Planning more than a quick holiday in Bali? Then you have probably seen both the B1 and the C1 listed as tourist visas. B1 vs C1 visa Indonesia is a common comparison because the two look similar but work differently. The B1 suits short stays, while the C1 suits longer ones. This guide compares stay length, extensions, requirements and cost, so you can pick the right one. When you are ready, start your Indonesia visa application with us.
The short answer
Choose the B1 if you are staying 30 days or less, or up to 60 days with one extension. Choose the C1 if you want to stay longer than 60 days, or want a 60-day stay from the start. Neither visa allows you to work.
Your passport also matters, because not every nationality qualifies for both. ASEAN passport holders can enter visa-free for 30 days, which cannot be extended, so they may not need either for a short trip.
What is the B1 visa?
The B1 tourist visa is the visa on arrival (VOA), also available online as an e-VOA. It gives you 30 days in Indonesia, with one extension of 30 days, so 60 days at most.
Some listings call it a “B1 tourist visa 60 days” product. That label can confuse people. It is not a separate 60-day visa. It is 30 days plus one extension, and the extension must be approved by immigration.
What is the C1 visa?
The C1 tourist visa is a single-entry visit visa for 60 days. It can be extended twice, by 60 days each time, for up to 180 days in total. It is the visa formerly known as the B211A.
You apply for it online before you travel, usually through the official portal at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/. Extensions are also requested online through your registered account.
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Indonesia. Visa decisions are made by the immigration authorities, and no agent can guarantee approval.
B1 vs C1 visa Indonesia: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | B1 (visa on arrival or e-VOA) | C1 tourist visa |
| Initial stay | 30 days | 60 days |
| Extensions | Once, for 30 days | Twice, for 60 days each |
| Maximum stay | 60 days | 180 days |
| Entries | Single | Single |
| How to get it | At the airport, or online as an e-VOA | Online before you travel |
| Government fee | IDR 500,000 (current) | Higher than the B1. Confirm on the portal. |
| Typical processing | Immediate at the airport, or usually one to three working days online | Up to about five working days |
| Proof of funds | Not usually required at application | Typically a bank statement is required |
| Work allowed | No | No |
| Best for | Short holidays | Longer stays |
Eligibility depends on your passport. Check yours before you decide.
Requirements compared
Both visas need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date and proof you will leave Indonesia, such as a return or onward ticket.
The C1 asks for more. The official guidance we reviewed typically asks for a recent colour photo and a bank statement for the last three months, showing at least USD 2,000 or an equivalent amount. Rules can change, so confirm what applies to you on the official portal.
Cost compared
The B1 government fee is IDR 500,000 today, whether you buy it at the airport or apply online. An August 2026 announcement planned a rise, with a higher fee at the airport than online, but no start date had been confirmed when we checked.
The C1 costs more than the B1 in government fees, so confirm the current amount on the official portal. Extensions are charged separately. Our guide on Indonesia visa cost breaks down fees for each option and what a service fee covers.
Processing time compared
The B1 is the faster option. You can buy it at the airport, or apply online and often receive approval within a few working days. The C1 takes longer, typically up to about five working days, and more if information is missing.
Because the C1 needs more preparation, apply at least a week or two before you travel. Our guide on Indonesia visa processing time explains when to apply for each visa.
Which should you choose?
Choose the B1 if:
- You are staying 30 days or less.
- You want the simplest option and may decide on an extension later.
- You prefer not to prepare a bank statement.
- You might buy at the airport or apply online at the last minute.
Choose the C1 if:
- You plan to stay more than 60 days.
- You want a 60-day stay from the start, without needing an extension visit.
- You are comfortable applying in advance and providing proof of funds.
Consider something else if:
- You work remotely for an employer outside Indonesia. The Indonesia remote worker visa (the E33G) is valid for up to one year and has an income requirement, so confirm the current criteria first. Holders may not work for Indonesian companies.
- You want to stay beyond 180 days. A tourist visa is not designed for long-term living, so you would need a different permit.
For tax questions, speak to a qualified adviser.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking the B1 is a 60-day visa. It is 30 days plus one approved extension.
- Planning a long stay on a B1. Extensions are not automatic, and you can extend only once.
- Applying for the C1 at the last minute. It takes longer and needs documents.
- Overstaying. The fine is IDR 1,000,000 per day. Apply for extensions before your stay ends.
- Working on a tourist visa. Neither the B1 nor the C1 allows work.
- Forgetting the single-entry rule. Both visas allow one entry, so leaving Indonesia ends the visa.
- Skipping other entry steps. You also need the free All Indonesia arrival card and, for Bali, the tourist levy.
Apply yourself or use help?
Applying yourself works well if your trip is simple. The B1 is easy to arrange at the airport or online, and the C1 is manageable if your documents are in order.
Help is worth considering if you are unsure which visa fits, are travelling with family, or want your documents checked before you submit. This matters more for the C1, because mistakes can slow the application down.
How Hey Rick Visa helps
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service based in Legian, Bali, and part of PT Rick’s Group Indonesia. Our process has three steps:
- Find your visa with the visa checker.
- Apply and pay in under 10 minutes.
- We handle the rest. Technology and human experts check everything before submission.
You can apply 24/7, save your application and continue later, and pay in several ways. Support is available by chat, WhatsApp and email, around the clock, in multiple languages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the B1 and C1 visa in Indonesia?
The B1 is the visa on arrival or e-VOA, with 30 days plus one 30-day extension. The C1 is a tourist visa for 60 days, extendable twice for up to 180 days. The C1 needs more preparation and costs more.
Is the C1 the same as the B211A?
Yes. The C1 is the visa formerly known as the B211A. It is a single-entry tourist visa and does not allow you to work.
Can I work or freelance on a B1 or C1?
No. Both are tourist visas. If you work remotely for an employer outside Indonesia, look at the E33G remote worker visa instead.
Can I convert a B1 into a C1 once I am in Indonesia?
Do not assume you can. The B1 can be extended once for 30 days. If you want a longer stay, apply for the C1 before you travel. Check the current rules or ask for help if your plans change.
Do I need a bank statement for the B1?
Not usually at the application stage, although officers may ask for proof of funds at the border. The C1 typically asks for a recent bank statement, so confirm the current requirement on the official portal.
Does Hey Rick Visa guarantee my visa will be approved?
No. Hey Rick Visa is a private service, and approval is decided by the immigration authorities. We review your application carefully to help you avoid common errors.
Conclusion
In the B1 vs C1 visa Indonesia decision, the B1 is quick and simple for short trips, while the C1 gives you more time and flexibility for longer ones. Match the visa to your plans before you book.
Ready to choose? Use our Indonesia visa service to get started in minutes, or speak to our team if you want help deciding.
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Indonesia. We provide assistance with visa applications and charge a service fee.