If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, sorting out your visa before you land is one of the most important pre-departure steps you can take. Most visitors enter on either an e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) — also called the Indonesia eVisa or Visitor Visa — or a standard Visa on Arrival (VOA) purchased at the airport. Both grant the same 30-day stay, both cost the same IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD), and both are extendable for a further 30 days. But in 2026, they are not created equal.
This guide breaks down every meaningful difference between the two, covers all the general entry requirements you need to know, and tells you exactly what to do if you plan to extend your stay in Bali or Lombok.
Who Is Eligible?
Both the e-VOA and VOA draw from the same pool of eligible nationalities — approximately 90–97 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Egypt, India, and most of the EU. The official eligibility list is updated periodically, so always verify your nationality at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before booking flights.
Key rule of thumb: If your country appears on the VOA list, you can also apply for the e-VOA. The eligibility criteria are the same.
General Entry Requirements (All Visitors)
Regardless of which visa option you choose, every visitor to Indonesia must meet the following requirements:
- Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry
- Onward travel proof: A return or onward flight ticket out of Indonesia
- All Indonesia Arrival Card: A mandatory digital form that must be submitted before arrival (more on this below)
- Bali Tourist Levy: IDR 150,000 (~$10 USD) for all tourists entering Bali specifically — payable online at lovebali.baliprov.go.id or at dedicated BRI Bank counters in the arrival hall
- Proof of sufficient funds: Immigration officers, especially at non-automated counters, have become stricter about this in 2026. The general standard is USD 2,000 (or equivalent) in a bank statement or cash, particularly relevant for those planning a full 60-day stay
- No COVID-19 tests or vaccines are required as of 2026, though health declarations are part of the All Indonesia Arrival Card process
The All Indonesia Arrival Card: What It Is and Why It Matters
Since October 2025, Indonesia has consolidated all pre-arrival digital paperwork into a single system called the All Indonesia Arrival Card, accessible at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id.
This single QR code replaces three previously separate forms:
- The Immigration Arrival Card
- The Customs Declaration
- The SATUSEHAT Health Pass
You present this QR code at the immigration checkpoint upon landing. Technically it can be completed on arrival, but completing it within 72 hours before your flight is strongly recommended — because it’s the key that unlocks Indonesia’s new Auto-Gates (covered in the next section). There is no fee for the Arrival Card itself.
eVisa (e-VOA) vs Visa on Arrival: The Full Comparison
Application Process
The most fundamental difference is when and where you apply.
With the e-VOA, you apply online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before you travel. You upload your passport details and a photo, pay ~IDR 500,000 via card, and receive near-instant approval if you’re eligible. You print (or save) the QR code and that’s your visa.
With the standard VOA, you do nothing before departure. You join the VOA queue at the airport or seaport upon arrival, pay IDR 500,000 in cash or by card at the counter, and an immigration officer physically sticks the visa in your passport.
Arrival Speed: The Auto-Gate Advantage
This is the biggest practical reason to choose the e-VOA in 2026.
Major Indonesian airports — specifically Ngurah Rai International (Bali) and Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta) — have expanded their Auto-Gate immigration system. If you hold a valid e-VOA and have submitted your All Indonesia Arrival Card QR code, you can bypass the immigration officer queue entirely. You scan your passport at the gate, the system verifies your documents, and you’re through in roughly 30 seconds.
Standard VOA holders cannot use the Auto-Gates. Because the visa sticker must be physically placed in your passport by an officer, you must join the full immigration queue regardless of the time of day. During peak season in Bali, that queue can run 1–2 hours at busy arrival windows.
For overlanders and budget travelers arriving on overnight flights or during holiday peaks, this alone is a compelling argument for the e-VOA.
Ports of Entry
Both options are accepted at the same designated ports: major international airports and seaports including Ngurah Rai (Bali), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Juanda (Surabaya), and other principal entry points.
Summary Comparison Table
| Aspect | e-VOA / eVisa | VOA (At Airport) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online before travel at evisa.imigrasi.go.id | At airport/seaport counter on arrival |
| Payment | ~IDR 500,000 by card online (+ processing fee) | IDR 500,000 cash or card at counter |
| Processing | Near-instant; receive QR code | Queue at dedicated counter; variable wait |
| Auto-Gate Eligible | ✅ Yes — fastest arrival option | ❌ No — must queue for officer stamp |
| Validity | 90-day window, 30-day stay | 30-day stay |
| Extension | Online application start + 1 office biometric visit | Manual paperwork + 1–3 office visits |
| Pre-upload required | Yes (passport + photo) | No — just show up |
| Stay duration | 30 days (extendable once to 60) | 30 days (extendable once to 60) |
Extending Your Stay: The 2026 Process
Both visa types allow a single extension of 30 days, bringing your maximum stay to 60 days. As of June 2025, however, the extension process has a firm new requirement: biometrics (fingerprints + photo) must be completed in person at an immigration office, no exceptions.
