Digital nomads traveling to Bali require a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond their intended stay and a visa appropriate for their duration and purpose, such as the Social Budaya Visa or the recently introduced Digital Nomad Visa. Proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, and health insurance coverage are also essential to meet entry requirements. Maintaining digital copies of all documents ensures easy access during travel and border checks.
What Documents Does a Digital Nomad Need for Bali?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passport | A digital nomad traveling to Bali must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, as Indonesian immigration requires this for entry. A passport with at least two blank visa pages is essential to accommodate visa stamps and extensions during the trip. |
| 2 | Visa on Arrival (VOA) or B211A Visa | Digital nomads traveling to Bali require a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or the B211A Visa, with the VOA granting a 30-day stay extendable once for 30 days, while the B211A Visa offers a longer duration of up to 60 days with multiple extensions. Essential documents include a valid passport with at least six months' validity, return or onward travel tickets, and proof of sufficient funds, while health protocols such as COVID-19 vaccination certificates may also be required. |
| 3 | Digital Nomad Visa (future option) | Digital nomads preparing to work remotely from Bali should prepare for the upcoming Digital Nomad Visa, designed to allow extended stays of up to five years without local tax obligations. Essential documents will likely include a valid passport, proof of remote employment or freelance income, health insurance coverage, and a criminal background check. |
| 4 | Return or onward flight ticket | A digital nomad traveling to Bali must have a valid visa and a confirmed return or onward flight ticket as proof of their departure from Indonesia. Immigration authorities require this documentation to ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations, preventing visa overstays. |
| 5 | Proof of accommodation | Digital nomads traveling to Bali must provide proof of accommodation, which can include hotel bookings, rental agreements, or letters from hosts confirming stay details. Valid proof ensures compliance with visa regulations and smooth immigration processing at entry points. |
| 6 | Proof of sufficient funds | Digital nomads traveling to Bali must provide proof of sufficient funds, typically demonstrated through recent bank statements showing a minimum balance that covers accommodation and living expenses for the duration of their stay. This financial documentation is crucial for visa approval, ensuring travelers can support themselves without local employment. |
| 7 | Travel insurance | Travel insurance for digital nomads in Bali is essential, covering health emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft to ensure peace of mind during stay. Comprehensive policies should include COVID-19 coverage and be valid for the entire duration of the visa period, typically the Social Visa or Business Visa. |
| 8 | Health certificate (if required) | Digital nomads traveling to Bali may need a recent health certificate or negative COVID-19 test result, depending on the current Indonesian government regulations. It is essential to check updates on vaccination requirements and health protocols to ensure smooth entry and compliance with Bali's health standards. |
| 9 | COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if required) | Digital nomads traveling to Bali must have a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate to meet the island's entry requirements, ensuring smooth border clearance and compliance with health protocols. This certificate should be recognized by the Indonesian government and ideally include details such as vaccine type, dates, and personal identification. |
| 10 | Work portfolio or freelance contracts (optional, for visa applications) | A work portfolio or freelance contracts can strengthen a visa application for Bali by demonstrating the legitimacy of a digital nomad's professional engagements. While not always mandatory, these documents provide proof of income and employment, which immigration officers may require during the visa approval process. |
| 11 | Tax identification (if applicable) | Digital nomads traveling to Bali must have a valid passport, a visa suited to their stay duration such as a Visa on Arrival or a Social-Cultural Visa, and proof of onward travel; those intending to work remotely may need to provide a tax identification number (NPWP) to comply with Indonesian tax regulations. Registering for an NPWP ensures that digital nomads meet local tax obligations and avoid legal issues while working remotely in Bali. |
| 12 | Letter of sponsorship (if required for B211A Visa) | Digital nomads applying for the B211A Visa in Bali may need a Letter of Sponsorship, which must be issued by an Indonesian sponsor such as a company, individual, or government entity. This letter guarantees the applicant's purpose and duration of stay, serving as a crucial document for visa approval and entry into Indonesia. |
| 13 | Recent passport-sized photos | Recent passport-sized photos are essential for obtaining a Bali visa, including the popular visa-on-arrival and social-cultural visa applications. Ensure the photos meet Indonesian government specifications: 4x6 cm size with a clear, front-facing image on a white background. |
| 14 | Electronic Customs Declaration Form (e-CD) | Digital nomads traveling to Bali must complete the Electronic Customs Declaration Form (e-CD), an essential digital document required for arrival to expedite customs clearance and ensure compliance with Indonesian regulations. The e-CD collects traveler information, including personal data, flight details, and items carried, facilitating a smooth entry process for remote workers seeking extended stays. |
Introduction to Essential Travel Documents
| Introduction to Essential Travel Documents for Digital Nomads Visiting Bali | |
|---|---|
| Passport | Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Indonesia. Ensure it has blank pages for entry stamps. |
| Visa | A Visa on Arrival (VOA) or a Social, Cultural, or Business Visa is required depending on your stay duration and purpose. Digital nomads often use the Visa on Arrival for short stays up to 30 days, extendable once. |
| Business Registration or Work Permit | Long-term remote workers may need a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) or relevant work permit, depending on Indonesian immigration laws and employment status. |
| Travel Insurance | Travel insurance covering medical expenses, accidents, and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for safety and peace of mind. |
| Return or Onward Ticket | You must have proof of an onward or return ticket when entering Bali, confirming your departure plans within the visa validity period. |
| Health Documents | Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR test might be required based on current Indonesian entry protocols. Always check the latest health regulations before traveling. |
Valid Passport Requirements
A valid passport is essential for digital nomads planning to stay in Bali. Ensuring your passport meets Indonesia's entry requirements helps avoid travel disruptions and visa issues.
