VOA or C1 Visa Bali – Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, the first question that often comes up is: Which visa should I get — VOA or C1? Both options allow you to enter Indonesia legally and enjoy your time on the island, but the right choice depends on how long you plan to stay and what your plans are after arrival. Below, we’ll explain the difference between the two visas, how to apply for each, and what to do if you decide to stay longer.

1. VOA (Visa on Arrival)

VOA (Visa on Arrival) is the easiest and fastest way to enter Indonesia. You can get it directly at the airport upon arrival or apply online before your trip. The entire process takes only a few minutes, and no advance documentation or invitation letter is required.

VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days, giving you a total stay of up to 60 days in Indonesia. This option is perfect if you’re planning a short vacation or simply exploring the island before deciding whether to stay longer.

If you fall in love with Bali — which happens often — you can convert your VOA into a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) through a temporary bridging visa, without leaving Indonesia. This means you can extend your stay smoothly and continue your life on the island without extra travel or hassle.

2. C1 Tourist Visa

C1 Tourist Visa is designed for those who already know they want to stay longer than two months. Unlike the VOA, it must be applied for online before arrival, and the processing time usually takes 5 to 14 working days.

Once approved, the C1 visa allows an initial stay of 60 days and can be extended twice, each time for another 60 days. Altogether, you can stay in Bali for up to 180 days (six months).

One major advantage of the C1 visa is flexibility — you can later switch to a KITAS without a bridging visa or the need to leave Indonesia. It’s a great choice for digital nomads, long-term travelers, or anyone testing life in Bali before committing to a more permanent visa.

3. VOA vs C1 – The Main Difference

The core difference between VOA and C1 visas lies in how long you can stay and how you apply. The VOA is quick, flexible, and perfect for short stays of up to two months. In contrast, the C1 requires a bit of planning but gives you the freedom to stay up to six months without renewing your visa every few weeks.

Another practical difference is convenience. If your travel plans are spontaneous and you haven’t decided on the length of your stay, VOA is your best friend — you can get it at the airport in minutes. But if you already know you want a longer, more stable stay in Bali, C1 saves you time and paperwork later.

Both visas can be upgraded to a KITAS, which allows a much longer stay, so the choice really depends on your goals and travel style.

4. Extending and Converting Your Visa

Whether you enter on a VOA or C1, you don’t need to leave Indonesia to extend or change your visa type to KITAS. That’s one of the biggest advantages of working with a professional Bali Visa Agency.

If you entered on a VOA, you can extend it once or convert it into a KITAS through a temporary bridging visa — all handled within the country. If you entered on a C1, you can extend it twice or directly switch to a KITAS without the bridging step.

A licensed agency ensures your application is submitted on time, documents are in order, and communication with immigration runs smoothly. This saves you from mistakes, delays, and unnecessary stress.

5. How a Bali Visa Agency Helps You

Applying for any visa can feel confusing, especially when rules and systems vary by country. That’s where a Bali Connect Visa Agency can make the difference. Our team handles everything — from document checks and submissions to progress tracking and updates at every stage.

We help you choose the visa that best fits your plans:

VOA if you’re coming for a short trip or flexible stay.
C1 if you’re planning to stay longer, work remotely, or explore life in Bali for several months.

Bali Connect ensures a fast, stress-free process. Once your visa is approved, we can also assist with KITAS conversion, company registration, or long-term relocation planning — so you can focus on enjoying Bali, not on paperwork.

Conclusion: Which Visa Is Right for You?

If you’re staying in Bali for a few weeks or up to two months, VOA is the simplest choice — fast, flexible, and easy to extend.
If you’re planning to spend the season or explore long-term opportunities, C1 offers more stability and fewer renewals.

Whichever you choose, both visas are legal, convenient, and can easily be upgraded to a KITAS if you decide to make Bali your home.

📩 Message our specialists — we’ll help you choose, apply, and start your stay in Bali with peace of mind.

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.