If you’re planning a trip to the Island of the Gods this year, understanding the current Bali travel restrictions is the single most important step you can take before booking your flight. The good news? Bali is fully open to international tourists in 2026, with no COVID-19 vaccination requirements and no quarantine protocols. The more nuanced news is that Indonesia has introduced a streamlined but layered entry system — one that catches unprepared travelers off guard every day. From the new All Indonesia digital declaration to the mandatory tourism levy, the rules have changed enough that even frequent visitors need to update their knowledge.
This guide covers everything you need to know: visa options, digital entry forms, proof of funds requirements, cultural rules, health considerations, and insider tips drawn from traveler discussions across forums like Reddit, Quora, and travel communities. Whether this is your first visit or your tenth, read this before you pack your bags.
The Current State of Bali Travel Restrictions: What Has (and Hasn’t) Changed
The most significant update for 2026 is the consolidation of Bali’s entry process into a single digital ecosystem. Starting September 2025, all travelers entering Indonesia via major airports and ports — including Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport — must complete their arrival declaration using a new mobile app called All Indonesia. The app is mandatory for all travelers, both locals and foreigners, and replaces older forms like the Satu Sehat Health Pass and the Electronic Customs Declaration, combining immigration, customs, health, and quarantine forms into one.
This is a notable improvement over the previous system, where travelers had to navigate multiple websites and forms. The downside is that travelers who are unaware of this requirement often experience delays at immigration — a problem that comes up repeatedly in travel discussions online.
On the health front, as of 2026, Bali no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination proof for entry, in line with Indonesia’s efforts to resume normal tourism activities post-pandemic. Visitors no longer need to present proof of vaccination or undergo quarantine upon arrival.
Visa Options for Entering Bali in 2026
Planning a trip to Bali? Here’s everything you need to know about travel restrictions when it comes to visas — because this is where most travelers make their first mistake.
Visa-Free Entry
Travelers with passports from 13 countries do not require a visa to enter Bali. This is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. These countries are primarily ASEAN member states. If your passport isn’t on this list, you’ll need one of the options below.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) and e-VOA
Passport holders from 97 countries are eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA). It costs IDR 500,000 plus a service fee per person. Visa on Arrival is for a single entry into Bali/Indonesia, for a stay of up to 30 days, and can be extended for a maximum of one time at the local Immigration Office (charges apply). You can apply and pay online before arrival in Bali or pay and receive upon arrival.
The electronic version (e-VOA) is strongly recommended. Applying online before your flight means you skip the often-lengthy VOA queue at the airport — a difference that can mean the gap between 20 minutes and 2 hours at immigration, particularly during peak travel season.
As of May 29, 2025, all travelers wishing to extend their stay beyond 30 days must now process their extension in person at an immigration office in Indonesia, regardless of whether the initial visa was obtained online or directly at the airport.
Long-Stay and Digital Nomad Visas
For those wanting to stay longer, Indonesia offers the B211A social-cultural visa (up to 180 days) and the E33G digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to live and work in Bali legally. Working publicly on a tourist visa can lead to fines or deportation, as Bali now enforces visa distinctions strictly. Casual laptop use inside a private villa is generally considered acceptable, but public coworking spaces require the correct visa.
The All Indonesia Declaration Form: A Step-by-Step Overview
This is arguably the most misunderstood element of the current Bali entry requirements. The All Indonesia form is not optional, and forgetting to complete it can cause significant delays at the airport.
The All Indonesia form includes immigration, customs, and health information in one submission. You can fill it out via the All Indonesia app (available on iOS and Android) or through the official website at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id. It must be completed within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Bali to avoid delays. Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code by email or in the app, which must be shown to customs and immigration officers when you land. This integrated form is mandatory for entry into Bali, even for visa-exempt travelers and those with a valid visa.
The app is available in English, Bahasa Indonesia, and Chinese, making it accessible to the vast majority of international travelers.
The Bali Tourism Levy: What It Is and How to Pay It
Introduced in February 2024, the Bali tourism levy is a one-time fee that applies to every international visitor. Every international tourist entering Bali must pay a one-time fee of IDR 150,000 (approximately USD $10). This levy is used for cultural preservation and waste management efforts across the island. Payment can be made through the official Love Bali website or app. Upon payment, you receive a QR code via email — keep this on your phone, as you may need to scan it at checkpoints at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The levy is per entry. If you leave Indonesia and re-enter Bali, you must pay the levy again. However, if you travel to other islands in Indonesia (like Lombok or Java) and return to Bali directly, you do not need to pay twice.
