Bali Visa Requirements for US Citizens
Updated: Jan 26, 2020
The Indonesian government requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Indonesia to enter the country. Indonesian authorities regularly deny entry to all foreign nationals who arrive with less than six months' validity on their passports.
The U.S. Embassy cannot obtain entry permission for Americans in this situation. Travelers will be required to depart for Singapore or a nearby country to obtain a new U.S. passport.
Under the Visa Exemption rule, American citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Indonesia if staying for tourism for 30 days or less. Entry under the visa exemption is for free but may not be extended. U.S. citizens visiting family or traveling for other purposes may apply for a 30-day visa on arrival.
The Visa-on-Arrival may be extended for a maximum of 30 days by applying at the immigration office in Indonesia.
Indonesia requires two blank passport pages. Travelers without two blank visa pages in their passport may be denied entry and advised to obtain a new U.S. passport. As of January 1, 2016, the State Department no longer issues additional visa pages to valid passports.
Visitors may be granted a 30-day visa on arrival for a fee of $35. All visas on arrival may be extended only once. Travelers who overstay visas on arrival are subject to a fine of approximately USD $25 per day.
U.S. citizens may also apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC, or at an Indonesian Consulate in the U.S. In some cases, U.S. citizens may also apply at Indonesian embassies and consulates in other countries. U.S. citizens traveling overseas who wish to apply for an Indonesian visa should inquire with the local embassy in the country where they are currently traveling.
A visitor's visa for business purposes and social/cultural stays of longer duration require a letter of intent/sponsorship from the Indonesian employer and/or sponsor. For up-to-date information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, phone: (202) 775-5200.
Indonesian Consulates are located in Los Angeles (213) 383-5126, San Francisco (415) 474-9571, Chicago (312) 920-1880, New York (212) 879-0600, and Houston (713) 785-1691.
Indonesia strictly enforces its immigration/visa requirements. Several Westerners, including Americans, have been jailed for visa violations and/or overstays. Violators may also be subject to substantial fines and/or deportation from Indonesia for immigration and visa violations.
Immigration officials have also detained people for conducting business, academic, or other non-tourist activities while on tourist visa status. Volunteer work with local or international NGOs is not permitted on tourist visa status.
Penalties for such immigration/visa violations may include a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of Rupiah 25 million. Travelers are encouraged to contact an Indonesian consular office to determine the appropriate visa category before traveling to Indonesia.