Bali remains a beacon for those drawn to beauty, rhythm, and stillness. The island draws remote workers and long-haul travelers. It also appeals to international entrepreneurs. At the center of this shift is the B211A Visa Bali. Once obscure, it has gained steady traction. It is becoming the default option for more extended stays.
The appeal? Stability without the bureaucracy of residency. Flexibility without the pressure of perpetual exits and reentries.
Below, you’ll know what defines the new standard for staying longer in Bali.
What Is the B211A Visa?
The B211A Visa Bali is now also referred to as the C-Type visit visa. It is a single-entry visa that permits a stay of up to 60 days. It can be extended twice. Each extension adds another 60 days. You can stay in Bali for 180 days with this visa. The Visa on Arrival allows for a stay of only 30 days.
It can be extended once, for a total of 60 days. The B211A offers more time and fewer disruptions. It also applies to more people. Tourists, remote workers, volunteers, and those relocating to Bali for an extended stay can all use it.
This visa is not for paid work in Indonesia. But it supports longer, legal stays with clear rules.
For many, that makes it the better choice.
“With the B211A, I don’t feel like I’m racing the clock,” said Lena H., a remote strategist from Berlin. “It gives me room to settle in and live here.”
💡 Related – Bali Beach Vacation: 7 Serene Beach Resorts for a Relaxing Getaway
Why Travelers Are Choosing the B211A Visa Bali Option
The Visa on Arrival grants a stay of 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days. The B211A offers three times that duration. Many travelers, especially remote professionals, see it as a shift from vacation to semi-residency.
More importantly, the B211A Visa Bali permits remote work, as long as your income comes from outside Indonesia. It does not allow local employment, which remains restricted. Still, for someone serving clients in New York from a villa in Ubud, it becomes a legal and efficient choice.
In addition, there is no requirement to stay in one place. You can move around Bali and beyond. However, if you exit Indonesia, the visa ends.
“This visa gave me the time and freedom to find out what living here could really feel like,” said Aaron T., a UX designer from Melbourne (read our complete guide here).
Is the B211A Visa Bali Suites for Your Criteria?
Before making plans, it helps to know the visa rules. This step is often overlooked. However, it saves time and prevents delays. In the long run, it makes the process easier.
To qualify for the B211A Visa Bali, applicants must meet several basic criteria –
- Passport validity of at least 6 months (12 months for full 180-day plans)
- Proof of $2,000+ in funds, verified through bank statements
- A return or onward flight
- COVID-19 vaccination records
- Travel health insurance
- Hotel bookings for at least the first 2–3 nights
- Two passport-sized photographs
- A local sponsor, typically arranged through a visa agency
- A clean criminal record, sometimes supported by a police certificate
The list may seem long at first. But the process is easier than it looks. Many agents handle the paperwork and sponsorship on your behalf.
“I expected a headache, but my agent had everything ready in days,” said Julia N., a content strategist from Cape Town. “It felt easy from start to finish.”
How Much is the B211A Visa Cost?
B211A Visa processing speed and the agency involved depend on various factors. Standard applications typically cost around IDR 1,750,000 (approximately $110). In contrast, expedited options may reach IDR 3,500,000 (around $220).
Business variants may cost more. Social-purpose visas can also have higher fees. The agency or embassy usually sets these. Applicants should plan for extra charges.
Visa extensions come with their fees. You must extend the visa every 60 days at a local immigration office.
Can You Work on a B211A Visa in Bali?
No, the B211A visa does not allow employment with Indonesian entities. Local companies cannot hire, pay, or contract you while you hold this visa.
Remote work for a foreign employer is permitted. It makes the visa ideal for digital nomads and freelancers. They can earn income abroad while living in Bali temporarily.
💁♀️ Also read – The 12 Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visas in 2025
How Long Does It Take to Get the B211A Visa?
Allow 5 to 14 business days when applying for the B211A Visa Bali. Timing depends on the service you choose. Priority options are faster than regular ones. Applications must be submitted before arrival in Indonesia.
Many travelers choose to work with visa agents. The process becomes much simpler with their help. These agents also arrange the required sponsorship. In many cases, this speeds up approval to under a week.
