Indonesia
Strict — systematically checked at boarding and arrivalBali welcomed 5.27 million international tourists in 2023, recovering 80% of its pre-Covid levels. Australia, China, and India are the top three markets. Indonesia as a whole received 11.7 million visitors in 2023.
Indonesia, and Bali in particular, requires proof of return or onward travel for all foreign travelers. Checks are conducted at two levels: by the airline at departure and by Indonesian immigration on arrival. Since the post-Covid tourism surge, checks have intensified, especially for travelers arriving with a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and a one-way ticket.
Updated on March 2026
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) that can be renewed once for an additional 30 days, at a cost of 500,000 IDR (approximately 30 euros). The e-VOA is available online before departure. For longer stays, the B211A visa (60 days, extendable) or the new digital nomad visa (D7) are available. In all cases, proof of onward travel is required.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 30 days (extendable once for 30 days) | 500,000 IDR~30 EUR |
| B211A Tourist Visa | 60 days (extendable twice, up to 180 days) | 1,500,000 IDR~88 EUR |
| Second Home Visa | 5 to 10 years | 12,000,000 IDR~700 EUR |
Transit Rules
Transiting through Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS) without leaving the international zone does not require a visa, but a confirmed ticket to your final destination is mandatory. If you need to collect luggage or change terminals, a VOA will be necessary.
Documents Required
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry date
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or sponsor letter)
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Customs declaration form (digital or paper)
- Recent passport-size photographs (for visa applications)
Practical tip
For Bali, order your onward ticket before purchasing your e-VOA online. The e-VOA form asks for your return flight number. Having a Volward PNR allows you to fill out the form correctly and arrive at Ngurah Rai stress-free.
Order an onward ticket for Indonesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an onward ticket for Bali?▾
Yes, absolutely. Indonesian immigration at Bali (Ngurah Rai Airport, DPS) regularly checks onward tickets, especially for travelers arriving with a VOA. Airlines also verify at departure. A one-way ticket to Bali without proof of exit frequently results in denied boarding.
Does the Indonesian Visa on Arrival (VOA) require a return ticket?▾
Yes. To obtain the VOA (30 days, 500,000 IDR), you must present a passport valid for 6 months and proof of onward travel. The e-VOA explicitly requires a return flight number during the online application.
Do digital nomads in Bali need an onward ticket?▾
Yes. Even with the new digital nomad visa (D7) or a B211A visa, you need to be able to justify your exit plan. For entries with a standard VOA (the most common method for nomads), an onward ticket is mandatory.
Can I use a ferry ticket to Singapore as proof of exit?▾
In theory, yes, if you have a confirmed ticket. In practice, airlines at check-in for your flight to Indonesia typically only accept flight tickets with a verifiable PNR. A ferry ticket will likely not be sufficient to board.
How does the 30-day VOA renewal work?▾
The 30-day VOA can be renewed once for an additional 30 days at the local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi). The renewal costs 500,000 IDR and must be requested at least 7 days before expiration. For the renewal, your initial onward ticket is not re-verified, but a new exit ticket may be requested.
Are checks stricter in Bali than in Jakarta?▾
Yes, Bali (DPS) is generally stricter than Jakarta (CGK) due to the high volume of tourists with one-way tickets. Immigration at Ngurah Rai is accustomed to travelers attempting to enter without complete documentation. Officers are trained to detect fake documents and verify PNR codes.
Does the e-VOA form ask for a return flight number?▾
Yes, the e-VOA application form (molina.imigrasi.go.id) includes a mandatory field for your return flight number and planned exit date. Having a Volward PNR allows you to fill this field correctly during your online application.
What are the penalties for overstaying in Indonesia?▾
Overstaying your visa in Indonesia results in a fine of 1,000,000 IDR (approximately 60 euros) per day, up to a maximum of 60 days. Beyond that, you risk detention and an entry ban of 6 months to 1 year. Exit checks at airports are systematic.