- Passport Validity - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Indonesia.
- Blank Pages - Ensure your passport has at least one or two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- International Standards - The passport should comply with ICAO standards, featuring a machine-readable zone for smooth immigration processing.
Meeting these passport requirements is a critical step for a hassle-free arrival and stay in Bali.
Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Bali
Digital nomads traveling to Bali require specific documents to enter and work remotely on the island. The key requirement is selecting the appropriate visa option that supports extended stays for work purposes.
The most common visa for digital nomads is the Social-Cultural Visa, allowing a stay of up to 6 months with periodic extensions. Recently, the Indonesian government introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, enabling remote workers to stay up to 5 years without paying local taxes on foreign income.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Proof of sufficient funds is a crucial document for digital nomads traveling to Bali. It demonstrates your financial ability to support yourself during your stay without relying on local resources.
Typically, authorities require bank statements showing a minimum balance, often equivalent to several months of living expenses. Keeping your financial records clear and up-to-date helps ensure a smooth entry and visa approval process.
Health and Travel Insurance Documents
Health and travel insurance documents are essential for digital nomads visiting Bali, ensuring coverage during unexpected medical emergencies or trip interruptions. Your policy should clearly state coverage for Bali, including medical evacuation and COVID-19 related expenses. Carry both digital and printed copies of your insurance documents to present upon request or in case of emergencies.
Vaccination Certificates and Health Declarations
What vaccination certificates are required for digital nomads traveling to Bali? Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is typically mandatory for entry into Bali. Travelers must present valid vaccination certificates issued by recognized health authorities.
Do digital nomads need to submit health declarations before arriving in Bali? Yes, submitting a completed health declaration form is essential before arrival. This form helps monitor travelers' health and supports local authorities in managing public safety.
Digital Nomad Registration and Work Permits
Digital nomads planning to work from Bali must prepare specific documents to comply with local regulations. Proper registration and securing a valid work permit ensure a smooth stay and legal remote work status.
- Digital Nomad Registration - Required to officially record your status as a remote worker in Bali's immigration system.
- Visa Documents - A valid social-cultural visa or the upcoming digital nomad visa is necessary for lawful entry and stay.
- Work Permit (IMTA) - Essential for legally performing remote work activities, obtained through Indonesian immigration or sponsoring agencies.
Return or Onward Ticket Proof
Digital nomads traveling to Bali must provide proof of a return or onward ticket as part of the visa entry requirements. This document confirms the traveler's plan to leave Indonesia within the permitted stay period.
- Mandatory for Visa Approval - Bali immigration requires a return or onward ticket to ensure travelers do not overstay their visa validity.
- Accepted Ticket Types - Proof can be an airline, train, or bus ticket showing travel out of Indonesia within the visa duration.
- Digital or Physical Copy Valid - Authorities accept digital e-tickets or printed versions as valid evidence of onward travel plans.
Accommodation Confirmation Documents
Accommodation confirmation documents are essential for digital nomads planning to stay in Bali. These documents serve as proof of your lodging arrangements during your visit.
Accepted accommodation confirmation includes hotel bookings, villa reservations, or a signed rental agreement for long-term stays. Digital nomads must ensure these documents clearly state the duration of the stay and the address. Immigration authorities often require these papers to process visa applications and entry clearance smoothly.
What Documents Does a Digital Nomad Need for Bali? Infographic
