Bali's popularity among tourists from Russia and neighboring countries continues to grow steadily. The island attracts travelers with its picturesque natural landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions. In 2025, this resort enclave remains one of the most desirable destinations, despite certain changes in entry rules. Document processing is becoming an important aspect of trip planning: Russians are given the opportunity to extend their stay once for 30 days, which opens up additional horizons for vacationing. Fortunately, simplified procedures and direct flights make traveling to Bali not only affordable but also comfortable for anyone who wants to enjoy this tropical paradise.
Types of visas for Bali: cost and recommendations for choosing
There are several types of visas available for travel to Bali, which vary in terms of duration, cost, and purpose of stay.
A tourist visa on arrival (VOA) is a popular option for short-term trips. It is valid for 30 days with the possibility of a single extension for the same period. The cost is about 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately US$35). To obtain it, you need a passport with a minimum validity of six months, a return ticket, and proof of financial solvency. This scenario is suitable for those who are planning a vacation or short visits without complicated formalities. It is possible to extend your stay on the island to 60 days. The additional fee for this service is about 800,000 rupiah.
An electronic tourist visa (e-VOA) is a digital equivalent of a classic permit. It is issued online several months before the trip, which allows you to avoid queues at the airport. The validity period of such a visa is also 30 days with the possibility of extension. The cost of an e-VOA is approximately the same as a visa on arrival, but there is a small service fee for online processing. It is very convenient for those who like predictability, prefer to plan their trip in advance, and value comfort when crossing the border.
For long-term stays, there are visas of categories C1, D1, D12, and others, suitable for various purposes.
The C1 visa is intended for tourists who wish to stay in the country for up to 60 days with the possibility of extension.
The D1 and D12 visas are designed for business visits, investors, and those who plan to stay longer for work or business purposes. The cost of such visas varies from 3 to 7 million rupiah depending on the duration and type. Requirements include having a sponsor, proof of financial solvency, and providing a package of documents confirming the purpose of the visit. These categories are recommended for those who intend to spend a significant amount of time in the country, participate in business events, or implement investment projects.
In addition to the basic visa fee, tourists are required to pay the Bali Levy, a fee of 150,000 rupiah (about $10). It is paid once upon entry and is intended to support the island's environmental and cultural programs. Additional fees are charged for visa extensions, the amount of which depends on the type of permit and length of stay. For example, a visa extension upon arrival costs about 500,000 rupiah, and for long-term visas, there are separate rates that take into account administrative costs.
For convenience in choosing the appropriate permit for the purpose of your trip, you can refer to the following recommendations:
Tourists planning a short-term vacation are eligible for a VOA or e-VOA;
Those who intend to stay for more than a month should consider a C1 visa;
Businesspeople and investors are recommended to apply for D1 and D12 visas;
For study or participation in cultural programs, there are specialized categories with corresponding requirements.
This classification allows you to choose the best visa option, taking into account the duration and nature of your stay on the island.
Visa requirements for Russians
In 2025, entry into Indonesia for citizens of Russia and CIS countries is regulated by uniform rules, which require obtaining a residence permit upon arrival. Russians can obtain a visa upon arrival, allowing them to stay on the island for up to 30 days with the possibility of a single extension for the same period. This regime is ideal for tourist trips, but for work or long-term residence, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate documents in advance. It is important to remember that a visa on arrival does not allow multiple entries and requires a return ticket and proof of financial solvency.
Entry conditions for citizens of other CIS countries are similar but may vary depending on bilateral agreements with Indonesia. For example, citizens of Belarus and Kazakhstan are also eligible for a visa on arrival, but the terms and possibilities for extension for citizens of different countries are considered separately in each case. Some countries in the region have simplified entry procedures based on diplomatic agreements, which facilitates travel and reduces bureaucratic burdens. However, it is useful to check the current rules in official sources before traveling, as immigration laws are subject to change.
Russian citizens entering Bali in 2025 will need a foreign passport with a minimum validity of at least six months at the time of departure from Indonesia. This is due to the need to ensure the security and legitimacy of their stay in the country.
It is mandatory to have a return ticket confirming departure from the country within the validity period of the residence permit. This is important, as the absence of a return ticket may result in refusal of entry.
To obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), you must present your passport and pay a fee of approximately 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (close to US$35). It is important to note that the visa is issued for 30 days with the possibility of a single extension for the same period, which gives you the right to stay on the island for a maximum of 60 consecutive days. The extension is processed at the immigration office, where you will need to fill out an application and pay an additional fee. Failure to comply with the terms of stay may result in fines and possible deportation with a ban on re-entry, which can significantly complicate future trips.
