Entry Requirements to Bali (2025 Update): The Complete Guide Before You Travel

Bali remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, attracting millions of international visitors every year. From surfers and honeymooners to digital nomads and retirees, the island offers a unique mix of culture, comfort, and natural beauty. Yet, one of the most overlooked aspects of travel planning is understanding the legal and administrative requirements for entering Indonesia. In 2025, the Indonesian government continues to refine its entry regulations to balance tourism growth with national security and cultural preservation. Whether you are visiting for a few weeks or planning an extended stay, understanding these requirements in advance will help you avoid unnecessary delays at immigration or, worse, being denied entry upon arrival.

This article covers everything you need to know about Bali’s entry requirements, including passport validity, visa rules, the Bali tourist levy, customs regulations, and practical steps for arrival. It also introduces a trusted local platform, Visa BaliEasy, where you can complete all your pre-travel requirements such as paying the Bali Tourist Levy, applying for an e-VOA, or obtaining a Visa C1 entirely online.

The goal of this guide is to provide an updated, detailed, and clear explanation suitable for 2025 travelers. You will find step-by-step information on every requirement, including who qualifies for visa-free entry, who needs a visa, and which type best fits your travel purpose.

With all requirements met in advance, you can focus on the real reason you came to Bali: to enjoy the island’s beaches, temples, food, and culture without any bureaucratic stress.

1. Passport Validity and General Entry Rules

The first and most basic requirement for entering Bali is holding a valid passport. The Indonesian Immigration Law mandates that all foreign visitors must possess a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. This rule is strictly enforced. Travelers with less than six months of validity may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Airlines are responsible for ensuring compliance before departure, so it is common for check-in staff to check your passport validity twice.

Besides validity, the passport must contain at least one blank visa page for entry and exit stamps. Immigration officers will not issue a visa or entry stamp if there is no space left in the passport. It is also important to ensure that your passport is not damaged. Torn covers, missing pages, or water damage can lead to immigration delays or rejection.

In addition to passport requirements, travelers must provide proof of onward travel or a return ticket. This serves as evidence that you do not intend to overstay or reside illegally in Indonesia. If you are entering Bali using a Bali Visa on Arrival or e-VOA, immigration officers are likely to check your return flight to ensure it falls within the validity period of your visa. Failure to present this may result in questioning or a request to purchase an onward ticket on the spot.

Travelers are also advised to review the immigration stamps in their passports upon entry to confirm that the permitted stay duration matches their visa type. Mistakes occasionally happen, and overstaying even by a single day can result in a penalty of IDR 1,000,000 per day. Keeping your documents organized, printed, and accessible will make your arrival process smoother and demonstrate preparedness to Indonesian officials.

2. The Bali Tourist Levy: Environmental and Cultural Contribution

Beginning on 14 February 2024, the Bali Provincial Government officially introduced the Bali Tourist Levy, a mandatory contribution for all foreign tourists visiting the island. The levy was designed to support cultural preservation, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development in Bali. Every foreign visitor entering Bali, regardless of visa type, must pay a fee of IDR 150,000, which is approximately USD 10. The policy applies to both short-term visitors and long-stay tourists.

The funds collected are allocated to programs that protect Bali’s fragile ecosystems and maintain its cultural heritage. For example, the levy contributes to temple restoration, beach cleaning initiatives, coral reef rehabilitation, and the improvement of waste management systems across regencies. The government aims to ensure that tourism growth aligns with Bali’s long-term ecological and cultural well-being.

Payment of the Bali Tourist Levy can be made before arrival or upon entry at Ngurah Rai Airport. However, travelers are strongly encouraged to pay online before departure to avoid queues or technical issues at the airport. Platforms like visa.balieasy.com allow visitors to complete payment in minutes and receive an official digital confirmation. By paying in advance, you reduce the risk of missing your airport transfer or waiting in long lines after a long-haul flight.

After payment, tourists receive a digital proof of payment via email, which can be shown to immigration or airport staff if requested. Although airport officers rarely conduct manual checks, random inspections do occur, especially during peak travel seasons. Therefore, keeping a copy of your digital receipt accessible on your phone is highly recommended.

This levy is not just another administrative fee; it is an act of responsible travel. By contributing, you are helping Bali sustain its identity as more than a destination for leisure but as a living culture that balances tourism and tradition.

3. Visa Options for Entering Bali: Exemption, e-VOA, and Visa C1

Indonesia offers several types of entry visas depending on your nationality, length of stay, and purpose of visit. Understanding which visa applies to you is crucial to avoid overstaying or applying for the wrong type. The most common options for tourists and short-term visitors are Visa Exemption, e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival), and Visa C1.

Citizens from ten ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are granted visa-free entry for up to thirty days. This option is strictly for tourism and cannot be extended or converted to another visa type. If you plan to stay longer, you must exit Indonesia and re-enter with an eligible visa.

