Bali entry during Corona - What should I keep in mind?

The popular holiday island of Bali, part of Indonesia, is slowly reopening to tourism. However, there are still some COVID-19 restrictions that must be observed when traveling to Bali. We'll tell you what these are and what you should generally keep in mind when entering Bali here!

Currently, it seems possible for German travelers to enter the island directly again. However, since the airport in Denpasar on Bali is not as well-equipped or prepared for the entry process during the coronavirus pandemic, and regulations are constantly changing, it is still recommended to enter Indonesia via the capital, Jakarta , and continue your journey from there. Our checklist provides a clear overview of the individual steps, so nothing can go wrong!

Currently, you can only enter Bali and Indonesia if you are already fully vaccinated and can present proof of vaccination upon entry. Exceptions are made for people under 18 and if you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Therefore, you should also carry proof of vaccination with you.

Everyone entering Bali must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours ago. The test result must also be in English. Please note: Even if you are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you are still required to present a negative PCR test.

In addition, a PCR test will be performed at the airport for a fee . You will then have to wait for the test result at the airport, which should take about six hours. If the result is positive, you will be taken directly to a quarantine facility.

Even with a negative test result, quarantine will follow, albeit for a shorter period. If you are unvaccinated, the mandatory quarantine period is five days; if you are fully vaccinated, you only have to quarantine for three days. The hotel where you must spend your quarantine will be specified by the Indonesian government, and your stay will be at your own expense. You will receive a list of mandatory hotels and can choose one from there. However, this must also be booked in advance.

Please note: The duration of the quarantine is constantly changing, so you should keep an eye on the current regulations.

A PCR test will then be conducted again at the respective quarantine hotel on the third or fourth day. This test is also at your own expense. If the test result is negative, you can leave the hotel immediately and continue your journey. If the result is positive, the quarantine will be extended to 14 days.

While Indonesia was still heavily affected by COVID-19 in July 2021, cases have steadily decreased since then and the current incidence rate is around 400. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Bali ranks first in Indonesia with a vaccination rate of 82%.

But the usual regulations still apply there, including keeping your distance , wearing a face mask , washing your hands regularly, and avoiding large crowds. Many restaurants, shops, and public transport also require proof of vaccination .

In general, however, the situation can change at any time, which is why you should keep an eye on it on the Federal Foreign Office website.

To ensure your entry and stay on the Indonesian island runs smoothly, you will find all the necessary documents here - some of them independent of the pandemic situation.

1. Passport – you should always have this with you when traveling outside of Europe. For entry into Bali/Indonesia, you should ensure it is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
2. Proof of vaccination - you should have your proof of vaccination with you, preferably in paper and digital form.
3. Register in the Indonesian app Peduli Lindungi – you should also upload your vaccination certificate in this app.
4. International Driving Permit - If you plan to explore the island by scooter, you should obtain an international driving permit in advance. This is easily done at the relevant citizen's office upon presentation of your German driver's license, identity card, a biometric photo, and a fee of €15. Ideally, you should have both your international and German licenses with you.
5. Exit ticket - Upon entry, you must present an exit or onward travel ticket proving that you intend to leave Bali within the approved timeframe. Ideally, you can present a printed copy of this ticket.

Depending on your vacation plans, there are different types of visas required for your stay in Bali:

If you don't plan to spend more than 30 days in Bali or Indonesia in general, and your trip is for tourism purposes, you can enter without a visa. The only requirement is that you present a return or onward ticket.

Of course, it's also possible and understandable that you'd like to explore the beautiful parts of Bali for longer than a month. This isn't a problem at all, up to a maximum of 60 days , as long as you don't plan to work or stay in Indonesia permanently. In this case, however, you'll need a visa on arrival, which you can purchase upon entry at the airport for a fee of around 35 US dollars (in cash!). This is initially only valid for 30 days and can be extended once at least seven days before expiration for a further fee of 30 US dollars. Please note that you'll also need to present an exit ticket.

It's also possible to apply for your visa before entering the country . This way, you can avoid long waits at the airport or potential rejection. This is also necessary if you intend to work or study in Indonesia.

However, caution is advised here! There are numerous websites offering visa services – many of them are fake, and they will issue you with an invalid visa or, in the worst case, no visa at all, and your money is lost! Therefore, it's best to contact the relevant diplomatic mission of the Republic of Indonesia, i.e., the embassy or consulate general .

Finally, we've listed some things you should keep in mind when traveling to Bali and some tips that might be helpful for your first trip to the holiday island!

1. Safety – The island of Bali is generally very safe, but the classic tourist traps do lurk here, too. Pickpocketing, for example, from passing scooters, is commonplace here. I even had my cell phone stolen from my hand. Therefore, always keep an eye on your valuables and carry them discreetly with you.
2. Tourism - The Indonesian island is very popular with tourists, but due to COVID-19 and the travel restrictions still in place, Bali is currently very quiet. This also means that flights and accommodations can currently be booked at very reasonable prices.
3. Left-hand traffic – in Indonesia, people drive on the left side of the road. This is especially important to keep in mind if you plan on renting a scooter. But don't worry, you'll get used to it much faster than you think.
4. Taxi - The Gojek app is particularly popular, but you can also book a taxi through Grab . Pro tip: If you want to take a taxi spontaneously or are approached at the airport, always check the recommended price for the trip in the app beforehand and try to negotiate.
5. Vaccination - There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers from Germany (except for COVID-19). However, recommended travel vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis.
6. Mosquito repellent – ​​stock up on plenty of mosquito spray. This can usually be purchased locally for less and often provides better protection against many tropical diseases, such as Zika, malaria, and dengue fever.

By the way: Our Oceanmata founder Dominik is currently in Bali to visit our clean-up station and support the project on site. He's currently cycling around the island. You can follow his exciting journey and stay on Instagram ! And if you have any questions for Dominik or would like to learn more about your planned trip to Bali or his bike tour, feel free to contact us there!