Overstaying in Bali is one of those things everyone warns about — but almost nobody explains properly.
You’ll read things like:
“Just pay the fine.”
That’s not the full picture.
Let’s break down what really happens.
First: What Counts as an Overstay?
You overstay the moment your visa expires — even by one day.
That includes:
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• e-VOA
• Social visa
• KITAS
• Any other temporary stay permit
There is no “grace period.”
Even 24 hours late is officially an overstay.
The Current Daily Fine
As of recent regulations, the overstay fine is:
1,000,000 IDR per day
(around €60–65 / AUD 95 depending on exchange rate)
If you overstayed 5 days, you pay 5 million IDR.
You must pay the full amount before leaving Indonesia.
No negotiation. No discounts.
If You Overstay Less Than 60 Days
If your overstay is under 60 days:
You usually just pay the fine at the airport immigration counter when departing.
Process:
• Go to immigration desk
• They calculate your overstay days
• You pay the fine
• You receive a receipt
• You leave
No jail. No detention. Usually no further issues.
However — repeated overstays are recorded in the system.
Immigration can deny you entry next time if you show a pattern.
If You Overstay More Than 60 Days
This is where things get serious.
Overstaying more than 60 days can lead to:
• Deportation
• Detention
• Blacklisting (entry ban)
• Possible immigration investigation
In serious cases, you may be transferred to an immigration detention center before removal.
This is not a hotel situation.
Conditions are basic. Processing can take days or weeks.
What If You “Accidentally” Overstay?
Immigration does not care whether it was accidental.
Common excuses that don’t help:
• “I forgot the date.”
• “My agent didn’t remind me.”
• “I misunderstood the extension.”
• “I thought it was 60 days automatically.”
Your visa responsibility is yours alone.
What About Airport Detention?
If your overstay is small (a few days), you pay and leave.
If it’s long and suspicious:
You may be held at the airport for questioning before departure.
In larger cases, immigration can escort you to a detention facility.
This usually happens when:
• You ignored official warnings
• You were previously investigated
• You worked illegally
• You overstayed significantly
Can You Be Blacklisted?
Yes.
Indonesia can blacklist you for months or years depending on severity.
Blacklisting means:
• You cannot re-enter Indonesia
• Visa applications get rejected
• Immigration flags your passport
This is especially common if you overstay heavily or combine overstay with illegal work.
What If You Can’t Afford the Fine?
You cannot leave without paying.
If you cannot pay:
You may be held until payment is arranged.
Embassies usually do not pay fines for you.
This is rare but it happens.
Is Bali Strict About Overstays?
Much stricter than it was 10 years ago.
Immigration systems are digital now.
Entry history is tracked.
Visa runs are monitored.
Indonesia has become far less tolerant of casual long-term overstays.
The Smart Approach
If you realise you overstayed:
Do not panic.
Do not try to hide.
Do not bribe anyone.
Go directly to immigration or handle it at the airport honestly.
Short overstays are annoying but manageable.
Long overstays can permanently damage your ability to return.
The Bottom Line
Under 60 days:
Expensive but usually just a fine.
Over 60 days:
Risk of detention, deportation and blacklisting.
Bali is relaxed — but immigration is not casual anymore.
If you plan to stay long term, structure your visa properly.
It’s always cheaper than fixing a serious overstay problem later.