B211A Visa Bali vs. Visa on Arrival – A Practical Comparison
The B211A Visa Bali offers more time, greater flexibility, and fewer travel interruptions. The VoA works for short visits but limits extensions. It also restricts remote work options. Your visa choice shapes your stay and your freedom to move.
Here’s how the two visas stack up across key points –
| Feature | B211A Visa Bali | Visa on Arrival (VoA) |
| Entry Type | Single-entry | Single-entry |
| First Valid Period | 60 days | 30 days |
| Renewals | 2 × 60 days (total 180 days) | 1 × 30 days (total 60 days) |
| Eligibility | Granted to various passport holders with sponsorship | Limited nationalities |
| Sponsor Required | Yes | No |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, social, and volunteer | Tourism is a limited business |
If your travel plans extend beyond a few weeks, the B211A becomes a more practical choice. Moreover, if you are from a country not eligible for the VoA program, your options are limited.
In both cases, the B211A Visa Bali stands out as the more accommodating path.
“The B211A shows travelers are staying longer and living better,” said Lukas Meyer, a frequent visitor from Berlin.
What You Should Know Before Applying
The B211A Visa Bali offers flexibility, but also has clear limits. First, it is a single-entry visa. If you leave Indonesia, your visa will be canceled. In that case, you must apply again from outside the country.
Next, if you stay 183 days or more in 12 months, you may become a tax resident. That could mean filing taxes under Indonesian law. Most short-term visitors remain below the threshold; however, remote workers are advised to consult with a tax advisor for guidance.
Finally, this visa does not lead to residency. It cannot be upgraded to a long-stay permit. It works best for extended visits, not permanent relocation.
“People think it’s a backdoor to living here full time. It’s a bridge, not a home,” said Claire Thompson, a visa advisor who has lived in Bali for over five years.
Where and How to Apply for the B211A Visa
You must apply for the B211A Visa before arriving in Indonesia. It cannot be obtained at the airport. Most travelers use a licensed visa agency. These services handle your documents and arrange the required sponsor letter.
You may apply through the official portal. Bali.com is also trusted. Some embassies, such as those in Berlin and London, also accept applications.
Look to the Directorate General of Immigration or the embassy for info.
“Use an agency unless you enjoy paperwork,” said Thomas Keller, who applied from Frankfurt. “They make the process easy.”
Recommended read – What is a Golden Visa? Everything You Need to Know
What the Rise of the B211A Visa Bali Says About Bali
The rise of the B211A Visa shows how Bali’s role is changing. Once a retreat spot, Bali now attracts remote workers and long-stay travelers.
As a result, the visa policy is growing too. The Indonesian government supports longer visits and digital tourism, while still keeping labor laws clear. The B211A fits that moment. It offers time and access without full relocation.
It may be temporary or lead to something more permanent, such as a dedicated digital nomad visa.
For now, it remains the in-between choice. A middle ground for those who want to live, work, and stay a while.
“Bali feels built for this kind of slow travel,” said Ethan Moore, a freelance developer from Canada. “You arrive on a tourist visa and realize you need something more.”
Turn a Six-Month Stay into a Longer Life in Bali
Relo.AI helps you take the next step from a six-month visa to a life built in Bali with relocation support designed for clarity, ease, and longevity.
If you’re a tourist, digital nomad, or remote worker, we help make Bali your next home.
First, we help you get the right visa and secure legal sponsorship. Then, we help you find long-term housing that suits your lifestyle.
Additionally, we help you set up health insurance for peace of mind during your stay. We clarify local tax rules to avoid surprises.
Throughout the process, Relo.AI simplifies every step. That leaves you free to enjoy what really brought you to Bali.
Book a FREE session and see how settling in Bali can feel simple and secure. 🌴
Bottom Line
Travelers have plenty of options when it comes to entering Indonesia. But the B211A Visa Bali stands apart. It avoids the chaos of border hops. It eliminates the guesswork associated with long-term stays. And it offers something rare, permission to slow down without looking over your shoulder. In a landscape shaped by short-term thinking, this visa creates space for longer narratives.
Especially if you move with purpose, not haste.
