Entry Formalities
Precise, actionable information for a seamless arrival in Bali, focusing on visa regulations, currency, and other key considerations for your travel from Japan to Bali.
IDR 500,000
Visa on Arrival fee30 + 30
Days, one extension allowed6 months
Minimum passport validityIDR 1,000,000
Overstay penalty, per dayQuick Answer
For Japanese passport holders, entry into Indonesia for tourism purposes is straightforward. Japan is one of over 90 countries whose citizens are eligible for the Visa on Arrival (VOA) program. This visa allows for a 30-day stay and is acquired directly at the airport upon landing in Bali.
What You Need
The process at Denpasar airport is systematic. After disembarking, you will proceed to the VOA payment counter before the main immigration desks. Payment is accepted in major currencies like USD, EUR, AUD, and increasingly, JPY, as well as by Visa or Mastercard.
Japanese passport
A Japanese passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Indonesia.
6 months
minimum validity from entryConfirmed onward ticket
A confirmed return flight ticket or an onward ticket to another country.
Required
return or onwardSufficient funds
Sufficient funds to cover your stay (though proof is rarely requested, it is an official requirement).
Official requirement
rarely requestedVisa on Arrival fee
It is advisable to have the exact amount in Indonesian Rupiah or a clean USD bill to expedite the process. Once payment is complete, you will receive a receipt, which you then present along with your passport to the immigration officer.
IDR 500,000
per person, approx. USD 35Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) Recommended
This can be completed online 48 hours before your flight from Tokyo to Bali, allowing you to prepay the visa fee and potentially use a dedicated e-VOA counter at immigration for faster processing. This is a highly recommended option for families or those traveling during peak seasons.
Same fee
apply 48 hours beforeThe Extension
The standard VOA grants a 30-day stay in Indonesia, inclusive of the day of arrival and the day of departure. For those planning a more extensive exploration, the VOA can be extended one time for an additional 30 days. This provides a total possible stay of 60 days.
The extension process must be initiated while your initial VOA is still valid, typically 7-14 days before its expiration. It is not an automatic process and requires a visit to an Indonesian Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi).
In Bali, the main offices are located in Denpasar, Jimbaran (serving the southern tourist areas), and Singaraja in the north. The process involves submitting your passport and completing forms, and paying a fee of IDR 500,000.
Your photo and fingerprints are taken at the immigration office. This procedure generally requires three separate visits to the immigration office over a period of 7-10 working days.
Your passport is returned with the extension. Many local visa agents offer services to manage this process for a fee, which can be a convenient option.
It is critical to be aware of the consequences of overstaying your visa. The Indonesian government imposes a strict penalty of IDR 1,000,000 per person, per day of overstay. This fine must be paid at the airport upon departure. Significant overstays can result in more severe consequences, including detention and deportation. Planning your bali from tokyo trip with accurate dates and initiating any required extension in a timely manner is essential.
For Longer Stays
For travelers from Japan planning a stay longer than 60 days—for a wellness retreat, a remote work period, or an extended family vacation—the VOA is not the appropriate visa. The correct choice is the B211A Visit Visa, which must be applied for and approved before your departure from Tokyo.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | B211A Visit Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, social visits, short business meetings | Tourism, social visits, business exploration (non-work) |
| Application Process | Upon arrival at Denpasar (DPS) airport or online (e-VOA) | Online, before departure from Japan, via a sponsor/agent |
| Initial Validity | 30 days | 60 days |
| Extendable | Yes, one time for 30 days | Yes, two times for 60 days each |
| Maximum Total Stay | 60 days | 180 days |
| Approximate Cost (Initial) | IDR 500,000 (approx. USD 35) | USD 250 – 350 (including agent fees) |
| Ideal For | Standard holidays, honeymoons, and trips under two months. | Extended stays, sabbaticals, long-term exploration. |
Understanding the distinction between these two visa types is fundamental for proper travel planning. The B211A application is generally made online through a certified agent or sponsor.
Before You Depart
Beyond securing the correct visa, several other considerations will ensure a smooth transition from Japan to Bali. Proper preparation regarding currency and cultural norms is key.
A prudent strategy is to exchange a small amount—perhaps 10,000 to 20,000 JPY—at the airport in Japan to cover initial expenses. Upon arrival in Bali, you will find numerous authorized money changers in Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud that offer significantly better rates. Rates typically hover around 1 JPY to 105-115 IDR, but this is subject to market fluctuation.
ATMs are also widely available and accept international cards, though it is wise to inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid any service interruptions.
While Bali is a predominantly Hindu island, it is part of Indonesia, the country with the world’s largest Muslim population. Many restaurants are certified by the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), the official clerical body. Look for the green and white “Halal” logo displayed at establishments. Warungs run by Javanese or other Indonesian migrants are also often implicitly halal.
FAQ
The questions Japanese passport holders ask most often about entering Indonesia.
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Not Sure Which Visa?
Tell us your dates and we will confirm whether the Visa on Arrival covers your trip, or whether a B211A applied for before departure is the right route.
