Bali Announces Key Updates for Tourists Extending Visas During Christmas and New Year Holidays

Published on December 25, 2025

As Bali embraces the festive season, visitors planning to extend their visas during Christmas and New Year must be aware of important immigration updates. The island, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is experiencing a seasonal surge in tourism. However, due to Indonesia’s national public holidays, critical government services will be unavailable for several days. This may impact tourists seeking visa extensions, making it essential to plan ahead. The Denpasar Immigration Office has confirmed that it will be closed for several days during the holiday period, limiting access to essential services.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays

The holiday season in Bali presents both a unique opportunity and a potential challenge for tourists planning to extend their stay. The closure of immigration offices can cause significant delays, and it is important for all foreign nationals to stay ahead of the deadlines to avoid fines or complications. Immigration services, including both in-person and online services, will be closed on Christmas Day (25th December) and New Year’s Day (1st January). These closures extend beyond the holidays, impacting tourists throughout the festive season.

Tourists must be vigilant in filing their visa extension paperwork and ensure that all requirements are met. With immigration offices closed for extended periods, it is crucial to submit applications well in advance to avoid overstaying. The Denpasar Immigration Office has urged tourists to prepare and submit their visa extension applications before the expiration of their permits, particularly since the processing system now includes a more detailed online application followed by in-person biometric checks.

Holiday Closure Dates for Bali Immigration Services

• 25th-26th December 2025: Closed for Christmas
• 1st January 2026: Closed for New Year’s Day
• 3rd-4th January 2026: Closed for the first weekend of the year

Bali’s visa extension process has become more structured since the introduction of the Hybrid Application System in May 2025. This system requires tourists to submit applications online before attending in-person appointments at immigration offices for biometrics and paperwork verification. The introduction of this system has led to more efficient processing but also demands that tourists adhere strictly to deadlines.

The new system has been a learning curve for many tourists. Although the process is relatively straightforward, common mistakes in application submission, including submitting incomplete forms, failing to update personal details, and relying on unapproved agents, can delay extensions. Indonesia’s Immigration Office has a zero-tolerance policy for overstays, with fines of Rp 1,000,000 per day charged from the very first day of overstay, in addition to potential deportation after exceeding a 60-day overstay.

Avoid Overstay Fines: Key Tips for Tourists

To ensure a smooth visa extension process in Bali, it is important to avoid common mistakes and follow these best practices:

• Submit applications early: Apply at least 7 working days before the visa expires.
• Complete all forms accurately: Ensure personal details, sponsor information, and accommodation address are correct.
• Check documents thoroughly: Missing documents or incomplete forms are the primary reason for extension rejections.
• Double-check payment status: Confirm that payment is successfully processed, especially when using online payment systems.
• Avoid relying solely on agents: While agents can assist, the responsibility for completing the application rests with the tourist.

Immigration authorities in Bali have clarified that failure to meet deadlines or provide complete documentation will result in an extension denial. Given the busy holiday season, tourists should expect longer wait times and potential delays in service. To avoid these issues, it is advisable to complete the entire process well before the visa’s expiration date.

Visa Extension Process Overview

Here is a simplified guide to navigating the visa extension process in Bali during the holiday season:

1. Complete Online Application: Before heading to the immigration office, tourists must complete their visa extension application on the official Indonesian immigration website.
2. In-Person Appointment: After submitting the online form, applicants need to schedule and attend an in-person appointment at the Denpasar Immigration Office, where biometrics and paperwork checks will be conducted.
3. Payment: The extension fee must be paid via the online portal or in person at the immigration office. Ensure that payment is completed before finalizing the application.
4. Wait for Approval: After submitting all necessary documents and payment, the processing time for visa extensions can vary. Plan ahead for potential delays, especially during the holiday season.
5. Receive Extended Visa: Upon approval, the visa extension will be processed, and tourists will receive confirmation.

It is important to remember that the Hybrid Application System is designed to streamline the process, but it requires thorough attention to detail to avoid errors.

Plan Your Stay in Bali and Stay Compliant

Bali remains one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, offering an array of experiences from its serene beaches to its rich cultural heritage. However, with the peak travel season coinciding with government office closures, tourists must be proactive in managing their visa extension processes.

Tourists extending their stay in Bali should be aware of the high demand for immigration services and the potential for extended delays during the holiday period. With the added pressures of the Christmas and New Year closures, there are limited days to make necessary applications. Therefore, it is highly recommended to complete the required paperwork well in advance.

Important Reminders for Tourists

• Holiday Closures: Immigration services will be unavailable on key public holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and weekends.
• Apply Early: Submit visa extension applications before the holiday period to avoid delays or overstays.
• Prepare Complete Documentation: Incomplete applications or missing documents will result in delays or rejection of the extension request.
• Stay Informed: Keep track of updated information on the Indonesian Immigration website to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Bali’s immigration offices will resume regular operations after the holidays, but tourists are advised to complete all necessary paperwork before the closure dates to ensure a smooth stay. By staying informed and adhering to the visa extension process, tourists can avoid unnecessary stress and fines.