This is the latest Bali travel restrictions for travelers visiting the province in Indonesia for vacation.
Among the Islands on the archipelago forming the country Indonesia, Bali is one of the Islands which is a province of Indonesia that is a favorite for travelers visiting for their vacation. Being the most populous Island of Indonesia, it has unmatched magical attractions comprising of great beaches, serene and beautiful accommodations, mixed cultures, activities just to mention few. It has been rated as one of the best destination for tourism.
Following the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo’s imposed restrictions on travel, the new regulations for those who are planning to travel to Bali since 14 October 2021. Bali has been gradually opening its doors to international tourists. On 3 February 2022, the inaugural commercial flight of Garuda Indonesia Airline carrying international tourists landed in Bali from Narita, Japan. By relaxing the travel restrictions to Bali, the Indonesian Government hopes that this move will be able to revitalize the country’s tourism.
On 7 March 2022, the government also applied a quarantine-free trial period and a Visa On Arrival (VOA) program for 23 selected countries. The list of countries was then extended to 42 on 22 March 2022, 43 countries on 6 April 2022, then to 60 countries on 28 April 2022, and on 30 May 2022 to 72 countries. Another great news, to be noted is that from 18 May 2022, no RT-PCR test results are required to be taken prior to departure from the country or region of origin. Make sure to check on the details below before booking your flight to Bali!
To support the process of Bali reopening, the Indonesian Government will ensure to keep their utmost efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, namely by maintaining the status as one of countries with the highest vaccination rates, as well as the country that consistently provides safety protocols for all visitors. As of 6 April 2022, Bali is one of the top 3 provinces with highest vaccination rates and also one of the highest numbers of CHSE certifications.
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What are the travel restrictions in Bali?
Pre-departure Preparation
Before departing to Bali, you need to prepare yourself with the information about the Visa and requirements to enter Indonesia.
Entering with Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption Facility
According to the Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No IMI-0603.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Ease of Immigration to Support Sustainable Tourism during the COVID-19 Pandemic effective from 30 May 2022, below are the list of countries and special entities for Visa On Arrival (VOA), in alphabetical order:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The Arab Republic of Egypt, The Kingdom of Bahrain, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam
Below are the list of countries and special entities for Visa Exemption Arrangement Facility in alphabetical order;
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
More details about the rules and regulations for Visa On Arrival and Visa Exemption Facilities can be read on this link and can be summarized as follows according to the circular note from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia No. SE/00073/PK/05/2022/64: https://kemlu.go.id/portal/en
Bali Visa Requirements
- Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose can be issued accordingly with the following requirements:
- Passport (diplomatic/official/ordinary) that is valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months,
- A return ticket or a pass to continue the trip to another country,
- Proof of payment of PNBP Visa on Arrival of 500,000 IDR (in the case of applying for visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose) and
- Proof of ownership of health insurance which includes financing for handling COVID-19 and medical evacuation to a referral hospital.
2. The entry stamp on the granting of a Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose will be valid as a Visit Stay Permit with the certain period, as follows:
- Visit Visa Exemption: maximum 30 days and cannot be extended.
- Visa on Arrival: maximum of 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at the Immigration Office in the area where the foreign national lives.
3. Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose can also be granted for foreign nationals on official visit or government duties to attend international events, for which shall be applied additional requirement: to enclose an invitation letter issued by the Indonesian government to attend the international conferences/trials/meetings.
4. The provision of Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose as stipulated above applies to holders of diplomatic passports, service passports, or ordinary/general passports.
Entering with E-visa
According to the Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 19 of 2022 concerning Health Protocol for International Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic, international travelers can also enter through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Tanjung Benoa Seaport, Bali. Travelers who are not listed among the above mentioned countries can travel to Bali by applying e-visa before departure.
Vaccination requirements
For traveling to Bali, there are two main aspects travellers need to consider to understand which regulations apply for them. The General Travel Requirements in relation to the Covid & Vaccination Regulations and the Visa Regulations. This will guide you through the requirements so you can plan your trip effectively.
Following three scenarios are covered in the latest regulation update for foreign visitors.
1. Fully Vaccinated Travelers
Travellers who are fully vaccinated, do not need to undergo quarantine and can enter into Indonesia now without a PCR test before and upon arrival.
