How much time does it take for immigration in Bali?

Okay, so you’re wondering about Bali immigration, specifically how long visas take, right? I get it! Planning a trip to Bali is exciting, but figuring out the visa situation can be a bit…stressful. Let me break it down based on my understanding and what I’ve seen others experience, especially if you’re coming from India.

Okay, so first things first:

• Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) – the short and sweet (under 30 days): This is the easiest, thank goodness! Basically, you get it right when you land in Bali. No pre-application stress! Just fill out the form, pay the fee, and you’re good to go… well, almost. You still need to go through immigration, of course!

• Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) – the extended stay (30-60 days): Okay, so if you’re planning on staying longer than 30 days, things get a little more involved. You can still get a VoA, but you’ll need to extend it while you’re in Bali. Now, processing times before you even land, if you’re applying beforehand (which some people do, just to be safe), are supposedly around 5 business days for the express option, or about 14 business days if you go the standard route. But honestly, from what I’ve heard, it can sometimes take longer than that, so it’s always best to apply well in advance, just in case! Why risk it, right? I mean, imagine missing your flight because your visa is delayed!

• Social-Cultural Visa (B211A): Now, this is a different beast altogether. This visa is for specific purposes like, well, social or cultural activities, research, or tourism… I know, a bit vague, right? The processing times are similar to the extended VoA: around 5 business days for express and 14 business days for standard. But again, give yourself extra wiggle room. When my friend Sarah applied for this last year for a yoga retreat, it took almost three weeks, even though she paid for the “express” service. Go figure!

So, to sum it up, VoA on arrival is a breeze for up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer or go for the B211A, budget at least two weeks for the visa, maybe even longer just to be safe. The exact amount of time that it will take really depends on the Visa type that you need. Good luck with your Bali adventure! I know you’ll have an amazing time!