‘Are as many people coming to Bali now as before?’
‘Which countries have more visitors? Which have fewer?’
‘Which visa should I choose—and could I accidentally pick the wrong one?’
The answers are all in the data.
Looking at the latest 2025 direct-flight visitor statistics, Bali’s tourism landscape is gradually shifting, but some trends are surprisingly stable—like the steady increase in visitors from Singapore; Taiwanese travelers have remained at roughly the same level for two decades; and some markets that once dominated the scene have quietly shrunk.
Even more interesting: Australia, long considered Bali’s largest source of visitors, has been overtaken by Europe for the first time.
從 2025 年最新的直飛旅客統計來看，峇里島的旅遊結構正在慢慢轉變，但有些現象卻意外地穩定——像新加坡的旅客越來越多；台灣旅客二十年如一日地維持在差不多的數量；也有一些過去佔據版面的市場，悄悄縮水。
更有意思的是，一直被認為是「峇里島最大客源」的澳洲，這一次首度被歐洲超越。
In this article, I’ll first give you a quick overview of the 2025 trends in foreign visitors to Bali, and then break down the often-confusing Bali visa options and FAQs in one go.
No anxiety, no panic—just real data and current entry experiences, so you know everything you need before you go.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, this will be very useful.
2025 Bali Visitor Statistics by Country
This table is actually worth a closer look.
According to official data, the total number of foreign visitors flying directly to Bali in 2025 is approaching 7 million, and the source structure has quietly shifted in ways that don’t quite match our gut feelings.
Let’s start with what’s most relevant for Taiwanese travelers. Taiwanese visitors to Bali have been steady for nearly 20 years. Each year, the number hovers around 120,000—no sudden spikes, no major drops. That’s very ‘Taiwan’—not chasing trends, not swayed by hype, just quietly coming back if they like it.
In contrast, visitors from China, which many still associate with Bali’s boom, are now down to about one-third of their peak numbers. You can feel this at the airport, in hotel demographics, and even in the language skills of tour guides.
Here’s another trend I find fascinating. Australia has long been synonymous with ‘Bali’s foreign tourists’—plenty of flights, close proximity, and a vacation culture that clicks perfectly, holding the top spot for years. But this time, European travelers have officially overtaken Australia for the first time, becoming Bali’s largest source market.
It’s not a sudden surge, but the result of steady accumulation over time.
This also reflects the changes we’ve seen in Bali in recent years:
- More long-stay travelers, a growing digital nomad community, and off-peak seasons that are no longer as quiet.
- Europeans’ habit of ‘coming and staying longer’ is reshaping the island’s rhythm.
Another key question many people ask: How to choose the EVOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)?
These days, the biggest hurdle for most travelers isn’t whether to get a visa, but which one to pick.
The two most common options are B1 and C1:
Quick Reference: Indonesia/Bali eVisa/EVOA Complete Guide: Application Steps, Tips & More
B1 Visa (Tourist Visa)
- Valid for 30 days
- According to the latest updates, short-term pure tourism does not require proof of funds
This visa is straightforward in purpose:
It’s for traveling, vacationing, unwinding, taking photos, hitting the beach, and enjoying great food.
But it is not applicable for:
Business meetings, contract signing, investment inspections, or medical-related activities.
C1 Visa (Visit Visa)
- Stay up to 60 days
- Requires uploading proof of finances (PDF) from the last 3 months, with a minimum of US$2,000
The focus of C1 is not ‘play,’ but ‘visit.’
This includes exchanges, inspections, and non-employment business interactions, but still no work allowed.
So how should regular travelers choose?
The answer is actually quite simple.
If your itinerary is:
- ✔ Tourism
- ✔ Vacation
- ✔ Pure relaxation
- ✔ Travel not exceeding 30 days
Choosing B1 – Tourist Visa is more than enough.
C1 is more suitable for those with a more complex itinerary, longer stays, or who need a formal “visiting” purpose.
Otherwise, preparing extra documents just adds unnecessary hassle. However, you must pay close attention: make sure you have your return flight ticket and accommodation details ready! If you’re randomly checked and your travel purpose seems suspicious, you could be asked to show proof of funds, or even denied entry. After all, there are quite a few people overstaying in Bali.
Bali Visa FAQ
Q1: Which visa should a regular tourist apply for Bali?
If your purpose is simply travel, vacation, relaxation, eating, and having fun, just go with B1 (Tourist Visa)—no need to overthink it. This is also the most common choice for short-term tourists.
Q2: Does the B1 visa require proof of funds?
According to the latest updates, the B1 visa for short-term tourism does not require uploading proof of funds. However, it’s still recommended to keep your return flight ticket and accommodation details handy, just in case.
Q3: If I want to stay longer in Bali, which visa should I choose?
If you plan to stay for more than 30 days at a time, or your trip includes visiting friends, cultural exchange, or non-employment-related research, then consider C1 (Visit Visa). It allows a stay of up to 60 days, but you’ll need to upload proof of funds of at least US$2,000 from the past 3 months (PDF).
Q4: What’s the biggest difference between B1 and C1?
In a nutshell:
- B1 = Pure tourism
- C1 = Non-employment visit
B1 is not suitable for business meetings, contract signings, or investment-related activities;
C1 emphasizes visits, exchanges, and inspections, but still doesn’t allow work.
Q5: Can I use a tourist visa to view properties or discuss collaborations?
Officially, it’s not recommended to use B1 for any business or investment-related activities. If your trip involves any business-related purpose, C1 is the safer choice.
Q6: Can I apply for EVOA in Taiwan before departure?
Yes. You can now apply for EVOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) online before departure,
which makes the entry process much smoother and helps you avoid long queues.
Quick Reference: Complete Guide to Indonesia/Bali eVisa (eVoa): Step-by-Step Application & Key Tips
Q7: Can the EVOA be extended?
Yes. A B1-type visa can generally be extended once for 30 days as per regulations. But if you know from the start you’ll be staying longer, choosing C1 directly is much simpler.
Q8: Do I need a return ticket to enter Bali?
Officially, it’s ‘recommended to hold an onward ticket.’ In practice, most travelers aren’t checked one by one, but it’s better to be safe and truly at ease.
Q9: What if I choose the wrong visa?
Switching visas after entry is relatively troublesome, so the best approach is to choose correctly before departure.
If you’re just traveling, don’t overthink it—B1 – Tourist Visa is all you need.
Final Reminder
Bali’s visa regulations are occasionally tweaked, so it’s safest to double-check the latest announcements 1–2 weeks before departure. But based on most travelers’ actual experiences, as long as you pick the right visa, entering Bali is really not difficult.
All that’s left is to simply enjoy this island 🌴