How the Extension Works
- Start your application online via the official immigration portal (for e-VOA holders) or gather your physical forms (for VOA holders)
- Book a biometric appointment at your local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi)
- Attend in person — failure to show up after applying online will result in automatic cancellation and potential overstay fines
- Timeline: Begin the process at least 14 days before your initial 30 days expire. Do not leave this until the final week
No work allowed. Neither the e-VOA nor VOA permit any form of employment or paid activity in Indonesia. Remote workers should be aware that this remains a legal grey area.
Bali Immigration Offices: Which One Do You Go To?
Bali has three immigration offices, and you must visit the one that covers the district where you are staying — not necessarily the one closest to you on a map.
Kantor Imigrasi Ngurah Rai
Best for: Jimbaran, Kuta, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Seminyak South
Located in Jimbaran near the international airport. This is Bali’s busiest immigration office; expect longer queues, especially during high season.
Kantor Imigrasi Denpasar
Best for: Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Ubud, Denpasar city
Located in the Renon district of Denpasar. Note that as of 2026, the foreigner services building has undergone renovations — follow local signs for the temporary entrance.
Kantor Imigrasi Singaraja
Best for: Lovina, Amed, Munduk, Pemuteran, all of North Bali
Located in North Bali. This office typically has significantly shorter wait times than the two southern offices and is the right choice for anyone based in the north or east of the island.
Lombok Immigration
Unlike Bali, Lombok routes all tourist visa extensions through a single primary hub.
Kantor Imigrasi Mataram
The main immigration office for the entire island, located in Mataram city near the Islamic Center Mosque.
- From Kuta Lombok: Allow 1.5–2 hours each way by road
- From the Gili Islands: Take a fast boat to Bangsal harbor, then approximately 1 hour by car or scooter to Mataram. Factor in the boat crossing when planning your appointment day
Immigration Office Hours and Holiday Closures
Indonesian immigration offices run on a strict government schedule that can catch travelers off guard.
Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00
Daily lunch closure: All offices close from 12:00–13:00. On Fridays, this extends to approximately 11:30–13:30 for prayers. Do not arrive expecting to be served during these windows.
2026 Bali-Specific Closures
Bali’s immigration offices observe Balinese Hindu holidays — these closures do not affect Lombok.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nyepi (Day of Silence) | March 19, 2026 | Full closure of all Bali offices for several days around this date. Bali’s airport also closes. Plan around it. |
| Galungan / Kuningan | June 16–27, 2026 | Intermittent closures and delays across Bali immigration during this two-week festival window |
If your extension deadline falls near either of these periods, start the process even earlier than the recommended 14-day buffer.
What to Wear to the Immigration Office
This is a detail that gets travelers turned away more often than you’d expect. Immigration offices in Bali and Lombok enforce a basic dress code enforced at the door by security. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Flip-flops and tank tops are not acceptable. Missing your biometric appointment because you were turned away at security is one of the more avoidable ways to rack up overstay fines.
Overstay Fines and Consequences
Indonesia takes overstays seriously. The fine is IDR 1,000,000 per day (approximately $65 USD), with the possibility of detention and deportation for extended overstays. Immigration authorities can also flag your passport, complicating future entry into Indonesia or other ASEAN countries.
Which Should You Choose?
Get the e-VOA if:
- You value your time at immigration — the Auto-Gate advantage is real and significant
- You’re arriving during peak season in Bali (July–August, Christmas/New Year)
- You have reliable internet and a card for online payment before departure
- You may want to start your extension online before visiting an office
The standard VOA works fine if:
- You prefer to handle everything on arrival without pre-trip admin
- You’re arriving at a smaller port where queues are typically short
- You don’t have a suitable card for the online payment
For most travelers — especially those arriving at Ngurah Rai or Soekarno-Hatta — the e-VOA is the smarter choice in 2026. The application takes under 10 minutes, costs the same as the VOA, and the Auto-Gate access alone can save you hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the e-VOA on my phone? Yes. The evisa.imigrasi.go.id portal is mobile-friendly and the full application can be completed on a smartphone.
Does the Bali tourist levy apply to transit passengers? No. The IDR 150,000 Bali levy applies only to tourists entering Bali as a destination, not those transiting through Ngurah Rai to another Indonesian island.
What if the Love Bali payment portal doesn’t work? The lovebali.baliprov.go.id platform has been known to experience instability in early 2026. If online payment fails, dedicated BRI Bank counters in the Ngurah Rai arrival hall accept the levy payment in cash or by card.
Can I extend my stay more than once? No. Both the e-VOA and VOA allow only a single 30-day extension. If you want to stay longer than 60 days, you would need to exit Indonesia and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category (such as a Social/Cultural Visa) through an Indonesian embassy before your trip.
Do I need to fill in the All Indonesia Arrival Card if I already have an e-VOA? Yes. The All Indonesia Arrival Card is a separate, mandatory requirement for all arriving passengers regardless of visa type. Completing it before your flight is what makes you eligible for the Auto-Gates.
Where can I verify my nationality’s eligibility? Always check the official Indonesian immigration portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Eligibility lists change, and third-party sources may be outdated.
Entry rules and visa fees are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at the official Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website before travel.
