Quick Facts
Requirement
Visa on Arrival
Visa Fee
ZAR 555
(~$30)
Processing Time
0–1 working days
Appointment Wait
~ weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 30 days
E-Visa
Available online
Indonesia — and Bali in particular — is one of the most popular destinations for South African travellers. The visa process could not be simpler: a Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available at all international airports and seaports for IDR 500,000 (~$30 USD). The e-VOA, purchased online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before departure, is the smarter option — it skips the sometimes-long VOA queues at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport. Bali additionally charges a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (~$9). Total entry cost: ~$39 USD / ~R720 ZAR. The VOA can be extended once for another 30 days (max 60 days total).
Key Warnings
- Bali (Ngurah Rai Airport / DPS) VOA queues can be extremely long — up to 2 hours during peak arrival times. Always pre-purchase the e-VOA online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id at least 24 hours before departure to skip the queue entirely.
- Bali's mandatory tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (~$9 USD) is separate from the VOA fee. It is payable online via lovebali.baliprov.go.id or at a dedicated kiosk at the airport. Failure to pay may delay your exit from the airport.
- Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws — possession of drugs can result in the death penalty. Never carry items for others through Indonesian customs.
Insider Tips
- The e-VOA is processed almost instantly in most cases — apply the evening before your flight and receive confirmation by email. Take a screenshot or download the PDF in case of poor connectivity on arrival.
- Fly JNB–SIN–DPS (Singapore Airlines) or JNB–DXB–DPS (Emirates via Dubai) for the most reliable connections from South Africa to Bali. Singapore Airlines has the best baggage allowance and onward connection times.
- If extending your stay, visit the nearest Kantor Imigrasi (Immigration Office) at least 7 days before your 30-day permit expires. In Bali, the Denpasar Immigration Office (Jl. Panjaitan, Denpasar) is the main option — go early as queues form quickly.
- Outside of Bali, Indonesia's incredible islands — Lombok, Flores, the Gili Islands, Raja Ampat — are less crowded. Budget extra time: inter-island travel often involves flights, ferries, and local transport.
Required Documents
-
Valid South African passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival in Indonesia. Must have at least 1 full blank page for the VOA stamp.
-
Return or onward ticket
A confirmed outbound flight from Indonesia is required and may be checked at the VOA counter. Immigration may also ask at the gate before boarding.
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Credit or debit card (for e-VOA) or cash USD (for VOA counter)
For e-VOA online: Visa, Mastercard, or JCB credit/debit card. For physical VOA counter at the airport: USD cash is widely accepted. Some counters accept cards but this varies.
-
Passport-sized photo (for e-VOA upload)
Required for the online e-VOA application — digital photo uploaded during application. Not needed for physical VOA counter.
Recommended (Optional)
-
Hotel or accommodation booking confirmation
Not formally required but immigration officers may request it. Have your first night's accommodation details readily available.
-
Proof of sufficient funds
Not routinely checked at VOA counter but recommended. A credit card or bank statement showing a healthy balance is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Bali / Indonesia?
Yes, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) is required for South African passport holders. It is issued on arrival at all international airports and seaports for IDR 500,000 (~$30 USD). Alternatively, purchase the e-VOA online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before departure to skip the arrival queues — highly recommended for Bali.
How much does the Indonesia visa cost for South Africans?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) costs IDR 500,000 (~$30 USD / ~R555 ZAR). If entering via Bali, an additional Bali Tourist Levy of IDR 150,000 (~$9 USD) applies, bringing total entry costs to approximately $39 USD / R722 ZAR.
What is the e-VOA and should I get it before flying to Bali?
The e-VOA (electronic Visa on Arrival) is the same visa purchased online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before you travel instead of at the airport counter. It costs the same IDR 500,000 but lets you skip the VOA queue on arrival at Bali (DPS) — which can be 1–2 hours long. Apply at least 24 hours before departure, pay by card, and show the e-VOA QR code to immigration.
How long can South Africans stay in Indonesia?
The Visa on Arrival permits a 30-day stay. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days at any Kantor Imigrasi (Immigration Office) in Indonesia — giving a maximum stay of 60 days. The extension fee is IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD) and must be done before your initial 30 days expire.