A special feature of the visa regime is that, starting in August 2024, it will be mandatory to fill out an electronic form to obtain a QR code related to health monitoring and disease prevention. The document must be completed no later than two days before the trip and presented at the border. At the moment, negative coronavirus tests and vaccination certificates are not required. This greatly simplifies the entry procedure. However, despite the absence of mandatory health certificates, it is recommended to take out medical insurance. It will be a great help in case of unforeseen circumstances. A policy with coverage of at least $25,000 would be a reasonable decision, considering the possible costs of treatment abroad. This approach helps minimize risks and provides additional health protection, which is especially important when traveling.
For the safety of tourists, it is recommended to follow a few rules:
First, you should only apply for a visa through official channels or verified intermediaries to avoid fraudulent schemes that can lead to financial losses. Visa fees must be paid at designated locations and in the official currency. This will prevent unexpected problems in the future.
Second, carefully check documents and receipts, and keep all payment and registration confirmations, as they may be needed in case of misunderstandings with the authorities and conflict situations.
Third, if you have any questions or problems, contact the Russian embassy or consular department in Indonesia, which will provide all the necessary support.
Do not enter into dubious deals with local agencies and avoid offers that promise expedited visa processing for an additional fee without official confirmation, as this can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Thus, for Russian citizens, entering Bali in 2025 requires the preparation of a standard set of documents, careful attention to the terms and conditions of stay, and caution when dealing with intermediaries. Compliance with these conditions ensures a comfortable and safe trip, minimizing the risks associated with visa issues, health, and immigration control. Advance planning and careful attention to detail will make your trip to Bali as pleasant and carefree as possible.
How to apply for a visa to Bali: step-by-step instructions
Applying for a visa to Bali in 2025 involves two main options for short-term trips: obtaining a visa on arrival (VOA) or an electronic visa (e-VOA).
For a visa on arrival, you must have a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket or confirmation of departure from the country. Upon arrival at the airport, go to the visa counter, fill out the application form, and pay a fee of 500,000 Indonesian rupiah. Once you have successfully completed the application, a stamp will be affixed to your passport, allowing you to legally stay on the island for one month with the possibility of a single extension. This method is suitable for those who prefer to resolve issues on the spot and do not plan to stay for a long time.
An electronic visa is obtained in advance through the official portal of the Indonesian Immigration Service. The process begins with creating an account, filling out a form with personal data, uploading a color photo, and a scan of your passport. It is important to enter the information carefully to avoid mistakes, as corrections after submission are difficult. Payment is made online, but it is worth considering that Russian bank cards may not always be supported, so it is recommended to have a backup option. After the application is confirmed, the permit is sent to the specified email address, which reduces waiting time and simplifies the control process upon arrival. This option is convenient for those who prefer to plan their trip in advance and minimize the time spent at the airport.
For long-term stays in Bali, there is a procedure for applying through consular offices or specialized agencies that help collect the necessary documents. Depending on the type of visa (C1, D1, D12, and others), the list of requirements includes invitations from the host party, proof of financial solvency, documents from the place of work or study, as well as medical certificates. Applications can be submitted in person or through authorized representatives, which helps to avoid mistakes and speed up the process. Processing such visas takes time — from several weeks to months — so you should plan your trip in advance.
After receiving a long-term visa, you must comply with the rules for renewal and submit documents for its renewal in a timely manner to avoid fines and problems with the immigration services. Specialized agencies offer support services, which greatly facilitates interaction with official structures and allows you to focus on preparing for your trip. This approach is recommended for those who intend to work, study, or live on the island for an extended period.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice of visa for a trip to Bali in 2025 depends on the purpose and duration of your stay.
Practical recommendations for visa support include careful preparation of documents, early submission of applications, and choosing official channels for processing. When using an electronic visa, it is important to carefully check the accuracy of the data entered and take into account the payment details, as not all bank cards are accepted. For long-term visas, it is advisable to contact professional agencies or consular services to avoid mistakes and speed up the process. Compliance with the terms of stay and extension rules will help avoid fines and problems with immigration authorities.
Below is a table summarizing the main types of visas for Bali, indicating the purposes, terms, required documents, and advantages:
Thus, choosing the right visa and preparing for its application will ensure a comfortable stay in Bali that meets your individual plans and legal requirements. In 2025, tourists and business visitors from Russia and the CIS will have a wide range of options for this.