Should I get my Bali visa on arrival?

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

Applying online… it’s a hassle, really. The photo thing alone…ugh. So much time wasted.

Airport’s faster, I’ve seen it. One less line. Definitely less stressful. But…the uncertainty. You know? That feeling.

Airport is better. Simpler. It’s a done deal. Online…it’s just a whole thing. So many steps.

• Airport: Less waiting. Direct.
• Online: Photo editing. Form filling. Waiting for approval. Stress.

This year, July, I flew to Bali. Did it at the airport. Much less of a headache than I anticipated.

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

Okay, so Bali visa on arrival…ugh, that was interesting, lemme tell you.

September 2024, Denpasar airport. Picture this: I’m sweating, jetlagged after, like, a million hours in the air. My precious vacation hinges on this freaking visa.

I’d say the queue snaked around like a frickin’ python. It felt neverending, honestly! I was ready to scream!

I swear I waited at least an hour and a half, minimum! Pure torture.

What I noticed:

• A massive wave of flights came in almost at once, causing this.
• Early morning and late at night, apparently, are better. Didn’t know that then, did I?
• Fridays and Saturdays seemed to be the WORST!

Later, talking to a guy at my hotel (he runs a surf shop), he said it can sometimes be only 30 minutes if you are lucky! Luck plays a BIG role, apparently.

Oh, and if there’s a major Indonesian holiday? Fuggedaboutit! Double, maybe even triple the wait time. He was so serious, I almost cried again!

Which countries need a visa for Indonesia?

Oh, Indonesia, so exotic, so…bureaucratic, if you’re packing the wrong passport!

Visa headaches, eh? Let’s see who’s on the guest list versus the uh, “needs-a-formal-invite” list. Think of it like a really selective beach party.

• Afghanistan: Yep, visa needed. Such a shame, their rugs would look amazing on my veranda.
• Cameroon: Visa required. Makes sense, they wouldn’t want to accidentally start a vuvuzela band on Kuta Beach!
• Central African Republic: Affirmative, visa needed. I didn’t even know this was a real place!
• Colombia: Sí, se necesita visa. (My Spanish is impeccable, I swear!) Something something cocaine!
• Republic of the Congo: Visa time. I just hope nobody confuses it with the other Congo!
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ditto! Are we sure there aren’t more Congos?
• Djibouti: Visa, unfortunately. Say that ten times fast!
• Equatorial Guinea: Visa needed. Now that’s a mouthful… both the country name and the visa application!

So, basically, if your country sounds like it belongs in a geography quiz run by a caffeinated squirrel, you probably need a visa. Just kidding! Mostly.

The Real Deal on Indonesian Visas

Beyond my, uh, unique list, the Indonesian visa situation is actually pretty dynamic. Rules change faster than I change my socks (which, admittedly, isn’t very fast).

• Visa-Free Access: Some nationalities get the golden ticket: visa-free entry for tourism. Lucky ducks! Check the official Indonesian immigration website, don’t trust my ramblings.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Many countries qualify for a VOA. Pay a fee at the airport, bam, you’re in! Like buying a permission slip to paradise.
• e-Visa: The future is here! (Sort of). Indonesia offers an e-Visa for some countries. Apply online, print it out, pray the internet gods are on your side.
• Types of Visas: Tourist visas are the easy ones. But if you’re planning on working, studying, or marrying a local… buckle up. It’s paperwork city.
• Always Check the Official Source: Seriously. Indonesian immigration’s website is your bible. Don’t rely on random travel blogs (including this one, cough).
• Visa Overstay: Oh boy. Don’t do it. Fines, deportation, and a possible ban from returning. Not worth it for an extra plate of nasi goreng.

What is the visa on arrival fees for Bali?

Bali’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) will set you back IDR 500,000. That’s roughly ₹ 2,564. Bargain!

Fancy sticking around longer?

• Single Entry Visa (B211A): IDR 1,500,000, a steal at ₹ 7,692. Imagine all the Instagram pics!

Want to REALLY settle in?

• Multiple Entry Visa (D212): A cool IDR 15,000,000 for 5 years (₹ 76,920), IDR 6,000,000 for 2 years (₹ 30,768), or IDR 3,000,000 for 1 year (₹ 15,384). Cheaper than my gym membership. I think.

Currency conversions are approximate. My wallet weeps, yours might too. Double-check this.

Visa rules? They shift more than my toddler’s mood.

FYI: It’s 2025. Time flies, doesn’t it? Just last week, I was trying to figure out 2024.

Indonesia’s VOA fees (for Bali, specifically, because who goes to Jakarta? Just kidding…sort of) can change. So confirm with the Indonesian embassy/consulate or a reliable travel agency.

Why is it so complicated? Maybe they want you to stay longer. Maybe it’s bureaucratic chaos. It’s like trying to understand my cat’s motivations: utterly baffling.

Oh, these Multiple Entry visas! Remember, they’re aimed at business, investment, or maybe a super extended vacation. Don’t tell them you’re just there for the beach. Ok?

Speaking of beaches, I hear Kuta’s lovely. Or was it? My memory fails me constantly…

How do you pay for Bali visa on arrival?

VoA at the airport? Cash is your best bet, though it may depend on where you’re arriving from, honestly. I always use cash; it’s just easier than dealing with potential card issues.

For online Bali visas, get your Visa, MasterCard, or JCB debit/credit cards ready. This digital route is supposedly less hassle, particularly during peak seasons.

Card acceptance changes, though. Did you know Bali once aimed to go cashless? Still, having some Indonesian Rupiah is useful for smaller vendors.

Also, think about your bank’s fees. Those international transaction charges can add up, sheesh! I got hit hard on a trip to Seminyak last year. It’s like, really factor that in. A bit philosophically, does convenience outweigh cost here?

• Airport VoA: Cash (USD, EUR, AUD)
• Online Visa: Credit/Debit (Visa, MasterCard, JCB)

Currency exchange? Pre-arrival is my move. Airport rates are, let’s just say, not the kindest.

Bali’s visa rules can be fickle, you know? Best to double-check official sources just before you travel, like on the immigration website, even. Always good to be on the safe side.