16-07-2025
Bali clarifies key differences between visas and stay permits for foreign visitors
Indonesian immigration authorities are advising foreigners, particularly those visiting Bali, to understand the distinction between visas and stay permits. A visa grants entry, while a stay permit authorizes legal residency for a specified period.
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What is an Indonesian visa?
Visa on Arrival (VoA): Issued at the airport, valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days.
Electronic Visa on Arrival (e‑VoA): Applied for online before travel, covering the same conditions as VoA. It allows faster entry and, with e‑VoA, extensions can be handled online.
Visit Visa: Applied ahead of time through embassies or online, valid for 30 days with single or multiple entries.
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What is a Stay Permit and why it matters
Stay permit types include:
Visit Stay Permit: For short-term stays.
Limited Stay Permit (KITAS): For work, study, or family reunification—typically valid for six months to one year, extendable.
Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP): For long-term residents, dependents, investors, or retirees.
Feature Visa Stay Permit Purpose Grants entry into Indonesia Authorizes legal stay within the country Issuing Authority Indonesian embassy, consulate, or online portal Local Immigration Office inside Indonesia Timing Before or upon arrival After entry Duration Typically 30–90 days Depends on type (30 days to years) Renewal/Extension VoA/e‑VoA extendable ~30 days KITAS/KITAP extendable as per category
How Indians can apply for e‑VoA to Bali
Filling in personal and travel information.
Uploading necessary documents.
Paying fees (~IDR 500,000 or USD 35).
Receiving pre-approved e‑VoA via email.
Skipping VoA queues on arrival-via e‑gates or priority lanes.
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Go with a 30‑day e‑VoA and apply online for a second 30‑day extension, or
Opt for a 60‑day e‑VoA upfront, avoiding the need to visit immigration for extension.
What to do upon arrival
Apply early for your e‑VoA.
Secure your stay permit if planning to stay longer.
Plan ahead to avoid overstaying and fines, which can lead to penalties or banned re-entry.
Foreigners visiting Indonesia , whether for tourism, work, study, or remote living are being advised to better understand the rules around visas and stay permits. With Bali remaining a major destination for tourists and digital nomads alike, Indonesian immigration authorities have released new guidance aimed at clearing up ongoing confusion between entry visas and permission to update, posted on the official Instagram handle of the Indonesian Immigration Office, stresses a critical distinction for anyone staying beyond a short visit. Understanding this difference is key to avoiding visa violations, legal complications, or even denial of re-entry in the future.A visa is your official entry ticket to Indonesia. It grants you permission to enter the country for specific reasons, tourism, business, visiting family, or transit. For Indians and many others, this includes:A visa establishes your eligibility to enter Indonesia, but it doesn't define how long you can stay after entry, that's where the stay permit comes stay permit, also known as ITAS or KITAS/KITAP in certain categories, becomes relevant after you arrive in Indonesia, according to Immigration Indonesian. It allows you to reside legally for a set period and is issued by local immigration authorities. You cannot legally stay in Indonesia without activating this permit after emphasize that holding a visa doesn't guarantee legal residency. You must obtain the appropriate stay permit to ensure your stay is Instagram post shared by Indonesia's immigration authority, with the key statement: 'Stay Permit is the permission granted after you've entered the country, allowing you to legally stay for a certain period' helps dispel confusion. This is particularly relevant as travelers mix visas and permits, unaware that both are mandatory for legally staying beyond initial digital application for e-VoA involves:Once on Indonesian soil, you can choose to either:The entire procedure enhances convenience and reduces airport waits, saving up to an hour per traveler in peak landing, present your e‑VoA confirmation to immigration, receive your entry stamp, and then proceed to coordinate your stay permit applications if staying longer than initial stays beyond 60 days, or for work/study, apply for the relevant KITAS through an immigration office or sponsor.A visa lets you enter Indonesia. A stay permit lets you stay legally once you're inside. For Indians and others planning travel to Bali or across Indonesia, knowing this difference is vital:
