Bali has long been one of Australia's favorite destinations, and it's easy to see why. It's close, it's affordable, and that's just the beginning... Komodo Island and its legendary dragons are only a short flight away!
It genuinely has something for everyone. But if you're planning a trip in 2026, there's one thing you need to sort before you even think about packing: your visa.
Before the pandemic, Australians could enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. No paperwork, no fees, just land and go. Fast forward to now and that policy is gone, and now all Australian travelers now need to obtain a visa to enter the country. The most common option is the Visa on Arrival (VoA), but there’s a smarter electronic version: the eVoA. Choosing the right one will set the tone for your trip to Bali.
Visa on Arrival for Australians explained
The VoA is the official short-stay tourist visa issued by the Indonesian government to eligible foreign nationals, including Australians. It allows a stay of up to 30 days and is designed for tourism purposes only.
Traditionally, the VoA was issued at the immigration counter after landing, which is where the name comes from. In 2022, Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration launched the eVoA, allowing travelers to apply online before their trip. The visa itself is identical, same validity for 30 days. The difference is entirely in the experience and it starts the moment you land.
What type of visa is best for you?
There are a few options available to Australian passport holders, depending on how long you're staying and what you're doing there.
- Best option for most travellers: Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVoA)
This is the one we'd recommend for most Australians heading to Bali. You apply online before your trip, and your approval is linked to your passport before you even board the plane. It is valid for stays of up to 30 days, with the option to extend once for another 30 days.
Not sure where to start? ImmiAssist takes care of the whole eVoA process for you, so you can focus on planning the actual trip.
- At the airport: Visa on Arrival (VoA)
If you didn't apply online, you can still get a VoA when you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Same cost and 30-day stay, but you'll need to queue at the VoA counter before reaching immigration. During busy arrival periods, that queue can take over an hour.
- For longer stays: 60-Day C1 Tourist Visa
Planning to stay more than 30 days from the moment you arrive? The C1 Tourist Visa gives you have an initial 60-day stay. It costs more and needs to be applied for in advance through the official Indonesian immigration portal or at the Indonesian Embassy. Worth considering if you're doing an extended trip.
For even longer stays in Bali, explore all available visa options for Indonesia.
Why the eVoA Is the better choice
Both the eVoA and the airport VoA cost exactly the same, around IDR 500,000 (AUD 50), and give you exactly the same 30-day stay. So why bother applying online in advance? Because the experience of arriving in Bali is completely different.
With an eVoA, your approval is already linked to your passport before you land. You walk straight to the automated e-Gates, scan your passport and QR code, and you're through in seconds. No queuing, no fumbling for cash, no starting your vacation standing in a line.
This is exactly where ImmiAssist makes a difference. As visa experts, we take care of the process for you and make sure your eVoA is in order before you board the plane, so there are no surprises at the airport.
Required documentation
Whether you apply through ImmiAssist or at the airport, you'll need:
- A valid Australian passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you arrive in Bali
- A recent passport-style photo
- A return or onward ticket out of Indonesia
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address)
It’s important to note that your passport needs to be in good physical condition. A worn or damaged passport can cause issues at immigration, and those decisions are final.
How to apply for your eVoA
While the eVoA is available through Indonesia's official portal, many travelers choose to apply through ImmiAssist for added peace of mind. As a private authorized visa agency, we make sure everything is correct before submission.
Here's a step by step guide to apply for your eVoA:
- Head to ImmiAssist's Bali eVoA page and start your application
- Fill in your personal details: name, nationality, travel dates, accommodation details
- Pay the fee securely online
- Upload your Australian passport and passport-style photo
- Our team reviews your documents before submission to catch any errors
- Receive your approved eVoA by email and save it to your phone
ImmiAssist handles the process from beginning to end, and most approvals come through pretty fast for the Indonesia eVoa. Our recommendation is to apply at least 48 hours before your flight, but you can also apply up to 14 days in advance. The best part, no second-guessing whether you've filled something incorrectly.
Before you land, there's one more thing to tick off: the Bali Tourist Levy. It's a mandatory fee for all international visitors that goes toward protecting the island's environment and culture. You can also pay it online before your trip!
Can Australians extend their visa on arrival?
Good news if you want more time in Bali: both the VoA and eVoA can be extended once for another 30 days, giving you 60 days total.Start the process before your original visa expires and check out our guide on extending your stay in Indonesia so you know exactly what to expect.
Ready to go mate?
Apply for your Bali eVoA with ImmiAssist and get your approval straight to your inbox.
Once that's done, Qantas Travel Insider's Bali guide is worth a read for everything else, from cultural tips to getting around the island.
FAQs
Is a Bali visa on arrival single or multiple entry?
The VoA and eVoA are single-entry visas. If you leave Indonesia during your trip and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new one.
What happens if Australians overstay their visa in Bali?
Indonesia is strict about this. There is no grace period: even one day over your permitted stay triggers a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day (roughly AUD 100). Overstaying beyond 60 days leads to automatic deportation and an entry ban. The Australian Government cannot intervene in Indonesian immigration decisions, so it's not a situation you want to find yourself in.
Do children need a visa for Bali from Australia?
Yes. Every Australian passport holder including children needs their own visa. Kids cannot travel on a parent's visa.
Can Australians work in Bali on a tourist visa?
No. The VoA, eVoA, and C1 Tourist Visa are for tourism only. Working in Indonesia on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation.
When should Australians apply for a Bali eVoA?
At least 48 hours before your flight, though you can apply up to 14 days in advance.
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