Getting into Bali involves a few steps that can seem quite overwhelming for first timers. Getting a tourist visa, paying the tourist tax and filling in a customs declaration all need to be sorted before you land. You need to go to a number of different websites to complete the Bali arrival process and they are not always easy to navigate. This guide covers everything Australian travellers need to know, in the order you need to do it.
Do Australians need a visa for Bali?
Yes. Australian citizens need a visa to enter Indonesia. The most common option for tourists is the Visa on Arrival (VOA), which you can apply for online before you leave Australia (recommended) or purchase at the airport on arrival. The cost is 500,000 IDR, around $33 USD or $50 AUD. It covers a stay of up to 30 days.
Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your arrival date. If it expires within 6 months you will be refused entry.
What do you need to enter Bali in 2026?
There are four things to complete before or on arrival. The first three can and should be done online before you fly:
- All Indonesian Card — a digital declaration that combines immigration, health and customs into one form. Mandatory for all visitors.
- e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) — apply online after completing the All Indonesian Card, at least 48 hours before travel.
- Bali Tourist Tax — 150,000 IDR per person (around $10 USD). Paid via the Love Bali app or website.
- Customs Declaration — completed as part of the All Indonesian Card or separately at the airport.
Do all of this at least 3 to 4 days before you fly. Processing the e-VOA takes 1 to 3 business days. Leave it to the last minute and you may end up having to queue for a visa at the airport which adds 30 to 60 minutes to your arrival time.
Step 1 — The All Indonesian Card
Indonesia introduced the All Indonesian Card to replace the multiple separate forms visitors previously had to complete: health declaration, customs and immigration, all in one online form. Everyone entering Indonesia must complete it regardless of whether they have a pre-arranged visa or not.
Apply at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id. When complete you will receive a QR code. Save it or screenshot it and have it ready on arrival.
Complete this before applying for your e-VOA. The e-VOA must be applied for no later than 48 hours before travel.
Step 2 — Getting your Bali visa
There are two options: apply online before you travel (e-VOA) or buy the visa on arrival at the airport. Online is the better option for almost everyone.
Option 1 — Apply online (recommended)
What you need:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Digital passport photo (JPG format)
- Passport scan (PDF format)
- Return flight confirmation
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Credit card for payment
How to apply:
- Visit the official e-VOA website
- Choose General, Family, or Social then Tourism, Family Visit, and Transit
- Select B1, Tourism (Visa on Arrival)
- Upload your passport photo (JPG), passport scan (PDF) and flight and hotel confirmations
- Pay 500,000 IDR (approximately $33 USD)
- Save your confirmation and QR code
Useful tips:
- To convert a photo to PDF use Print to PDF on your computer or a free online tool
- Screenshot everything as backup
- Processing takes 1 to 3 business days. Apply at least 3 to 4 days before travel
Option 2 — Visa on arrival at the airport
- Expect 30 to 60 minute queues
- Bring cash. USD, AUD or EUR accepted
- Have your passport ready and know your hotel address
Even with an e-VOA already sorted, arrive at immigration with your passport, printed hotel booking and return ticket easy to access. Arrive at the e-VOA queue not the general VOA queue — they are separate and the e-VOA line is almost always shorter.
Step 3 — Paying the Bali tourist tax
All international visitors over 12 years old must pay a one-time tourist tax of 150,000 IDR (around $10 USD) per person. Children under 12 are exempt. The tax is valid for your entire stay and is non-refundable if your plans change.
The tax was introduced in early 2024 to fund local infrastructure and environmental protection in Bali. By March 2025 it had already raised around $31 million AUD. Enforcement was loose initially but officials are increasingly checking for payment at the airport.
Pay via the Love Bali app (recommended):
- Download the app: Android or iPhone
- Register with your email address
- Select Tourist Levy
- Enter your passport number, planned arrival date and personal details
- Pay via credit card or PayPal
- Screenshot your payment confirmation
Or pay via the Love Bali website:
- Visit lovebali.baliprov.go.id
- Follow the same steps as the app
- Save the PDF confirmation
- Pay at least 24 hours before arrival
- Keep proof on your phone and in print if possible
- Your passport number is linked to the payment
Step 4 — The customs declaration
The customs declaration is now part of the All Indonesian Card. If you complete that form before travel you have this covered. At the airport you will show the QR code from the All Indonesian Card at the customs checkpoint.
If you need to declare items such as cash over the limit, alcohol, cigarettes or gifts, use the red lane. For most travellers with nothing unusual in their luggage, the green lane is the right choice.
Getting through Bali Airport step by step
With everything done online before you fly, the airport process is straightforward. Budget 1 to 2 hours from landing to getting into your transfer, longer if you arrive late at night or during peak periods when multiple flights land together.
