Social Visa B211A vs B1/B2: What Changed and Which Do You Need?

If you have researched a Bali social visa or B211A online, you are not alone — thousands of blog posts and forum threads still use the old name. Indonesia replaced the social-cultural visa (B211A) with the B1/B2 tourist visa framework. The label changed, but the use case for many long-stay visitors is similar: tourism, family visits, and cultural activities without working locally.

This guide explains what changed, how B211A compares to B1/B2 today, and when you might choose Tourist Visa C1 or E33G remote worker visa instead.

What was the B211A / social visa?

The B211A (often called “social visa” or “social-cultural visa”) allowed foreigners to stay in Indonesia for up to 180 days through an initial entry plus extensions, sponsored by an Indonesian entity. It was popular with:

• Visitors staying longer than a Visa on Arrival allows
• People visiting family or friends for extended periods
• Remote workers who were not formally on a remote-worker permit (a grey area — see below)

Immigration categories were reorganised. The B1/B2 visa now covers many of the same practical needs under updated naming and rules.

B211A vs B1/B2: what actually changed?

Key takeaway: If an agent or website still sells “B211A only,” ask whether they mean the current B1/B2 product. The old branding persists in marketing, but your application is filed under today’s visa classes.

B1/B2 vs Tourist Visa C1 — which fits you?

Both can support longer stays, but they suit different plans:

• B1/B2 — Flexible for many social and tourism-style stays up to 180 days; familiar to agents who handled the old social visa.
• C1 tourist visa — Structured for tourism with defined extension steps; compare timelines in our guide VOA vs B1/B2 vs C1.

Not sure? Read B1/B2 vs E33G vs C1: which Bali visa is right for you?

Can you still “work remotely” on a B1/B2?

No. A tourist or social-category visa does not authorise employment in Indonesia or structured remote work. If you are paid by a foreign company while living in Bali, look at the E33G remote worker visa. We cover the risks in Can you work remotely on a tourist visa in Bali?

How to apply for B1/B2 today

1. Confirm your nationality’s entry rules — see our complete Bali visa guide.
2. Choose regular or express processing with a licensed sponsor.
3. Submit passport scans and supporting documents.
4. Receive your e-visa before travel (in most cases).
5. Plan extensions before your permitted stay ends — overstays trigger fines (overstay calculator).

Need help choosing?

Immigration rules change. If you are unsure whether B1/B2, C1, or E33G matches your situation, contact Bali Visa Hub or message us on WhatsApp. We will recommend the right category and handle sponsorship through our licensed Bali partner.