Two or more doses: status fully vaccinated (Johnson & Johnson counts as 2 doses)
2. ONE DOSE – not fully vaccinated
If you have only one dose you need to quarantine for 5x24h in a certified hotel (CHSE) and get a 2nd PCR test on day 4 (you can book quarantine packages with the hotels).
3. Exemption from Vaccination
Travellers who are exempted from vaccination due to comorbidity diseases must show a medical statement letter that they cannot be vaccinated (in English).
For now, as we understand it, if you are not vaccinated and cannot present a letter from a doctor that you cannot be vaccinated, travelling to Bali is not possible.
Proof of Vaccination
You must have a proof (digital/ printed) of Covid Vaccination, (the last dose must be taken 14 days before travelling to Indonesia).
Children travelling with their parents or guardians are also affected in the regulation in this way;
- Kids below 18years TRAVELLING WITH their parents or guardians, follow the quarantine and entry conditions that apply to their parents / guardian upon arrival. Means, if the parents would have to quarantine, the kids have to follow, even if they would be fully vaccinated themselves.
- Children don’t need to be vaccinated if they enter with a Visa on Arrival or are exempted from the visa.
- If Children need a B211A Visa, for the application process they need a medical statement letter stating, that they can’t be vaccinated due to their age.
PCR Test before arriving in Bali / Indonesia is no longer needed, however, if travellers are showing symptoms or show an increased temperature at the temperature check-point upon arrival, test is taken at the airport before you get to the immigration checkpoint or the port of entry.
These travellers must go directly to their accommodation after leaving the airport and wait for the test result inside the room. They can not leave the room before the PCR test received (and negative) or travellers might have to wait for the test result at the airport
If you are tested positive, the regulations are a bit vague still and depend on the severity of your symptoms. With no or mild symptoms you will have to isolate in a “quarantine accommodation” (Akomodasi Karantina) appointed by the government. Until the PCR tests returns negative! For now, these “akomodasi karantina” are also the certified hotels (CHSE).
If you have “medium to severe symptoms” you will have to be isolated and be taken to a government hospital.
What other documents and what else do I need to prepare to travel to Bali or Indonesia during the Pandemic? Other mandatory requirements affecting travelers visiting or traveling through the Bali port of entry include the following;
- Travel insurance (covering covid related medical costs and evacuation expenses)
- If your nationality is not part of the 9 ASEAN countries and is not listed for Visa on Arrival you would need to arrange a B211A Visit Visa before your arrival.
- Download the PeduliLindungi App. The registration of the International e-HAC (Indonesia electronic health alert card) is for now NOT necessary anymore. The registration of the international certificates does not work well. At least the app must be installed, because some airlines might check this when you check-in.
- E-CD (Electronic Custom Declaration) if you are arriving in Bali (or fill in the paper form at the airport).
- Return ticket – (is rarely checked upon arrival, but technically a requirement. If for some reason you don’t have one, that is within the time-frame of your visa validity, and you are asked, the best is to explain kindly that you are aware of the visa restrictions and you will rebook your flight in time, or, if applicable, you will get a Visa extension.)
- Passport needs to be valid at least 6 months from day of arrival.
- The passport needs at least one empty page.
For now, all foreign travellers (visa-free entry, Visa on Arrival, and B211A Visa) still need to have a medical insurance that covers covid related medical & evacuation expenses. Very rarely we hear from travellers that they have to show the medical insurance documents upon arrival, however it is still listed as one of the requirements to enter into Indonesia.
How is the COVID situation in Bali? Do we need to wear masks?
The situation is overall well under control. The government still expects some health Social to be put in place and followed. Wearing masks in outside and on the roads is not mandatory anymore according to the updated regulations published on May 18th (SATGAS 19). You are still required to wear masks in closed rooms (shops, beaches, malls, to enter restaurants (not at the table)
Updated health protocol regulations (SATGAS 19)
The health protocol as referred to in point 5 of the document must meet the following terms and conditions:
a. Use a 3-ply cloth mask or medical mask that covers the nose, mouth and chin while indoors or when in crowds;
b. Change masks regularly every four hours, and dispose of waste masks in the places provided;
c. Washing hands regularly using water and soap or hand sanitizer, especially after touching objects touched by other people;
d. Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from other people and avoid crowds; and
e. It is advised not to speak one-way or two-way by telephone or in person throughout the journey using public transportation modes of land, rail, sea, river, lake, crossing, and air.
The above policies are temporary and will be readjusted according to global health developments.
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