Planning a trip to Bali? Before you start packing your bags and dreaming about rice terraces and beach clubs, there are three important things you need to sort out before you fly. Most travellers know about the visa, but the tourist levy and arrival card catch a lot of people off guard. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do and why you shouldn’t leave it until the last minute.

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The Bali Visa on Arrival

Australian travellers need to apply for a visa before heading to Bali. The most common option is the B1 visa on arrival, which gives you 30 days in Indonesia and costs approximately AUD $40 to $50. You apply through the official Indonesian government immigration website and will need a copy of your passport, a photo, your return ticket and your accommodation details.

Processing times can vary, so the best approach is to apply as soon as you’ve confirmed your flights and accommodation. If you need longer than 30 days, there is a 60-day option available at double the price, as well as multi-entry visas for more frequent visitors.

One important note: only apply through the official government website. Third party sites may offer the same visa but will almost always charge more for the convenience.

The Bali Tourist Levy

Since February 2024, all foreign visitors to Bali are required to pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person. This is separate to your visa and is paid through the official Bali provincial government website. You’ll receive a QR code that you’ll need to show on arrival at the airport, either printed or on your phone. This one processes quickly, often almost immediately after payment.

The Health Declaration and Arrival Card

The third step is completing your health declaration and arrival card. This can only be done up to three days before you arrive in Indonesia, so it’s the last thing you’ll tick off before you fly. You’ll need your passport details, visa number, flight information, accommodation address and answers to a short health questionnaire. Having your visa approved before you do this step makes it a lot smoother.

Get It Done Early

The biggest mistake travellers make is leaving these three steps too late. Apply for your visa the moment your flights and accommodation are confirmed. Pay the tourist levy shortly after. Then complete your arrival card in the final days before departure.

Watch the full step by step walkthrough in the video above, including a live demo of each website and what to expect at each stage of the process.

Have you been to Bali recently or are you planning a trip? Did you know about all three of these requirements before reading this? Comment below with your experience. Check out my article where I make the comparison between Bali Hotels and Bali Villas if you haven’t decided on the experience you’d like yet, and Follow 5 Star Trip for more travel content that makes sure you’re prepared for a great trip.

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