Many travelers report that the QR code isn’t always checked on arrival, but authorities have indicated enforcement is tightening in 2026. Pay it in advance to be safe — and because the airport payment counters often have long queues.
Proof of Funds: Bali’s Newest Entry Requirement
One of the most significant updates to Bali travel restrictions in 2026 is the introduction of proof-of-funds checks for tourists — including those on a standard Visa on Arrival.
Bali now requires proof of funds for all tourists in 2026, including visa-on-arrival applicants. Immigration officials will assess each traveler individually — there’s no fixed minimum balance. The amount depends on what you’ve outlined in your itinerary and how long you’re staying. Travelers need bank statements ready, accommodation bookings confirmed, and return flights booked before boarding their outbound journey.
This change is part of Bali’s broader “quality tourism” initiative. The explosion in tourism post-pandemic has been both blessing and burden for Bali. In 2025, the island saw 7.05 million arrivals by air — numbers that shattered all previous records. Local authorities are working to ensure that visitors are financially prepared for their stay and less likely to overstay, work illegally, or create a burden on local systems.
As a practical benchmark, immigration officers may ask for bank statements from the last three months showing a minimum balance of around USD 2,000. Most travelers will never be asked for this documentation, but having it ready on your phone eliminates any risk of complications at the border.
Passport Requirements and Supporting Documents
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Indonesia. There are no exceptions. Airlines may deny boarding, and immigration officers will refuse entry if your passport doesn’t meet this requirement.
Beyond passport validity, travelers should have the following ready when entering Bali:
- A return or onward ticket showing departure from Indonesia within your visa period
- Proof of confirmed accommodation (hotel booking, villa reservation, or similar)
- Payment receipt or QR code for the Bali tourism levy
- Completed All Indonesia declaration with QR code
- Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds (particularly for longer stays)
Travelers must hold a return or onward ticket when entering Indonesia, including Bali. This requirement may apply when applying for your visa, depending on the visa type. You may also be asked to show proof of onward travel upon arrival. Immigration officers may require you to purchase a return ticket on the spot — without it, you may be denied entry.
Health Considerations When Traveling to Bali
While no COVID-19 documentation is required, health awareness remains important for any trip to a tropical destination.
Standard vaccinations are recommended before traveling to Bali, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and measles. Food poisoning is one of the most common travel hiccups in Bali. To avoid it, stick to busy, clean-looking restaurants, skip ice unless you’re sure it’s from filtered water, and avoid seafood that looks off.
Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water, including for brushing your teeth.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever are present on the island, particularly during the rainy season (November to March). Use a quality insect repellent and wear long sleeves in green or rural areas during evening hours.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for scooter riding, water sports, and any adventurous activities.
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Cultural Rules and Local Laws Tourists Must Follow
Understanding local laws is a critical part of navigating Bali travel restrictions responsibly. Several legal changes have come into effect in 2026 that tourists need to be aware of.
Penalties for cohabitation came into effect in January 2026. Some prescription medications are considered illegal narcotics in Indonesia — if you require drugs including morphine, sleeping pills, or medication for ADHD, consult with the Indonesian Embassy before traveling.
One of the most important cultural events to account for is Nyepi Day (Day of Silence), which falls in March or April each year. During Nyepi, locals and tourists alike are expected to follow restrictions: no working, no lighting of fires, minimal lights, no traveling, and no entertainment. No one is allowed outside, the airport closes, and hotels require guests to stay indoors with minimal noise. If your travel dates fall around this period, plan accordingly or embrace it as a unique cultural experience.
Dress code matters too. Visitors entering temples must cover their shoulders and legs. Sarongs and sashes are usually available to borrow or rent at temple entrances, but it’s respectful to bring your own. Wandering through shops and cafés in a bikini is considered disrespectful to local culture and is increasingly frowned upon.
What Real Travelers Say: Insider Tips from Traveler Discussions
Drawing from discussions across Reddit, Quora, and travel forums, a few recurring themes stand out among travelers navigating current Bali travel restrictions.
