Bali Visa for New Zealand Citizens: Complete Updated Guide to Entry, Stay, and Compliance
Bali has long been a dream destination for travelers from New Zealand. Whether you are coming for a short holiday, an extended stay, or business purposes, understanding the visa options and requirements is critical to ensure a smooth experience in Indonesia. At The Bali Lawyer, we guide New Zealand citizens through the entire process, helping you comply with Indonesian regulations and avoid unnecessary complications.
This comprehensive guide covers the main visa types available, the procedures to apply, legal obligations during your stay, and the considerations you must know before traveling to Bali.
Understanding Your Visa Options as a New Zealand Citizen
As a New Zealander, you have several visa options depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Below is a detailed overview:
1. Visa-Free Entry (Tourist Visa Exemption)
New Zealand citizens can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days if the purpose is tourism. This visa-free facility is:
Valid for 30 days only.
Cannot be extended or converted into another visa.
Non-renewable – you must leave the country when it expires.
Available only at designated airports and seaports.
If you anticipate needing more time in Bali, you should consider applying for a visa on arrival or another longer-term option.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
This is the most popular visa choice for New Zealanders who want the flexibility to extend their stay:
Valid for 30 days upon entry.
Can be extended one time for an additional 30 days, totaling 60 days.
Available at all major airports, including Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar).
You must pay the VOA fee upon arrival and retain the receipt for any extension processing.
3. B211A Visit Visa (Social, Business, or Tourism Purposes)
If you want to stay longer or have non-tourist purposes, the B211A Visit Visa is recommended:
Initially valid for 60 days.
Can be extended twice, each for 60 days.
Commonly used for business meetings, social activities, or tourism.
This visa requires sponsorship, which our office can help arrange and process on your behalf.
4. KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)
For longer stays, remote work arrangements, or business operations, the KITAS is the legal way to reside in Indonesia:
Multiple types available (work, investor, spouse, retirement).
Validity varies between 6 months to 2 years.
Requires sponsorship by an Indonesian entity or spouse.
KITAS provides formal residency status and can be renewed annually.
5. Multiple Entry Business Visa
New Zealanders frequently conducting business in Indonesia can apply for a Multiple Entry Visa:
Valid for 1 year.
Allows unlimited entries during validity.
Each stay limited to 60 days per visit.
This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors.
Entry Requirements and Documents Checklist
Before traveling to Bali, make sure you have:
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival.
A return ticket or onward travel ticket.
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Completed arrival and health declaration forms if required by current regulations.
Depending on your visa type, additional documents like sponsorship letters, application forms, and photographs may be required. Our team can prepare and submit all required paperwork on your behalf.
Extending Your Stay in Bali
If you arrive in Bali with a Visa on Arrival or B211A Visa and wish to stay longer:
Visa on Arrival – can be extended once at the immigration office for an extra 30 days.
B211A Visa – can be extended twice, each extension granting 60 more days.
Extensions should be processed before the current visa expires. Overstaying even one day results in fines and potential future entry bans.
The Bali Lawyer offers full assistance in handling extensions, ensuring all documentation is correct and submitted on time.
Working and Doing Business in Bali
It is essential to understand that visa-free entry and VOA do not permit employment or any business activities generating income in Indonesia.
If you intend to:
Work remotely for a foreign employer,
Start a business in Bali, or
Take part in local employment,
You must hold the appropriate KITAS or work permit. Working without the correct permit can lead to fines, deportation, and being blacklisted from re-entry.
Our legal team will advise you on the right visa and help you secure the required permits before you start any business activity.
Special Considerations for New Zealand Digital Nomads
With Bali’s popularity among remote workers, many New Zealand citizens ask whether they can work online while staying on a tourist visa.
Important: Even if you are employed by a company abroad, the Indonesian government can interpret working remotely as engaging in work without a permit. Therefore, applying for the appropriate stay permit is recommended to avoid legal issues.
Penalties for Overstaying
Overstaying your visa in Indonesia can have serious consequences:
A daily fine, currently set per day overstayed.
Possible detention and deportation.
Potential blacklisting, preventing you from returning for several years.
It is critical to track your stay validity. The Bali Lawyer can monitor your visa status and process your extensions in advance.
How The Bali Lawyer Can Help New Zealand Citizens
Navigating Indonesian immigration laws can feel complex, especially for first-time visitors. Our experienced legal professionals can:
Advise you on the best visa for your plans.
Act as your official sponsor when needed.
Prepare and submit all required documents.
Arrange visa extensions without you needing to attend the immigration office.
Support you in applying for KITAS, Multiple Entry Visas, or work permits.
Guide you if you face any immigration issues, fines, or compliance questions.
Having expert legal assistance saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures peace of mind during your stay in Bali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my tourist visa into a KITAS while I am in Bali?
No. You must leave Indonesia and apply for a KITAS through the Indonesian Embassy abroad or process a new visa application while outside the country.
What happens if I decide to stay longer than 60 days on a Visa on Arrival?
You cannot extend the VOA beyond the single 30-day extension. You must leave Indonesia and re-enter or apply for a different visa in advance.
Does the Bali Visa exemption apply to business trips?
Visa exemption is for tourism only. Business visits require a Visa on Arrival (if eligible) or a B211A Business Visa.
Can you help process visas remotely before I arrive?
Yes, we can handle pre-arrival visa arrangements so you can travel with peace of mind.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
As a Bali-based law service, we have decades of experience helping foreigners comply with Indonesian immigration regulations. Our team is fluent in English and dedicated to transparent, reliable service. Whether you are here short-term or planning a longer stay, you will have trusted advisors guiding every step.