I was planning a trip to Bali with my friends next month. My application for International Driving Permit was put on hold citing they need a Visa. But Bali has Visa on Arrival, so we don't have a Visa. The RTO said they need a valid visa for any country, to issue a visa. Has anyone faced this problem?

If possible, get an eVisa On Arrival. That's what I did for Thailand and Vietnam. I don't have to wait in line at the airport and other processes, like the IDP, becomes a little easier.

Indonesia site does mention an online visa. Let me try that route.

Yeah, awesome. That will do, I'm sure!

Seems like we need a sponsor there.

It looks like you're exploring the Tourist eVisa. I was talking about an eVisa On Arrival. Maybe they don't offer one. As reference, Thailand offers the option to get an VOA online; which isn't the same as Tourist Visa. https://thailandevoa.vfsevisa.com/thailand/online/home/information

You don't need a driving permit to ride in Bali. Good to have not must.

Generally your normal driving license is enough.

You can get a b211 e-visa that'd allow you to stay for few months. Any visa agency can/will sponsor you. Although it's a bit expensive. As them if they also sponsor normal e visa. As others have said, you probably don't need international driving license per see. Although be ready to pay fine if you're caught (they're usually looking for foreigners for bribes lol). Pro tip: only keep 100k note in the wallet and stash all other money elsewhere. They usually will try to haggle all the money you have.

Unlike Thailand, IDP is a good to have in Bali, not a must have. If the officer is in a bad mood, you'll be fined even with an IDP citing thay they don't understand what an IDP is.

Bali doesnt mandate an IDP since its like goa for India. However, if you are travelling to Jakarta, you will need it. Source: spent the last 2 months there. It's not a problem.

I was never asked for a license in Bali while hiring a bike, and was never investigated by any cops either. I was there in Bali in June last week

The car rental companies don't mandate it either. Paying the bribe is not a big deal, what we're worried is if some accident happens and insurance problems.

What is the process for IDP in general though? Can it be applied online? Also how much did it take for you

I am a member of the WIAA and get my IDP made from them. They have never asked me for a visa. Although I think I have had some valid visa at almost all times. If you travel a lot and can become a member, it might help. Also just to be clear, technically the IDP is just an extension of the driver’s license and is not required where our driver’s license meets the statutes of the appropriate convention. Unless the person on the other side can’t read English - you will not have a problem with just using your Indian driver’s license for the short term. Just keep this in mind when arguing with corrupt police.

@late-whale-71875 here you go https://www.sidharth.dev/posts/international-driving-permit-india/

@glamorous-mouse-696 Thanks for the blog. It's still missing information about the timelines of the process and expenses. Otherwise decent article.

Thanks for the write-up!