Bali .. ahh beautiful Bali .. after these many months, can I actually visit you now?
The Indonesian government has taken a cautious approach to opening up to international travel. After 18 months of closing its borders, it has now opened Bali (its most popular tourist attraction) to foreign tourists starting October 14th.
Who can come?
The country is taking it easy (which is a good thing). For now, it has opened up international flights to 19 countries only, namely: Bahrain, China, France, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and UAE (United Arab Emirates).
The listed countries were allowed based on low COVID-19 positivity rates in accordance to WHO standards. If you’re from a country not in the list, you’ll have to wait a little bit. Singapore and Australia, two of Bali’s main source of tourist are currently in negotiation with Indonesian authorities. Bali will probably open up soon for them as well. Let’s wait and see.
Pre-departure requirements
Before departing, you need to apply for an e-visa. Also, Indonesia has temporarily suspended the Free Visit Visa Waiver and Visit Visa on Arrival programs. Valid visas or stay permits allowed are Diplomatic and official/service visa, visit visa, limited stay permit visa, diplomatic residence permits and official residence permits, limited stay permit (KITAS) and residence permit cards (KITAP) Kartu Perjalanan Pebisnis Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (KPP APEC).
Visa applications can be submitted online through https://visa-online.imigrasi.go.id/
Quarantine Rules
Tourist (fully vaccinated only are allowed) arriving to Bali are required to undergo mandatory quarantine for 5 to 14 days depending on the escalation of COVID cases from the origin country. Check out the Indonesian tourism website for the latest information especially about the arrival protocols and quarantine rules. https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/campaign/welcome-back-to-bali
Are you itching to visit Bali? Is your country included in the list? What’s your comment about the mandatory quarantine period? Do you think it’s too long? Let us know in the comments.