New Visa Guidelines for Tourists Volunteering in Bali
Published: June 1, 2025
Tourists who plan to visit Bali with the intention of volunteering have been alerted to important new visa requirements. The Indonesian government has clarified the regulations governing the volunteering activities of foreign visitors, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining a specific visa to engage in such work legally.
Volunteer Visa Requirements
In Indonesia, unlike many other countries, foreigners cannot undertake volunteer work simply on a tourist visa or a visa on arrival. The Indonesian Immigration Department emphasizes that any tourist arriving in Indonesia must possess the correct volunteer visa, or they could risk legal repercussions. This move comes in response to a noticeable uptick in the number of foreigners exploiting the visa system for volunteer work without proper authorization.
According to official sources, Indonesia’s Immigration Department processed 1,610 immigration enforcement cases between January and April 2024. This number jumped to 2,201 cases during the same period in 2025, marking a significant 36.71% increase in enforcement actions.
Engaging in Volunteering Activities
Tourists interested in volunteering must adhere to specific guidelines. They are only permitted to volunteer for recognized charities or Yayasan entities, which are private institutions legally authorized to host international volunteers, or through government agencies. This ensures that volunteers are contributing to approved and legitimate projects while in the country.
To volunteer legally, travelers will need to apply for the C6 Volunteer Visa. This visa allows individuals to engage in social, humanitarian, and volunteer activities and provides several benefits, including the opportunity to stay for up to 60 days, with the possibility of extending the visa twice, allowing for a total stay of up to 180 days.
How to Apply for the C6 Volunteer Visa
The application process for the C6 Volunteer Visa can be initiated via the official Indonesian immigration website. To navigate the application, prospective volunteers must follow these steps:
- Visit the official Indonesian Immigration website.
- Click on the ‘Apply’ section.
- Select the nationality of the applicant.
- Under ‘The main purpose of my visit to Indonesia,’ select ‘General, Family or Social.’
- Under ‘The sub-purpose of my visit to Indonesia,’ choose ‘social.’
- Then, select the C6 visa under “I want to explore and choose visa.”
The requirements for the C6 visa application include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- A personal bank statement for the last three months.
- A recent color photograph.
- A sponsorship letter from a registered organization.
- A statement from the respective charity or institution confirming the individual’s volunteer activities and legal registration.
As noted by content creator Farah Hoogervorst, who has collaborated with Indonesian Immigration on this guidance, the newly introduced visa also aims to enhance the volunteering experience by allowing volunteers to enjoy the beauty of Indonesia while contributing to local communities.
Changes to Visa Extension Processing
In addition to the C6 Visa, recent changes to the extension process for socio-cultural visas have been announced. The Indonesian government has introduced a new Hybrid Application System that requires all visa holders seeking an extension to register their application first. This step must be followed by an in-person visit to an immigration office for document verification and biometrics before the extension can be granted.
This updated procedure aims to streamline the visa process while enhancing compliance with immigration laws, ultimately ensuring a smoother experience for both tourists and local authorities.
For individuals intending to volunteer during their time in Bali, adherence to these new guidelines is essential to avoid complications during their stay in Indonesia.
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