Visa 1st- Tickets Later: What Every Traveler To Bali Should Know

It might seem like getting a Bali visa is simple — you land, smile at the immigration counter, and walk out with your entry stamp.
But that’s not exactly how it works.
Every week, we see travelers who have made the same mistake — they book their flights first, assuming they’ll handle the visa later.
Unfortunately, for many nationalities and visa types, that’s not possible.
And what starts as an exciting trip to Bali can turn into canceled tickets, lost money, and a stressful experience.
Let’s break down why you should always get your visa first and buy tickets later, what’s the difference in visa applications, and how to avoid losing your ticket.

Visa 1st- Tickets Later: The Golden Rule For Travel To Bali

The Indonesian visa system isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Some visitors can arrive and apply on the spot — others must arrange everything before boarding their flight.

The only visa that can be obtained quickly — even right at the airport — is the Visa on Arrival (VOA).
This visa is designed for short stays (30 days, extendable once for another 30) and is available to citizens of around 90 countries.

But here’s the catch:
VOA is not available for everyone.

If your passport isn’t on the approved list, you won’t be able to board your flight without a valid pre-arranged visa.
Airlines are required to check your entry eligibility before departure — and they can legally deny boarding if you don’t have the right visa type.

So before you even look at flight deals — check which visas are available for your nationality.
If you’re not sure, message our team at baliconnect.org — we’ll check it for you in minutes.

Buy Ticket After You Get Visa

It’s tempting to grab that cheap flight first — we get it.
Low-cost airlines and last-minute deals make it feel urgent: “I’ll sort out the visa later.”

But here’s the reality:
If your visa isn’t approved on time, the ticket you bought might be completely useless.
Even if you manage to cancel it, most airlines won’t refund the full amount — and you’ll likely lose money on change fees or date adjustments.

Let’s look at two common scenarios:

1. You’re eligible for a VOA.
That’s great — you can book your ticket right after confirming your nationality is on the eligible list.
Still, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and that you have a return or onward ticket — both are mandatory requirements for the VOA.

2. You need a pre-approved visa (C1, D1, D12, KITAS, etc.).
In this case, do not buy your ticket until your visa is officially approved and issued.
Processing takes from 5 to 14 working days on average — sometimes faster, sometimes longer if immigration requests additional documents.
Buying a ticket before you get your visa is like gambling with your own travel plans.

At Bali Connect, we’ve seen too many cases where clients had to postpone or even cancel their trips because their visa was still in process.
And once a flight date passes — that’s money gone.

So remember: Visa first — tickets later.
It’s not just a phrase; it’s your insurance against unnecessary stress.

Difference In Visas Application

Indonesia offers several visa types, each with its own purpose, duration, and application process.
Understanding the difference is key to avoiding mistakes.

Here’s a short overview of the most common ones:

VOA (Visa On Arrival)

Valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30.
Can be obtained online before travel in one day or directly at the airport.
Available for citizens of eligible countries only.
Requires a return or onward flight ticket.
Perfect for short stays, vacations, or short workations.

C1 (Tourist Visa)

Valid for 60 days initially, extendable twice for 60 days each (up to 180 total).
Must be applied for before arrival through an agent or directly on the immigration website.
Suitable for medium-term stays (e.g., 1–6 months).

D12 (Multiple-Entry Visa)

Allows multiple entries over 1 or 2 years.
Each visit can last up to 180 days and can be extended.
Ideal for those who travel frequently between Bali and other countries.

KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit)

Valid for 1 year or more.
Available for remote workers, investors, or family members of KITAS holders.
Requires detailed documentation and pre-approval from immigration.
Gives full legal residency rights, including opening bank accounts and applying for a tax number.

Each visa type requires different documents, fees, and approval times.
So when planning your trip, first decide how long you want to stay — and choose the right visa accordingly.
That will help you plan your flights safely and realistically.

You Can Lose A Ticket

Now, let’s talk about the part no one likes — losing money.

Every month, travelers contact us saying something like:

“I bought my ticket to Bali, but my visa isn’t ready yet.”
or
“My nationality doesn’t qualify for VOA — what can I do?”

Unfortunately, by the time we hear from them, the flight is often non-refundable.
Some have already paid for hotels, airport transfers, and even surf lessons.
That’s hundreds of dollars gone — all because they didn’t check visa requirements first.

Here’s what can go wrong if you book before getting your visa:

1. Airline Denies Boarding
If your nationality isn’t eligible for VOA and you don’t have a pre-approved visa, the airline will not let you board the plane.

2. Visa Delay
Even when you’ve applied in time, immigration might take longer to approve your application.
Public holidays, high seasons, or document rechecks can all cause delays.

3. Lost Money
Budget airlines often don’t refund tickets, and rescheduling international flights can be expensive.

The good news? It’s easy to avoid all this.
Just apply for your visa first, and once you have it approved — then book your ticket.
That’s the simplest way to protect your trip, your time, and your wallet.

What To Do If You Already Bought A Ticket

If you’ve already purchased a ticket but haven’t applied for a visa yet — don’t panic.
You still have options.

1. Check If You’re Eligible For VOA.
If your country is on the approved list, you’re fine — just make sure you have your onward flight and valid passport.

2. If You’re Not Eligible — Apply Immediately.
Contact a trusted visa agency (like Bali Connect) to start your visa process right away.
We can help you choose the right visa type, prepare documents, and submit everything to immigration within the same day.

3. Consider Changing Your Flight.
If your visa approval might take longer than expected, it’s better to change your flight date now than risk losing the entire ticket later.

Final Advice: Travel Smart

Traveling to Bali should be easy and enjoyable — and it will be, if you plan it right.
Just remember this one rule:
Visa First — Tickets Later.

That small step can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of stress.
Because when you arrive in Bali with your visa approved and everything ready — you can skip the panic and go straight to enjoying the island.

And if you’re not sure which visa fits your case — message us.
At baliconnect.org, we’ll check your eligibility, guide you through the right visa process, and make sure your trip starts smoothly.

Your journey to Bali should begin with excitement — not with paperwork problems.

What we do

We simplifie legal stay and business setup in Bali, providing visa services and expert support with care and professionalism.

We apply all visas in Bali

We help to choose and issue a visa that suits your period and purpose - be it a short trip (VOA), a longer stay (C1) or a multiple-entry (D1 or D12).

We apply all visas in Bali

We take care of the documents, submission and support - so that everything goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress.

We extend visas in Bali

We handle your visa extension smoothly - whether it's VOA, C1, D1, or D12.

We extend visas in Bali

We check your documents, submit everything on time, send reminders, and guide you through the process. You focus on living or working - we make sure your stay is legal and stress-free.