Indonesian Immigration Issues Key Clarification for Bali Tourists
November 27, 2025
Navigating Indonesian immigration procedures can be complex, especially with multiple terms like eVisas, stay permits, and residency options frequently mentioned. To assist foreign visitors, Indonesian immigration authorities have provided an important clarification specifically aimed at tourists and foreign nationals planning to stay in Bali and other parts of Indonesia.
Clarifying the Difference Between Visa and Stay Permit
The Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesia emphasized the crucial distinction between a visa and a stay permit, two documents often confused but serving different functions in the immigration process.
- Visa: Permission to enter Indonesia. It must be obtained before arrival.
- Stay Permit: Permission to reside in Indonesia. It is issued after arriving in the country.
This distinction, while straightforward, carries significant implications. Misunderstanding or mixing up these categories can result in legal or financial consequences for travelers.
Indonesian Immigration explains that while both documents are essential for foreigners to legally live in Indonesia, they differ in function, duration, and requirements. The visa acts as an initial entry authorization for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, or work. On the other hand, the stay permit regulates the conditions of longer-term residency and allows foreigners to engage in permitted activities like employment, business ventures, or extended travel.
How These Documents Work Together
The immigration authorities clarified that a visa essentially functions as an entry ticket, allowing foreigners to enter Indonesia for the first time. Activating a stay permit at the immigration checkpoint requires presenting a valid visa.
Conversely, the stay permit defines how long a foreign national can lawfully remain in Indonesia after entry. Unlike visas, which often provide single-entry permission, stay permits offer more flexibility regarding entry and exit from the country and determine the scope of permitted activities during the stay.
What This Means for Bali Tourists
For most tourists visiting Bali for less than 30 days, understanding the distinction between a visa and a stay permit may not be critical. The most common option for holidaymakers is the 30-day eVisa on Arrival, which must be applied for before flying to Indonesia via the official eVisa website.
This eVisa costs IDR 500,000 per person. Nationals from Australia, New Zealand, most European countries, China, India, and the USA are eligible to apply. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia has rescinded visa-free travel for many frequent visitors, including tourists from these countries.
However, some visa-free travel options remain available. Citizens from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macao, and South Africa can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. Notably, Indonesia recently reached a new agreement with South Africa to enable visa-free travel for South African passport holders, hinting at the possibility of more relaxed entry policies in the future.
For foreigners from other countries, visiting the official Indonesia eVisa website before traveling is essential to determine the appropriate visa category and complete necessary applications.
Understanding Indonesia’s Immigration Options
Indonesian immigration policies include more than just visas and stay permits. Options such as hybrid extension applications, stay permits for employment, business, or investment, and long-term global citizen residency exist for those who intend to live or work in Indonesia more permanently. Tourists planning extended stays or different types of activities should carefully review and comply with all immigration requirements to avoid issues.
Conclusion
The recent clarification from Indonesian Immigration serves as a valuable reminder for Bali tourists and foreign nationals to understand the fundamental difference between a visa (entry permission) and a stay permit (residence permission). Complying with these requirements helps ensure a trouble-free, enjoyable visit or stay in Indonesia’s beautiful island paradise.
Travelers are encouraged to refer to official Indonesian immigration resources when planning their trip and to apply for visas and permits well in advance of their arrival.
For continuous updates on Bali travel and Indonesian immigration policies, travelers should follow official announcements and trusted news sources.
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