What are the new requirements to enter Bali?

Planning a trip to Bali is exciting, but recent updates to entry rules mean a little pre-departure preparation will save time and stress on arrival. This guide explains who needs which visa, how to complete online visa and arrival formalities, the new tourist levy and other airport fees, and the latest health entry expectations so you can arrive prepared and enjoy the island smoothly.

Who needs a visa and the updated visa categories

Visa requirements for Bali depend on your nationality, the length of stay and the purpose of travel. Short leisure trips are treated differently from longer visits or work-related stays. Below are the core categories you are most likely to encounter, with clear guidance on who needs which permit.

Who can enter without a visa

Citizens of a number of countries are eligible for visa-free entry for tourism for up to 30 days. This entry is intended for short leisure trips and cannot be extended. If you are passport-holder of a visa-exempt country you must hold a passport with at least six months validity and a return or onward ticket for the permitted stay.

Visa on Arrival and e VOA options

Many visitors who are not visa-exempt use the VOA (visa on arrival). The VOA grants an initial stay of 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days through immigration services. An e-VOA (electronic visa on arrival) application is available to speed arrival processing; apply before travel and retain approval proof to present to immigration for faster entry.

Longer stay and special visa categories

For stays beyond 60 days or for purposes other than tourism you must apply for the appropriate visa in advance. The social cultural visa B211A covers extended visits and can be extended in-country with a local sponsor up to six months in total. Retirement and work permits require different long-term visas with sponsorship and document checks before arrival. Confirm nationality-specific rules and prepare the correct visa before travel to avoid delays; if in doubt consult official immigration sources or professional assistance to match your itinerary to the right category.

With visas clarified, the next step is to understand how to apply and pay for a VOA online to streamline your arrival.

How to apply and pay for Visa on Arrival online

Applying and paying for a Visa on Arrival online simplifies entry and reduces time at immigration. The electronic application lets you submit personal details and travel documents ahead of time, then pay securely using an international card or Indonesian payment methods. Keep digital and printed copies of confirmations and ensure your passport has at least six months validity and available pages for stamping.

• Create an account and gather documents Provide a valid email, passport biographical page photo and arrival flight details. Have a clear digital image of your passport photo page and a recent passport-style photo ready.
• Complete the online VOA application form Fill in personal information, intended length of stay and accommodation address. Double-check spellings and passport number to prevent mismatches at immigration.
• Choose payment method and pay Use an international debit or credit card or select local bank transfer options where available. Confirm the payment reference and watch for an immediate e-receipt on screen and via email.
• Receive e-approval and save proof Once payment clears you will get an electronic approval document with a booking code. Download and print a copy and keep another version on your phone for arrival.
• Present confirmation on arrival At immigration present your passport, payment proof and e-approval to the VOA counter or automated lane. Collect the visa stamp after final verification.

Apply at least 48 hours before departure to allow for payment processing and corrections. If errors are found contact the issuing platform promptly and retain all receipts as proof in case immigration requests verification. After completing your e-VOA, the next mandatory step is the national arrival card and app submission.

Mandatory All Indonesia arrival card and app steps

The All Indonesia arrival card and accompanying app are now required for all international arrivals to Bali and other Indonesian entry points. This digital process replaces the paper form and speeds up immigration when completed accurately. Below are practical steps to prepare before travel and what to expect at the airport.

Before you travel

Download the official All Indonesia app and create an account using a valid email and mobile number. Have your passport ready with at least six months validity and a clear photo of the passport bio page. Complete the personal profile once and verify basic details so future submissions are faster. Prepare your flight number and the full address of your first-night accommodation in Bali.

How to complete the arrival card in the app

Open the arrival card section and enter your passport name, passport number, nationality and date of birth exactly as shown on your passport. Add arrival flight details, travel companion names and the purpose and length of stay. Complete the customs declaration section truthfully, including declarations for currency and restricted items. Review every field and submit the form. On successful submission you will receive a QR (quick response) code and a confirmation number to keep for arrival.

At immigration and final tips

Present the QR code on your phone or a printed copy to immigration officials when requested. Keep the app open and your phone charged as officers may scan the code at the gate. If any data needs correction, proceed to the designated counter before joining the queue. Retain the confirmation until departure as it may be checked again. Complete the arrival card within 48 hours before landing and save proof of submission; accurate preparation in advance will make your entry into Bali quick and stress-free.

Once your arrival card is sorted, you should also be aware of the tourist levy and other fees to avoid surprises at the airport.

Tourist levy and other airport fees explained

The Bali tourist levy took effect on Feb 14, 2024 and charges IDR (indonesian rupiah)150,000 per international visitor for each arrival to support local tourism infrastructure and conservation projects. Payment is usually required once per visitor per trip and the most streamlined method is via the All Indonesia app before travel so you arrive with confirmation already on your phone. Alternatively, you can settle the levy at designated airport payment kiosks or counters on arrival but expect longer queues and limited payment options at busy times.

Other airport fees you may encounter include the VOA fee (where applicable), passenger service charges commonly bundled into your airline ticket, and optional fast-track or baggage assistance services offered at extra cost. Some exemptions apply for diplomatic and official travel, airline crew and very young infants, but eligibility varies so check before you fly. Accepted payment methods differ by collection point and usually include international debit or credit cards and certain Indonesian electronic payments on the app or at kiosks; cash acceptance is not guaranteed so carry a card as backup. Always save both a digital copy and a printed copy of any receipt as immigration officers may request proof at passport control and airlines sometimes require confirmation at check-in.

To avoid surprises, pay the levy and any visa fees before departure when possible, confirm whether departure taxes are already included in your ticket, and review the official guidance within 72 hours of travel because implementation details and exemption lists can change. With fees and formalities managed, the final consideration is health requirements and screening.

Health entry rules vaccines and on arrival screening

Health checks at Indonesian ports focus on practical screening and targeted requirements rather than blanket mandates. Most travellers will not need a specific health certificate to enter Bali, but some visitors may face distinct obligations depending on origin country, travel history and symptoms on arrival. Prepare your documents and medical information before travel to ensure a smooth immigration experience.

Required and recommended vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination is required only for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk and must be shown as an international certificate. Routine immunisations that offer clear protection include tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis A. Consider typhoid and rabies prevention if you plan extended stays in rural areas or expect animal contact. Speak to a travel clinic at least 14 days before departure for tailored advice and prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis when visiting eastern or remote islands.

• Carry verifiable vaccination records Keep printed copies of any required certificates and a digital photo of your immunisation card. Border officials may request proof and airlines sometimes check before boarding.
• On arrival screening procedures Expect a brief health declaration in the arrival app and possible temperature checks. If you present respiratory symptoms you may be directed for rapid testing and a short observation period at the airport clinic.
• Costs and follow up Any testing, isolation or medical treatment requested on arrival is normally the traveller's responsibility. Have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and local hospital care to avoid unexpected expenses.

Complete recommended vaccinations well ahead of travel and save all confirmations within the All Indonesia app and on your device. Check official guidance within 72 hours of departure to confirm the latest health protocols for your specific flight and origin country.

If you want practical help arranging accommodation or local support once your entry formalities are in order, visit https://www.balivillahub.com/en for villa options and local arrival information to make your stay easier to plan. With visas, arrival cards, fees and health checks taken care of, you'll be ready to enjoy Bali with greater peace of mind.