Indonesia & Bali Proof of Onward Travel: 2025 Requirements Explained

Heading to Bali? Planning to island-hop through Indonesia? Before you book that overwater bungalow, make sure you've got your proof of onward travel sorted.

Indonesia requires all tourists to show they'll leave the country before their visa expires. Here's what you need to know for 2025.

Does Indonesia Require Proof of Onward Travel?

Yes. Indonesia's immigration law requires tourists to have proof of onward travel—a confirmed ticket leaving Indonesia within your permitted stay.

This applies whether you're:

  • Entering with visa-free entry (30 days, select nationalities)
  • Using Visa on Arrival (30 days, extendable to 60)
  • Holding a tourist visa (60 days)

Who Checks in Indonesia?

Airlines (Primary Check)

Airlines flying to Bali (DPS), Jakarta (CGK), or other Indonesian airports will check for onward travel at departure. This is your biggest hurdle—you may not even board without proof.

Immigration at Arrival

Indonesian immigration officers occasionally ask for onward travel, especially at:

  • Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali)
  • Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta)

The VOA (Visa on Arrival) counters are generally focused on processing your visa and fee, but regular immigration lanes may check.

Indonesia Entry Options 2025

Entry Type Duration Onward Travel Document Required? Extendable?
Visa-Free Entry 30 days Yes No
Visa on Arrival (VOA) 30 days Yes Yes (+30 days)
B211A Tourist Visa 60 days Yes Yes

Pro tip: Most tourists choose VOA ($500,000 IDR, ~$32) for flexibility to extend.

What Counts as Valid Proof?

  • International flight out of Indonesia
  • Ferry ticket to Malaysia, Singapore, or Timor-Leste
  • Cruise booking departing Indonesia

What Doesn't Count

  • Domestic flights (Bali to Jakarta doesn't count—you're still in Indonesia)
  • Hotel reservations
  • Plans to extend your visa (they want to see the exit)

Bali-Specific Considerations

Bali is Indonesia's most visited destination. Airlines flying to Bali are particularly vigilant about onward travel because:

  • Many travelers try to stay indefinitely
  • Digital nomad culture has exploded in Bali
  • Indonesia has cracked down on visa overstayers

Bali beach paradise destination

The "Bali Shuffle"

Many long-term Bali visitors do visa runs—flying to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Timor-Leste for a few days, then returning with fresh stay. This is legal, but each time you enter, you need new proof of onward travel.

Best Strategies for Indonesia

1. Temporary Flight Reservation (Most Popular)

Get a valid, verifiable reservation that satisfies airlines and immigration. Perfect for:

  • Digital nomads unsure of departure dates
  • Island hoppers with flexible plans
  • Long-term travelers doing visa runs

2. Cheap Flight to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur

From Bali or Jakarta, flights to Singapore often run $50-80 on AirAsia, Scoot, or Lion Air. Double-duty: use it as your proof, then as an actual visa run.

3. Book Refundable with Garuda or Singapore Airlines

Higher upfront cost, but you can cancel after entry.

Tips for Smooth Indonesia Entry

  • Bring printed copies – Indonesian officers often prefer paper
  • Have accommodation info – Hotel name and address ready
  • Prepare exact VOA fee – IDR 500,000 or USD equivalent
  • Arrive well-rested – Long immigration lines can be stressful
  • Dress modestly – Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country (except Bali)

What If You're Extending Your Stay?

Planning to extend your VOA from 30 to 60 days? Great—that's a common strategy. But you still need onward travel proof for your initial entry.

Solution: Get a temporary reservation showing exit within 30 days. Once in Indonesia, you can:

  1. Extend your VOA at an immigration office
  2. Get a new temporary reservation if needed for future travel

Digital nomad working remotely in Bali

Digital Nomads in Bali

Indonesia has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa (under the Second Home Visa program) for remote workers. Requirements differ from tourist entry.

For standard tourist stays with remote work (technically not legal but widely practiced):

  • Enter on VOA
  • Extend to 60 days
  • Do visa run every 60 days
  • Always have onward travel proof for each entry

Get Your Indonesia Onward Travel Document Now

Don't let a missing document delay your Bali dreams.

Return Flight Onward Travel provides instant, verifiable flight reservations that Indonesian airlines and immigration accept.

Beach time awaits. Get your proof in 2 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is onward travel strictly enforced in Bali?

Airlines are strict. Immigration varies—some officers wave you through, others check thoroughly. Don't gamble.

Can I show a flight booked for 35 days later (past my 30-day VOA)?

Risky. It suggests you plan to overstay. Show exit within 30 days, even if you plan to extend.

I'm transiting through Jakarta to Bali—do I need onward travel?

If it's a domestic connection on the same booking, no. If you're clearing immigration in Jakarta, yes.

What about entering Indonesia by ferry from Malaysia?

Same rules apply. You need proof of leaving Indonesia.

Enjoy the islands—just pack your onward travel document with your sunscreen!

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