Arrival hall
Follow the Arrivals signs. Have your passport, e-VOA confirmation, tourist tax receipt and hotel booking ready. Join the e-VOA queue. It is separate from the general VOA queue and moves faster.
Immigration
Over the last few years Bali has introduced e-gates for entry. Scan your passport, the gates open and you are in Indonesia. Your visa details are attached to your passport via the visa application system. If the e-gates are not operating you line up and go through immigration the traditional way: present your passport, get fingerprints scanned and you may or may not be asked to show your e-VOA confirmation. In our experience we have never been asked to show proof of paying the tourist levy but that does not mean you will not be asked. Quietest times are early morning between 6am and 9am. Late night arrivals between 8pm and midnight are the busiest.
Baggage claim
Check the screens for your flight number and belt. Free trolleys are available. Average wait is 15 to 30 minutes. Be prepared for your luggage belt number to change or for luggage to come out on two different belts. From experience, luggage collection at Bali can be frustrating at times. The lost baggage counter is near carousel 1.
Customs
Show your QR code from the All Indonesian Card. Green lane for nothing to declare, red lane if you have items to declare. Random bag checks do happen.
Use the restroom on the plane. Facilities in the immigration area are limited. Wear comfortable shoes — there is a lot of standing. Ignore anyone offering to fast-track you through immigration. Airport WiFi exists but is unreliable.
Things to avoid at Bali Airport:
- Do not exchange money at the airport. Rates are significantly worse than in Sanur
- Avoid unofficial porters who offer to help with your luggage and then want an inflated fee for doing so
- Do not accept ride offers from random drivers standing outside the terminal
- Keep valuables in your hand luggage
Getting from Bali Airport to Sanur
Sanur is 15.5 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Google Maps will say 30 minutes but allow up to an hour depending on traffic and time of day. Walking out of the airport can feel overwhelming as drivers and private transport operators compete for your attention. Knowing your plan before you land makes this much easier.
Option 1 — Pre-booked private driver (recommended)
A driver meets you at arrivals holding a sign with your name. They will most times load your bags and take you straight to your hotel. After a long flight this is the easiest option and removes all the negotiation and confusion at the airport exit. You can book airport transfers through Klook before you leave Australia.
Option 2 — GRAB
After exiting arrivals, keep walking past all the drivers and head towards the domestic arrivals terminal. You will see a GRAB sign directing you to the GRAB lounge. Book from inside the lounge. This is cheaper than a negotiated taxi and the price is fixed before you get in the car.
Option 3 — Taxi
If you take a taxi, negotiate the price upfront before getting in. Alternatively, use the Bluebird Taxi app to book and avoid the negotiation entirely. Bluebird is the most reputable taxi company at Bali Airport.
Option 4 — Hotel transfer
Most hotels in Sanur can arrange an airport transfer if you contact them in advance. Ask when you book your accommodation. Be aware that hotel transfers are usually priced at a premium compared to GRAB or a pre-booked private driver.
FAQs — arriving in Bali from Australia
Do Australians need a visa for Bali?
Yes. Australian citizens need a Visa on Arrival (VOA) to enter Indonesia. The cost is 500,000 IDR (around $50 AUD) and covers a stay of up to 30 days. You can apply online before you leave as an e-VOA or purchase on arrival at the airport. Applying online is faster and saves queuing at the airport.
How long does my passport need to be valid for Bali?
Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival in Indonesia. If it expires within 6 months you will be refused entry. Check this well before you travel as Australian passport renewals can take several weeks.
What is the Bali tourist tax?
A one-time fee of 150,000 IDR (around $10 USD) per person for all international visitors over 12 years old. It is paid online via the Love Bali app or website before arrival. The tax is meant to fund local infrastructure and environmental protection in Bali, or so they say. Keep your payment confirmation on your phone as officials check for it at the airport.
What is the All Indonesian Card?
The All Indonesian Card is a single online form that combines the health declaration, customs declaration and immigration details that previously required multiple separate forms. All visitors must complete it before travel at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id. You receive a QR code to show at the airport.
Can you enter Bali without a return ticket?
Technically you are required to show proof of onward travel when applying for the e-VOA online. You will be asked to add your departure details when applying. In practice we have never been asked about or asked to prove it when entering at Bali Airport.
How long does Bali Airport arrival take?
Budget 1 to 2 hours from landing to getting into your transfer. This covers immigration, baggage claim and customs. If you arrive late at night between 8pm and midnight when multiple flights land together it can take longer. Early morning arrivals between 6am and 9am are the quickest. Having your e-VOA and tourist tax already sorted speeds up the immigration queue significantly.
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