Do you know what time it is? Yes, #ItstimeforBali! The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, imposed 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 for 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, 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 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 its status as one of the 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 the highest vaccination rates and also one of the highest numbers of CHSE certifications.
#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
- Netherland
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- People's Republic of China
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabi
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- The Arab Republic of Egypt
- The Kingdom of Bahrain
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Vietnam
Below is the list of countries and special entities for the 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 summarized as follows according to Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 19 of 2022 concerning Health Protocol for International Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic as well as the Addendum of Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 19 of 2022 concerning Health Protocol for International Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which is effective starting from 8 June 2022:
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 a Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose), and
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 for a 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.
Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose can also be granted for foreign nationals on official visits 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.
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.
#Arrival protocols
When you have arrived in Bali, there are several measures you need to take before you can continue your trip. 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, as of 18 May 2022.
The protocols can be summarized as follows:
- All foreign travelers (foreign nationals) who will enter the territory of the Republic of Indonesia shall adjust their travel documents to ensure compliance with the provisions regarding the foreign travelers allowed to enter the territory of Indonesia, which include Covid-19 vaccination certificates, recommended health protocols, along with the use of PeduliLindungi application while in Indonesia. Provisions for RT-PCR examination and quarantine period are not required except under certain conditions.
- Foreign travelers must show a card/certificate (physical or digital) proving that they have received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a minimum of 14 days before departure.
- Upon arrival at the entry points, foreign travelers must undergo a COVID-19 symptom check, including a body temperature check, with the following conditions :
- If there is no symptom of COVID-19 and body temperature is below 37.5 degrees Celsius: no need to undergo RT-PCR examination upon arrival
- If there is any symptom of COVID-19 or body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius: must undergo RT-PCR examination upon arrival.
The provision regarding the period of isolation (quarantine) applies to all foreign travelers with the following categories:
- Quarantine is no longer required for those who have received the complete dose of vaccine at least 14 days before the departure time.
- A quarantine period of 5 x 24 hours is required for those who have not been vaccinated or have not received the complete dose of vaccine.
- Foreign travelers under the age of 18 (eighteen) years and/or who require special protection can follow the quarantine period provisions imposed on their parents or caregivers.
- Foreign travelers who have not received a full dose of vaccination and completed isolation or treatment for COVID-19, as well as having been declared inactive in transmitting COVID-19, are allowed to continue the journey by attaching a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospital of the country of departure or the ministry that carries out government affairs in the health sector in the country of departure stating that the person concerned is no longer actively transmitting COVID-19 or the COVID-19 recovery certificate;
- Foreign travelers with special health conditions or comorbidities that cause travelers to have not and/or are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccination are allowed to continue the journey by attaching a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospital from the country of departure, stating that the person concerned has not and/or is unable to take part in the COVID-19 vaccination.
Health protocols must meet these requirements:
- Wearing 3 ply fabric mask or medical grade mask, covering the nose, mouth, and chin in indoor settings or in any crowded situations;
- Replacing the mask regularly within every 4 hours, and dispose of the waste in the proper place;
- Washing hands regularly with water and soap or hand sanitizers;
- Maintaining social distance for a minimum of 1.5 meters and avoiding crowds; and
- It is strongly advised to avoid one and two ways communication through telephone or any direct conversation during travel using public transportation via land, train, sea, river, lake, crossings, and air.
- The above policies are temporary and will be readjusted according to global health developments.
Please make sure that you are tested by the affiliated laboratories so that the results will be directly connected to the PeduliLindungi app.
Furthermore, you can visit here to get a one-stop service for your travel requirements in Bali. Kindly click here to browse all the accommodations and tourism destinations in Bali that have been granted the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) certification. Besides looking at your favorite accommodation among the listed hotels, villas, and resorts, come check out these Live on Board providers for new exciting experiences.
Remember to always comply with all the health protocols while enjoying the best of Bali again. Do keep yourself updated with the latest information about traveling regulations in Bali by checking out this page.