For citizens of more than ninety other countries, the e-VOA is the most convenient option. It allows travelers to apply and pay online before departure and enter Indonesia using the approved electronic visa. The e-VOA is valid for thirty days and can be extended once for another thirty days, allowing up to sixty days of stay. This visa covers tourism, business meetings, transit, and short family visits.

For longer stays or purposes beyond simple tourism, such as family visits, cultural participation, or training, the Visa C1 is more suitable. This visa allows a stay of up to sixty days and can be extended multiple times for a total of 180 days. It is also ideal for travelers who plan to stay in Bali for work preparation, volunteering, or attending cultural ceremonies.

Choosing the right visa is not only about convenience but also about compliance. Overstaying or entering under the wrong visa type can result in fines, detention, or deportation. By completing your application online through a trusted local platform, you can be confident that you are using the correct visa category under Indonesian law.

4. Customs and Health Declarations

Every traveler entering Indonesia must complete a customs declaration form, officially known as the Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD). This system was introduced to modernize and accelerate the arrival process at Indonesian airports. The form must be completed online within three days prior to arrival through the official government website at https://ecd.beacukai.go.id. After submission, travelers receive a QR code via email, which must be presented at the customs checkpoint after collecting luggage.

The ECD form asks for information about goods carried into Indonesia, including electronics, cash amounts exceeding IDR 100 million or equivalent, and restricted items such as plants, animals, or medicines. Honest declaration is essential. Failing to declare restricted or taxable goods may lead to fines or confiscation.

In addition to customs procedures, travelers should remain aware of Indonesia’s public health regulations. Although pandemic restrictions have eased, the government maintains a health monitoring system for incoming passengers. Travelers showing symptoms of infectious diseases may be asked to undergo health screening upon arrival. It is also recommended to have proof of vaccination or a recent health certificate, especially if transiting through multiple countries.

To expedite your arrival, it is best to complete both the customs declaration and your visa formalities before you land. Bali Visa online agent enable travelers to complete e-VOA or Visa C1 applications alongside levy payment, ensuring that all key documents are digitally available. The combination of digital customs declaration and pre-approved visas helps you pass immigration and customs in a matter of minutes, rather than waiting in long queues to fill out paperwork after an exhausting flight.

5. Arrival Process at Ngurah Rai International Airport

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar is the main entry point for visitors arriving in Bali. The airport has improved its facilities significantly over recent years to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. Nevertheless, the arrival process can still be confusing for first-time visitors. Understanding each step in advance helps ensure a smooth transition from plane to paradise.

Upon landing, passengers proceed through health screening, which may include temperature checks or verification of vaccination documents depending on current health protocols. Afterward, travelers move to the immigration area. Those with a pre-approved e-VOA can use the designated e-VOA lane, which is generally faster than the manual Visa on Arrival counter. Travelers with Visa C1 or visa exemption proceed to standard immigration counters. Present your passport, return ticket, and digital receipt for the Bali Tourist Levy if requested.

Once cleared by immigration, passengers continue to baggage claim and then to the customs checkpoint. Here, you must scan your Electronic Customs Declaration QR code. If you have nothing to declare, you proceed through the green lane. If you are carrying restricted items or large quantities of goods, proceed through the red lane and declare them to officers.

The final stage is the arrival hall, where you can meet your driver, purchase SIM cards, or connect to Wi-Fi. However, it is worth noting that airport Wi-Fi can be unstable, particularly during busy hours. Many travelers prefer to secure an internet connection before arrival by purchasing an eSIM through BaliEasy’s main platform, which offers instant activation.

Overall, the process at Ngurah Rai Airport is well-organized but can still take 30 to 60 minutes depending on flight volume. Being well-prepared with all digital documents ready, passport, visa approval, levy payment receipt, and customs QR, will ensure a smooth and professional arrival experience.

6. Final Checklist and Simplified Application via BaliEasy

Preparing for travel to Bali should be about excitement, not paperwork. However, neglecting basic entry requirements can turn your holiday into a stressful experience. The most efficient approach is to handle all formalities before you board your flight. This includes checking your passport validity, securing the appropriate visa, paying the Bali Tourist Levy, and completing the customs declaration. Doing all of these in advance allows you to walk confidently through immigration, knowing that everything is in order.

Visa BaliEasy has simplified the process through its dedicated platform, designed specifically for international travelers entering Bali. Visitors can pay their Bali Tourist Levy, apply for the e-VOA, or submit a Visa C1 application in one unified system. The platform is supported by a local team based in Bali who monitors all applications, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.

For short-term tourists, the e-VOA remains the most convenient option, while long-stay visitors or family guests can choose the Visa C1 for greater flexibility. Each application can be tracked online, and support staff are available to assist with any clarification or document issues. Payment is processed securely, and approvals are delivered by email, eliminating the need for embassy visits or uncertain third-party agents.

By completing all your travel formalities through a single platform, you not only save time but also ensure compliance with official Indonesian regulations. Travelers who have used BaliEasy’s visa services consistently report smoother arrivals and fewer airport delays.