Traveling to Bali is one of the most memorable adventures you can have. However, insufficient knowledge about Indonesia’s visa system, which was updated at the beginning of this year, can lead to unpleasant delays or problems during your trip. In this article, you will learn about the existing Indonesian visa types, their updates, and which visa type suits your goals, whether for tourism, medical treatment, or starting a business in Bali.
In January 2024, the Indonesian government updated its visa system, requiring all visa applications to be submitted online. New visa codes for various subtypes have been introduced, each intended for specific purposes of visiting the country. Additionally, existing visa codes have been changed. For example, the B211 visa for business purposes is now called C2 visa, and the B211a visa for tourism is now referred to as the Tourist Visit Visa 211a. Let’s look at the codes in more detail.
In Indonesia, visas are categorized from B to E, each represented by a combination of numbers and letters. These categories, briefly described below, have separate requirements and validity periods:
B visas are intended for those planning a short visit to Indonesia for purposes such as:
• B1 – Family or friends visit
• B2 – Business, shopping, meetings
• B3 – Medical services
• B4 – Government interactions
These are single-entry visas that are canceled upon departure from the country. Allowed stay is up to 30 days (extendable for another 30 days). Official work is prohibited under this visa.
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) under Index B (except for ASEAN countries) can be obtained at the airport, sea terminal, or at land border control. For this visa, a form must be completed and payment made. This visa can also be applied for and paid online before arrival (eVoA) on the official immigration website.
C visas are for foreigners with specific purposes of visit beyond tourism. Some available types:
• C2 – Business visit, business in Bali
• C7 – Artistic and cultural activities
• C8 – Non-commercial sports
• C10 – Lectures or speaking engagements without labor relations with parties in Indonesia
• C11 – Participation in MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions)
• C12 – Pre-investment (issued for 180 days, extendable)
• C14 – Film production
• C18 – Work trials in Indonesia
These are single-entry visas issued for 60 days (except for C12), with the possibility of extending twice. Working on a C visa in Indonesia is not allowed, but some C category visas permit entrepreneurial activities with or without compensation. The key rule for visa holders is that official work in the country is prohibited unless explicitly stated otherwise in the visa.
D visas are intended for temporary stays and can be considered the most versatile, covering all types of activities, including those provided for B and C visas.
The allowed stay varies depending on the activity and the visa’s validity. Multiple entries into the country are permitted until the visa expires.
List of D visas for visitors:
• D1 – Tourism or further travel to other countries
- Allowed stay: up to 60 days per entry (extendable up to 180 days)
- Validity: 1, 2, or 5 years
• D2 – Business, starting a business in Indonesia, participating in meetings or acquiring goods: participation in negotiations and/or concluding commercial agreements
- Allowed stay: up to 60 days per entry (extendable up to 180 days)
- Validity: 1, 2, or 5 years
• D3 – Medical treatment
- Allowed stay: up to 60 days per entry (extendable up to 180 days)
- Validity: 1 or 2 years
• D14 – Foreign film production
- Allowed stay: up to 60 days (extendable)
- Validity: 1 or 2 years
• D17 – Audits, quality control, and inspections in company branches
- Allowed stay: up to 60 days (extendable)
- Validity: 1 or 2 years
Working on a D visa is prohibited. Its overall validity cannot be extended, so upon expiration, you must reapply and re-enter Indonesia with a new visa.
This permit for limited time residence in the country or Second Home visa (formerly known as KITAS) can be issued to foreigners under certain conditions. Foreigners with ITAS receive various benefits: discounts on medical care, insurance, local prices on attractions, possibility of obtaining ITAP permanent residency, and the ability to open a bank account, among others. More detailed information about this visa type can be found in another of our articles.
We have highlighted several visas suitable for both tourism and business activities.
• For Tourism: D1 visa or Tourist Visit Visa 211a
Tourist Visit Visa 211a – issued for 60 days, extendable twice for 60 days each.
Multiple-entry Tourist Electronic Visa D1 – issued for 1, 2, or 5 years, allowing stays of up to 60 days per visit with the possibility of extension twice for 60 days each. Unlimited exits from the country are permitted until the visa expires.
• For Digital Nomads: E33G
Suitable for those who want to live in Indonesia and work online for a foreign company.
Issued for 1 year and allows:
1. Working for a foreign company
2. Bringing family for residence in Indonesia (as a sponsor for Family ITAS)
3. Entering and leaving the country
• For Business in Indonesia: C2 or D2 visa
Single-entry electronic Business Visa C2 issued for 60 days with the possibility of extending twice for 60 days each. Thus, you can stay in Indonesia for 180 days.
D2 visa issued for 1, 2, or 5 years allows stays of up to 60 days per visit with the possibility of extension twice for 60 days each. Unlimited exits from the country are permitted until the visa expires.
• For Market Research or Investment Opportunities: D12 visa
Allows stays of up to 180 days per visit with the possibility of extending for another 180 days. Unlimited exits from the country are permitted until the visa expires.
Thus, the government has provided many visa options for various needs. If you wish to visit the country for investment purposes or to start a business in Bali and need assistance from qualified specialists, our Good Luck Group consulting team will be happy to help with any issues, making sure you won’t have to navigate the complex requirements on your own.
