7 Common Bali Visa Mistakes

Planning your Bali adventure or extended stay? I’ve seen hundreds of travelers run into the same visa headaches—and most are completely avoidable. After helping clients navigate Indonesia’s visa system for years, here are the mistakes you absolutely need to dodge.

1. Mixing Up Visa on Arrival (VOA) with E-Visa

Here’s the thing: many travelers think they’re the same. They’re not. The VOA is for stays up to 30 days (extendable once), while the E-Visa B211A gives you 60 days with multiple extension options.

My advice? If you’re staying longer than 30 days, skip the airport VOA line and apply for the E-Visa before you fly. It saves time and stress at immigration.

2. Leaving Visa Extensions to the Last Minute

This one stings. You need to apply for your extension at least 7-14 days before your visa expires. Wait too long, and you’re facing overstay fines (IDR 1,000,000 per day) or worse—deportation.

I always tell clients: set a phone reminder for Day 15 of your visa. Start the process early.

3. Thinking Tourist Visas Allow You to Work

Technically, tourist visas (VOA and B211A) don’t permit work—including remote work. If you’re a digital nomad, the new E33G Remote Worker Visa is your legal option. It costs more upfront but gives you peace of mind and up to 5 years of stay.

4. Not Having the Right Documents Ready

Immigration officers don’t accept “I’ll email it later.” Before applying, double-check you have:

• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Return/onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Sufficient funds (bank statement showing $2,000+ recommended)
• Passport photos with white background

Missing one document can delay your application by weeks.

5. Choosing the Wrong Visa Type for Your Purpose

Coming for a yoga teacher training? You need a C9 study visa, not a tourist visa. Starting a business? The KITAS work permit is mandatory. Using the wrong visa isn’t just bureaucratic—it’s immigration fraud.

Pro tip: Talk to a visa specialist before booking your flight. It’s cheaper than fixing mistakes later.

6. Ignoring the Sponsorship Requirement

Most long-term visas (KITAS, business visas) require an Indonesian sponsor—either a company or individual. You can’t just apply solo. Many foreigners waste weeks trying to figure this out themselves when a visa agent already has sponsor partnerships ready.

7. Trusting Outdated Blog Posts

Indonesia’s visa rules change frequently. What worked in 2023 might not apply in 2026. Always verify information with official sources or licensed visa agents like Gotravisa who stay updated on the latest regulations.

The Smart Way Forward

Look, navigating Bali’s visa system doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is planning ahead, using the right visa type, and asking for help when you need it.

At Gotravisa, we’ve helped thousands of expats, tourists, and business owners avoid these exact mistakes. Our team handles the paperwork, sponsor arrangements, and immigration visits so you can focus on enjoying Bali.

Ready to get your visa sorted stress-free? Contact us or visit our office in Denpasar. We’ll match you with the perfect visa for your Bali journey.