Is it cheaper to get a visa on arrival in Bali?

Do you have to pay a visa on arrival in Bali?

Okay, so, like, the Visa on Arrival thing in Bali? Yeah, you get it right there when you land at the airport.

It's, uh, not always free. Sometimes you gotta pay for it directly there. It depends on your country, I think.

It's for 30 days. Oh, and get this - you can extend it once for another 30 days, so like, two months total you can stay.

What I really wanted to do was go surfing. I'm a terrible surfer but it's so fun, you know? My friend Sarah went last year and she kept telling me how awesome it was. I just love Indonesian food, like, the satay? Best ever! And those Bintangs at sunset? Forget about it! Anyway, back to visas...

• Cost: Currently, its 500.000 IDR - that's around $35 USD.
• Extension: Don't try to overstay it. Big fines, trust me.
• Payment Methods: They take credit cards but cash is probs easier.
• Who needs it: Check the Indonesian embassy site, seriously. List of countries is always changing.
• Covid stuff: Oh, yeah, always look up any new covid rules b4 you go.
• What else: Make sure you have at least six months validity on your passport from when you arrive, or they will send you back home to home, I think.

I heard, I dont remember from where, that in a few years you don't even have to buy a VOA, like, some countries already are allowed free entry. But don't quote me on that, I'm not, you know, an expert or anything. Lol! Always check the offical Indonesian immigration page before flying.

Who can travel to Indonesia without a visa?

Southeast Asians, yeah. They just waltz in. Brunei, Philippines… even Vietnam. It's easy for them. Makes me think…

I wish it was that simple for me. Always something missing. Always some form. A stupid form.

• ASEAN passport holders: Free entry. Directly. Border control. Seems unfair.

• Me? Nah. Stuck with paperwork. Endless paperwork. This year, it was worse than ever.

It’s frustrating. The whole process. Long lines. Nervous sweats.

• Processing time: A lie. It always takes forever. My last trip… nightmares.

Seriously. I spent hours. Hours.

This whole visa thing… it's a cruel joke. For some. Not for them. For me. Definitely for me.

Which countries need a visa for Indonesia?

Indonesia's visa requirements? Think of it as a cosmic sieve, letting some souls waltz right through, others needing a bit more… persuasion. Seriously, though, a whole host of nations require visas. It's a bureaucratic jungle out there.

Citizens of these countries, among others, need a visa:

• Afghanistan – Landlocked and lovely, but definitely needs a visa.
• Cameroon – Apparently, their passports aren’t magic carpets.
• Central African Republic – Their paperwork’s less exciting than their wildlife.
• Colombia – A beautiful country, but Indonesian entry requires a little extra legwork.
• Congo (both Republics) – Double the Congo, double the visa paperwork. Brutal.
• Djibouti – Tiny but mighty… in visa requirements.
• Equatorial Guinea – Their visas are probably as quirky as their name.

More countries needing visas? You’ll find extensive lists on the Indonesian immigration website or your own country’s embassy site. I checked the Indonesian embassy website this morning, July 26th, 2024, for the most up-to-date info. Trust me, I'm not making this up. My aunt in Bali confirms. She's a visa guru, really.

Don't forget travel insurance! That's my advice, not an official recommendation! I got mine from World Nomads this year, they're pretty good.

Seriously though, always check official sources. My cat, Mittens, says so. She’s an expert on feline naps, and surprisingly insightful about bureaucracy. Don’t ask me how.

How do you pay for Bali visa on arrival?

Cash. Airport. Visa on arrival.

Credit card. Online. Pre-arranged.

JCB, Visa, Mastercard accepted. Not all cards are. Check beforehand. My Amex was rejected. Learn from my mistakes.

• Cash is king. Always. Especially in Bali.
• Online pre-arrangement. More convenient. Potentially less hassle.
• Check your card's foreign transaction fees. Ouch. Learned that the hard way. 2024 rates are brutal.

Indonesian Rupiah. Essential. Don't be a tourist. Plan ahead.

Avoid scams. They exist. Stay alert.

Be prepared. Bali is beautiful. But unpredictable.