On the All Indonesia app: Many travelers mention that the biggest source of stress at Ngurah Rai Airport is encountering the All Indonesia requirement for the first time upon landing. According to traveler discussions, those who completed the form in advance — and pre-registered for the e-gate system — cleared immigration in under 30 minutes, while unprepared travelers spent upwards of two hours in manual queues.
On the tourism levy: Frequent visitors report that the levy QR code is not consistently checked, but the consensus is to pay it before arrival anyway. The official Love Bali app makes payment straightforward, and the $10 cost is negligible compared to the risk of delays at the airport.
On the e-VOA vs. airport VOA: According to traveler discussions, applying for the e-VOA online before arrival is overwhelmingly recommended. The airport VOA queue can be extremely long, especially on flights arriving from Australia, the UK, or other high-volume origins during peak season.
On proof of funds: Many travelers mention they were never asked for bank statements at immigration, but those who were asked and weren’t prepared faced uncomfortable delays. The general advice is to have a PDF of recent bank statements saved on your phone — it takes five minutes to prepare and provides complete peace of mind.
On scooter riding: Experienced visitors consistently warn first-timers about Bali’s roads. Traffic patterns are unpredictable, roads are narrow, and a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required to ride a scooter. Riding without one can result in fines or complications if you’re involved in an accident.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
Based on traveler discussions and travel advisory analysis, these are the errors that most frequently derail Bali trips:
1. Forgetting the All Indonesia form. This is the number-one airport mistake in 2026. Download the app before your flight and complete the form within 72 hours of departure.
2. Leaving the tourism levy until the airport. Airport counters exist, but lines can be long. Pay through the Love Bali portal online and keep the QR code on your phone.
3. Assuming a home country driver’s license is sufficient. It isn’t. An International Driving Permit is required to legally operate any motorized vehicle in Bali.
4. Not checking passport validity. Six months of validity from the date of entry is non-negotiable. Many travelers have been denied boarding because they forgot to check this.
5. Working remotely on a tourist visa in public. Bali is now actively enforcing visa category distinctions. If you’re a digital nomad planning to work, obtain the correct E33G visa before you arrive.
6. Carrying prescription medications without documentation. Some medications that are common and legal at home are classified differently under Indonesian law. Check with the Indonesian Embassy if you rely on any prescription medication.
7. Not carrying a return or onward ticket. Immigration officers may ask for proof that you plan to leave within your visa period. Book a flexible outbound ticket before you arrive.
Read More: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en
Traveling to Bali in 2026: Your Pre-Departure Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered everything before boarding your flight:
- ✅ Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
- ✅ Visa secured (e-VOA applied online, or VOA eligibility confirmed)
- ✅ All Indonesia declaration completed within 72 hours of departure
- ✅ Tourism levy paid via the Love Bali portal (QR code saved to phone)
- ✅ Return or onward ticket booked and accessible
- ✅ Accommodation bookings confirmed and documented
- ✅ Bank statements saved to phone (last 3 months)
- ✅ International Driving Permit obtained (if planning to rent a scooter)
- ✅ Prescription medications checked against Indonesian customs regulations
- ✅ Travel insurance purchased, including medical and adventure activity coverage
- ✅ Nyepi dates checked if traveling in March or April
Navigate Bali Travel Restrictions With Confidence
Bali remains one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations — a place of rare beauty, cultural depth, and genuine warmth. The current Bali travel restrictions are not designed to keep visitors out; they’re designed to manage the island’s record-breaking visitor numbers sustainably and protect the culture and environment that makes Bali so special. For travelers who prepare in advance, the entry process in 2026 is smoother than it has ever been.
The key takeaways are simple: download the All Indonesia app, complete your digital declaration before you fly, pay the tourism levy online, secure the right visa for your nationality and length of stay, and have your documents organized. As this Bali travel advisory guide makes clear, almost every issue travelers encounter at Ngurah Rai Airport comes down to one thing: lack of preparation. Spend an hour sorting your paperwork before departure, and your first experience of Bali will be the warm air, the smell of frangipani, and the sound of the island — not a queue at immigration.
For the most current and official information, always cross-check with the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration (imigrasi.go.id) and the Love Bali official portal before your travel date, as regulations can change with limited notice.
