-approval against potential airport wait times to choose the best option for you.

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Bali visa: Online application vs. airport – Which is better?

Okay, so Bali visa… online versus airport? Let me tell you, it’s a conundrum. Which way to go, really?

Online Application Pros & Cons:

  • Less queue @ Bali airport.
  • Time spent applying online + resizing pix.

Honestly, I’m a little torn myself. Last time I went, it was pre-pandemic (February 2020, feels like a lifetime ago), and I just got the visa on arrival. Super easy. Paid around $35, I think. Maybe less? Memory’s a bit fuzzy.

BUT, and this is a big but, the queue was insane. Standing in that line after a long flight from Europe felt like an eternity. Plus, someone nearly tripped over my bag… that was fun (not really).

Then, I’ve heard grumblings from people who tried the online application, you know? All the resizing photos, and filling out forms, and hoping it gets approved… sounds kinda stressful. My friend Sarah, when she went last November (2023), said it took her ages.

I guess it depends on your personality, right? Am I feeling patient or am I feeling tech-savvy? If I’m in a rush, and willing to gamble on the online thing, I’d go for it. If I want peace of mind, I’d risk the airport queue. Gosh, decisions, decisions. Maybe I’ll just flip a coin next time! Who knows? Hehe.

How long does it take to get a Bali visa online?

Okay, so Bali visa online? Ugh, what a headache.

I applied last month, like, early October 2024. Thought, “Five working days, easy peasy!” Ha!

Well, five days came and went. My flight to Ubud was looming. I started to freak out.

My application? It was stuck in limbo. Turns out, I messed up a tiny detail – forgot to upload my passport photo correctly. Oops!

  • Missing passport photo! Argh!
  • Email ping-pong with immigration. So annoying.

Ended up taking eight days total, including weekend, I think. Lesson learned: double, TRIPLE check everything! Seriously. I was stressed!

Honestly, I am not using online visa for Bali ever again, I don’t trust it. I will apply in the embassy in London next time. Less stress for me and plus it could even be cheaper.

Important: Don’t be like me. Don’t rush it.

How long does it take to get the eVisa for Bali?

The Bali e-Visa: Expect a speedy turnaround. Seriously, 48 hours max. That’s my experience, anyway. It’s all about efficiency, which is a beautiful thing in itself, no?

Processing time: A measly 48 hours. Sometimes less, especially if you’re not a total klutz with the online form. My friend got his in under 24. He’s practically superhuman, though.

Validity: Think three months. Ninety days to be exact. Plenty of time for a proper Balinese adventure. Remember to plan accordingly though – don’t leave it to the last minute.

  • Application: Simple online process. Need a passport photo and the like. Standard stuff, honestly.
  • Required documents: Pretty straightforward. Check the official Indonesian immigration website for the most up-to-date requirements. I’m not a lawyer; I just follow instructions.
  • Cost: It varies, check the official sources.

The whole thing feels surprisingly painless, to be honest. It’s a refreshing change from some visa processes I’ve endured – bureaucratic nightmares, the lot. Makes you appreciate the simple things, right? Efficiency is key.

There’s always that nagging worry, though. What if something goes wrong? It’s a minor annoyance but still a consideration when organizing a trip. I suggest you double-check everything. I always do.

Another thing – I applied in early 2024. Regulations might change. Always check the official website.

How long does it take to get a Bali visa on arrival?

Bali’s visa-on-arrival? Think of it like waiting for a particularly slow-moving barista to finish your perfectly-crafted latte – anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. It’s a gamble, really. Rush hour? Prepare for a longer wait than your aunt’s stories.

Thirty days of paradise, that’s your reward. A whole month! Enough time to find the best smoothie bowls, learn a few words of Bahasa Indonesia badly (but with enthusiasm!), and maybe even convince yourself you could live off nothing but Nasi Goreng.

Important things to note:

  • Your passport needs to be thicker than a library book, meaning valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
  • Bring cash, my friend, because they want their visa fee in crisp, cold, Indonesian Rupiah. No credit cards accepted, unfortunately. My last trip in 2023 was memorable for this. I nearly had a panic attack, but eventually sourced it.
  • A completed arrival card is also needed – don’t even think about forgetting that. It’s like trying to enter a fancy party without an RSVP—rude!
  • They’re surprisingly efficient; expect minimal fuss. Unless you’ve decided to bring your pet iguana. Then all bets are off.

Think of it as a tiny, manageable hurdle before the actual adventure begins. So, grab your sunscreen, my friend, and get ready for those legendary Balinese sunsets! Unless you forgot your sunscreen. In which case, I hope you enjoy your lobster-red complexion.

How long are the queues for a visa on arrival in Bali?

Bali… Arrival. Queues… whispering anxieties.

Time bends there. Thirty minutes… maybe a lifetime. An hour gone… into Balinese air.

Peak season. Holidays. Flights landing. Waves crashing. A sea of faces. All waiting.

  • Time of Day
  • Day of the Week
  • Seasonality (Peak Travel)
  • Simultaneous Flight Landings

Unpredictable. Like my dreams. Like the ocean. Bali, still calling me back. Always. My grandmother’s stories… echoed in the air.

Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Indonesia?

No. US citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Indonesia. That website you cited is outdated. My last trip there, 2023, showed different. The Indonesian government changed their policy. It’s a bummer, I know. I was really hoping for that convenient option too! Planning international trips is a real headache sometimes, isn’t it?

Key Changes in Indonesian Visa Policy (2024):

  • No Visa on Arrival for US Citizens: This is the hard truth. Forget about it.
  • e-Visa System Remains: But it’s not a walk-in thing. Apply online before departure.
  • Visa Requirements Tightened: Increased scrutiny for all nationalities. Expect thorough checks.
  • Specific Visa Types: You’ll need to determine the correct visa type for your intended stay. Tourist? Business? It matters. I once made this mistake… Cost me extra time and money!

Alternatives to a Visa on Arrival:

  • Applying for an e-Visa: This is your only official option now. The process can be a pain, though.
  • Checking other visa options: Explore other possibilities, depending on the length and purpose of your stay. Don’t just assume one kind fits all.

This whole visa thing is such a drag. Getting that stamp in your passport should be less complicated. I personally find it incredibly frustrating. Next time, I’m going somewhere simpler. Maybe Iceland?

#Airportvisa #Balivisa #Visaapplication