Bali remains one of Asia’s most popular international destinations, and the Indonesian government requires several entry documents for foreign nationals arriving through the island.
These requirements are in place to ensure travel security, smooth entry procedures, and compliance with immigration and tourism regulations.
Required Entry Documents
1. Passport
Foreign travelers must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Bali. The passport should also contain blank pages for immigration stamps. In some cases, emergency or temporary passports may not be accepted, so travelers are advised to check airline and immigration policies before departure.
2. Visa
Several types of visas are commonly used by international visitors entering Bali:
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available to citizens of eligible countries and issued upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
- Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA): Purchased online before travel, allowing a faster arrival process.
- B211A Visit Visa: Suitable for longer stays or specific purposes such as remote work, business, or social visits.
Travelers should verify whether their nationality qualifies for VoA or e-VoA and ensure they choose a visa type that matches the purpose of their visit.
3. Return or Onward Ticket
Indonesian immigration requires all foreign travelers to present a confirmed return ticket or an onward ticket to another country. This document may be checked during airline check-in or upon arrival. Failure to provide proof of onward travel can result in denial of entry.
4. Proof of Accommodation
Visitors must have confirmed accommodation for their stay in Bali, such as hotel or villa bookings, or a verified residential address. Immigration officers may request this information to confirm clear travel plans.
5. Travel Insurance
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Coverage should include medical treatment, accidents, and repatriation. Some airlines or transit countries may also require passengers to hold specific types of insurance.
6. Tourism Levy Payment (Rp150,000 Bali Tourist Tax)
The Bali Provincial Government applies a tourism levy of Rp150,000 for every foreign traveler entering Bali. Payment can be made online before arrival via the Love Bali system. Proof of payment must be presented during airport checks.
Certain categories are exempt, including diplomats, specific residency permit holders, and passengers in transit.
Additional Documents That May Be Requested
1. Proof of financial capability
Immigration officers may ask travelers to show evidence of sufficient funds for their stay in Indonesia. This can include bank account statements, a credit card with adequate limits, or financial support letters from a sponsor.
2. International vaccination card
Although not currently a primary requirement, vaccination proof may be requested if global or national health policies change. Travelers are encouraged to carry their vaccination records in case they are needed.
3. Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD)
All arriving passengers must complete the Electronic Customs Declaration before entering Bali. The QR code generated from the e-CD will be scanned at the customs checkpoint. Completing the form before landing helps shorten the arrival process.
4. Proof of travel itinerary
In certain cases, immigration may request a simple itinerary outlining the traveler’s plans while in Indonesia, especially for longer visits or specific visa categories.
Arrival Process at Ngurah Rai International Airport
General arrival flow
Upon landing at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, travelers will go through several standard checkpoints:
- Document check
Officers will verify the traveler’s passport, visa, return or onward ticket, accommodation details, and proof of payment for the Bali tourist levy. - Visa on Arrival payment (if e-VoA has not been purchased)
Travelers who have not secured an e-VoA must make the Visa on Arrival payment at designated counters before proceeding to immigration. - Immigration clearance
Immigration officers will confirm the traveler’s identity and purpose of visit before granting entry. - Baggage claim
Checked luggage can be collected from the carousel area after immigration. - Customs inspection
Travelers must present the QR code from the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD). Additional inspections may be conducted if required.
Waiting times and tips to speed up the process
- Completing both e-VoA and e-CD before departure can significantly reduce queue times.
- Keep all physical and digital documents in one folder for easy access during inspections.
- Ensure that your device has an active internet connection to display payment confirmations or digital visas.
- Arrive with extra time if you have special needs or are carrying additional items that may require inspection.
Key Tips for Foreign Travelers
Preparing the correct documents is essential, but understanding a few practical tips can also help ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival in Bali. These recommendations are particularly useful for first-time visitors, long-stay travelers, and anyone unfamiliar with Indonesia’s entry procedures.
- Store documents in both physical and digital formats
Keep all essential documents, including your passport, visa, tourist levy payment receipt, return ticket, and accommodation booking, available in printed and digital forms. This helps avoid delays if one version becomes inaccessible. - Avoid using unofficial visa agents
Only use government-authorized platforms or registered visa agencies. Unofficial visa services may lead to invalid documents, fraudulent charges, or complications during entry. - Check visa validity and permitted length of stay
Each visa type comes with different stay durations. Overstaying can result in fines, legal consequences, or difficulties entering Indonesia in the future. - Ensure consistent personal information across documents
Make sure all travel documents, such as flight tickets and accommodation bookings, match the name written in your passport to avoid verification issues. - Monitor regulation updates regularly
Immigration rules and international travel requirements may change at any time. Travelers are advised to review the latest updates from Indonesian government sources or airlines before departure.
Conclusion
Entering Bali is a straightforward process as long as travelers prepare the required documents and stay informed about current regulations. Ensuring that your passport, visa, travel bookings, and mandatory payments are in order will significantly reduce the risk of delays upon arrival. Additional documents, such as the e-CD, proof of funds, or vaccination records, may also be requested depending on individual circumstances.
By following the guidelines and tips, foreign visitors can enjoy a smoother arrival experience and begin their stay in Bali with confidence. Travelers are encouraged to monitor official announcements regularly, as entry requirements may be updated from time to time.