I’m sure we have all had that feeling where you are on holiday and you wished to stay there forever, or at least to stay a little longer. Well, Bali is no exception. With its delicious foods, prettiest sunsets, beautiful beaches and lovely people, Bali is making it hard for people to leave. For many visitors, obtaining a visa and extensions in Bali can be a daunting task, so what to do if you want to stay here for a longer period? In this article, we are going to look into some visas to see which one is best for you.
First, it is important to determine what type of visa is required for your visit to Bali. Indonesia offers several different types of visas, depending on the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay.
For short-term visits, up to 30 days, most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. The visa costs around $35 USD and is valid for 30 days. However, it is possible to extend this visa for another 30 days once you are in Bali, meaning you can stay in Bali for a total of 60 days.
If you already know that you want to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a social or cultural visa, also known as the B211 visa. This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended up to four times, which means you can stay up to 180 days. If you want to apply for a B211 visa, you will need to submit an application at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country, as well as supporting documents such as a passport and flight itinerary. As this application might take some time, it is recommended to start the application a month in advance. If you want to extend this visa, you will need to visit immigration to submit your passport, visa and supporting documents, before your visa expires. The extension takes around 7 to 10 business days.
Please note that there are some restrictions on what you can do while you are on a social or cultural visa. You are not allowed to work or engage in any business activities while on this visa, so if you plan to do so you will need to obtain a different type of visa, such as a business visa.
If you do wish to work here, you will need a work permit. It means that you have to be sponsored by the company that you are going to work for, and they will need to apply for this KITAS visa for you. When you want your family to join you, the company will have to apply for 4 KITAS.
If you are over the age of 55 and plan to retire in Bali, the so-called retirement visa could be something for you. This retirement visa is an option for those who plan to stay in Bali long-term, are over the age of 55 and have the financial funds to support themselves. The retirement visa is valid for 1 year but can be extended up to 5 times, giving you a total stay of up to 6 years. Is there any better place to enjoy your retirement than Bali?
To apply for a retirement visa, you will also need to submit an application at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country, with the supporting documents. If you want to extend, you will again need to visit immigration to renew your visa.
In conclusion, there are quite some different visas that have different requirements. The process of finding the right one for you can be relatively straightforward, as long as you do your research and prepare in advance. If you plan to stay in Bali for less than 30 days, you will get your visa on arrival at the airport, but if you want to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa prior to your arrival. But be aware; once you set foot on this island you will not want to leave!
