Planning a Bali holiday is the fun part. The paperwork is less exciting, but it is quick once you know what is needed. This guide covers the entry rules for Australians and the main safety points raised by the Australian Government.
Rules change, so treat this as a starting point. Check the Smartraveller advice for Indonesia before you book and again before you fly. It is the best place to confirm anything in this guide.
The overall advice level
Smartraveller currently asks Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks. It also advises reconsidering travel to the provinces of Highland Papua and Central Papua. Bali is not in those provinces.
Advice levels can change. Read the full page rather than relying on a summary. Check it again in the week before you fly.
Visa on arrival for Australians
Australians need a visa to enter Indonesia. Most holidaymakers use the visa on arrival, which costs IDR 500,000. That is about AUD50, according to Smartraveller. The electronic version also has a small online processing fee.
You can apply online at least 48 hours before you travel. If you leave it late, a standard visa on arrival is available at certain airports and crossings. You cannot even transit through Indonesia without one of them.
The visa is valid for 30 days. You can extend it once, for up to 30 more days, at an immigration office inside Indonesia. If you think you might stay longer, plan that extension early.
Passport rules and the arrival card
Your passport needs at least six months of validity from your planned entry and exit dates. That applies to transit too. Check the expiry date before you pay for flights.
Condition matters as well. Smartraveller warns that damaged passports can be refused entry. Normal wear, including water damage and minor tears, may count as damage. A dry pouch is a cheap fix for a beach holiday.
You must also complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card online within 72 hours of travel. You may be asked to show proof that you submitted it. Take a screenshot in case your phone signal is slow at the airport.
Foreign tourists entering Bali also pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person. It is separate from your visa fee. Transit passengers and some visa holders are exempt. Add it for every person in your group when you set your budget.
Cash has a limit too. You must declare cash over IDR 100,000,000 on arrival and departure, which is worth about AUD10,000. The rule covers all forms of currency.
Travel insurance and health
Smartraveller says your travel insurance must cover all medical costs overseas, including evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay these costs. Read the policy for scooter cover and activity limits before you buy.
Hospitals may ask for proof of insurance, a deposit and a written payment guarantee from a family member or friend. Medical standards are generally lower than in Australia. Many regional hospitals offer only basic facilities.
Insect borne illnesses, including dengue and Japanese encephalitis, are common all year. Use repellent and cover up at dusk. Speak to your doctor about vaccinations well before you leave.
Rabies is present throughout Indonesia, and Smartraveller notes that it is 100% fatal. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek urgent medical attention. Keep your distance from monkeys at tourist sites and from stray dogs.
Check your medicines before you pack them. Smartraveller says some ADHD medications and all cannabis based products, including medicinal ones, are illegal in Indonesia. Avoid temporary black henna tattoos too, as the dye often causes serious skin reactions.
Getting around safely
You need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit to drive. Your Australian licence alone is not enough. Check that the permit covers the type of vehicle you plan to ride, including motorbikes and mopeds.
Motorcycle and moped accidents have killed and injured Australians, particularly in Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. In an accident you will often be assumed at fault. You may be expected to compensate all parties. Always wear a helmet.
Traffic is often congested and road users can be unpredictable. Smartraveller suggests using licensed metered taxis or licensed drivers. Ride hailing apps that show driver details are also suggested. Smartraveller notes that some road incidents escalate into violent disputes quickly, so stay calm and walk away from arguments.
Beaches, drinks and weather
Rough seas and rip currents are a real risk. Smartraveller says Australians have drowned at popular beaches, including in Bali. If you plan to swim or surf, read up on water sports in Bali first.
Methanol poisoning is a serious risk from bad alcohol. Smartraveller warns that as little as one shot can be fatal. Drink only at reputable licensed premises and avoid home made alcohol.
Smartraveller warns that drink spiking can happen anywhere. Only drink branded, sealed drinks. Watch your drink being mixed and never leave it unattended.
The wet season usually runs from October to April. Floods and landslides occur regularly during that time. Indonesia also has active volcanoes and high earthquake activity, and eruptions can disrupt flights. Check for flight updates if an eruption is reported.
A short checklist before you fly
- Check that your passport has six months of validity left.
- Apply for your visa online at least 48 hours ahead.
- Complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card within 72 hours of travel.
- Buy travel insurance that covers evacuation.
- Carry an International Driving Permit if you plan to ride or drive.
If you are staying in a private villa, the first time Bali villa holiday guide covers the basics of the stay itself. A list of items to pack for a Bali villa holiday helps with the rest. For a base on the southern coast, look at Jimbaran Bay.
Frequently asked questions
Do Australians need a visa for Bali?
Yes. Most Australian holidaymakers use the visa on arrival or its electronic version. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for up to 30 more days.
How soon before I fly should I complete the arrival card?
Smartraveller says to complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card online within 72 hours of travel. You may be asked to show proof that you submitted it. Doing it a day or two before your flight keeps you inside that window.
Can I hire a scooter with my Australian licence?
Not on its own. You need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit. Check that it covers the type of vehicle, and always wear a helmet.
Does my travel insurance need to cover evacuation?
Yes. Smartraveller says your policy must cover all medical costs overseas, including evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay these costs for you.
Entry rules and safety advice can change at short notice. Read the latest Smartraveller update before you travel. If anything differs from this guide, follow the official advice.
