Every great idea starts with a real problem, and for us, that problem showed up at Bali airport in the form of a hefty IDR 3 million fine. It happened to the boyfriend of one of our team members, who innocently forgot to extend his Visa on Arrival (VOA). The experience was stressful, expensive, and completely preventable. That moment sparked an idea and led us to create a tool that could help thousands of travelers avoid the same costly mistake.
1. When a Simple Oversight Became a Big Problem
He had entered Indonesia on a standard Visa on Arrival, like so many tourists do. The plan was simple: spend a few weeks in Bali, enjoy the beaches, explore Ubud, and fly home. But there was one small detail he forgot, which was extending his visa.
What many don't realize is that a VOA is only valid for 30 days, but it can be extended once for another 30. He never did. And when he arrived at the airport to leave, thinking everything was fine, he was blindsided.
2. At the Airport: Fined for Overstaying
He messaged his girlfriend, our team member, from the immigration line, panicking. The officer told him he had overstayed by 3 days. The result was a fine of IDR 1**,000,000 per day**, totaling IDR 3 million, or around USD 170.
He had no cash on hand. The stress was intense. No one offered leniency or explanation. That's how strict Indonesian immigration is when it comes to overstays, even when the mistake is honest.
3. Why It Happens More Than You Think
It turns out this kind of error is incredibly common. Most travelers don't fully understand the rules of the VOA:
- The 30-day VOA is calendar-based, not hour-based
- Both the arrival and departure days count
- If you don't extend your VOA before day 30, you enter overstay automatically
- Fines are paid in cash at the airport
And the worst part is that overstaying for more than 60 days can lead to deportation, blacklisting, or legal trouble.
4. The Solution: A Visa Tool We Wish We Had Sooner
The day after that incident, our whole team felt the weight of it. This wasn't just a one-time mistake. It was the kind of thing that could happen to anyone.
That's when we built the Visa Overstay Calculator. It's simple:
- Enter your arrival date
- Enter your intended departure date
- Get an instant overstay status
It tells you whether you're safe, close to your limit, or already in violation. It's the only tool of its kind in Indonesia, and we made it because we wish we had it that day.
5. It's Not Just About Fines, It's About Peace of Mind
Traveling is supposed to be joyful. No one wants that sick feeling of realizing they've overstayed their visa. With our calculator, you never have to guess. Whether you're in Bali for 10 days or 60, this tool takes the anxiety out of visa counting.
It's mobile-friendly, quick to use, and gives you clarity in just a few seconds.
6.From Stress to Solution
The airport fine was frustrating, but it gave us something powerful. It gave us the motivation to solve a real problem for fellow travelers. We're proud of the Visa Overstay Calculator because it's simple, useful, and born out of real experience.
So before you book that flight, plan a trip to Gili, or extend your stay in Bali
👉 Use the Visa Overstay Calculator. It could save you hundreds and a whole lot of stress.
