Arriving in Bali

Arriving in Bali is pretty easy, as many domestic and international airlines have routes to the airport in Denpasar (DPS). Most big cities in Indonesia have direct flights to Bali, and you can also find non-stop flights to Denpasar from some of the biggest hubs around the world. 

If you travel from anywhere in the Southeast Asia region, many national carriers like Garuda Indonesia or Thai Airways have direct routes to Bali. Alternatively, you can also take advantage of numerous budget airlines in the region, such as AirAsia or Scoot. From down under, you can also find non-stop flights with Virgin Australia or Qantas from Australia. Air New Zealand also has non-stop flights from Auckland. 

Qatar Airways and Emirates have recently opened new routes from Doha and Dubai, while you also have the option to fly through East Asian destinations with airlines like Korean Air or EVA Air. 

If you travel from anywhere in Indonesia, you also have the option to take a ferry boat to Bali. From Java, you can take a ferry boat from Ketapang Port in East Java to Gilimanuk in Bali. There are also bus routes from big cities in Java to Bali, where the ferry boat ticket is already included for passengers travelling to the island. If you travel from Lombok, you can get a ferry boat ticket to Padangbai from Lembar. 

Indonesia is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and citizens from the other nine ASEAN country members can enjoy visa exemptions to enter Indonesia. Citizens of ASEAN country members can stay in Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. 

In June 2023, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights temporarily suspended free visas for citizens from 159 countries. For most countries outside ASEAN country members, you can get a visa on arrival as soon as you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. The Indonesian VOA costs IDR 500,000, which you can pay in cash and will be valid for up to 30 days. 

Alternatively, you can also obtain your visa on arrival online via the official e-visa website for Indonesia. You can proceed with the payment online, and you can easily extend your visa online without having to go to the the immigration office if you decide to stay longer in Indonesia. 

Citizens of some nations, including Nepal, Cameroon, and Venezuela, must apply for a visa through the nearest Indonesian embassy and consulate before visiting Bali. 

You can connect to the free WiFi at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, and you can also purchase a SIM card in the airport area. However, keep in mind that the SIM card price there is usually double the price you can get outside the airport. You can purchase a SIM card at Bali airport with your ID, and the staff usually helps you set up all the mobile data you need for your stay. 

If you decide to purchase a SIM card outside the airport, it's best to buy it at any official shop of the mobile operator you choose (e.g. Telkomsel, XL, etc). It is because the official office can accommodate mobile registration for tourists, so you can use your device for up to 3 months without registering your IMEI. 

Connecting to the internet will be required as soon as you land at the airport in Bali. Whether you use the free WiFi at the airport or get a local SIM card, all passengers landing in Bali from countries outside Indonesia must fill out the e-custom declaration form before leaving the airport, and you won't be able to access it without the internet.

All passengers arriving in Bali must declare their belongings by filling out a customs declaration form. 

While sometimes the cabin crew or airport staff will hand out the form manually, most airports in Indonesia, including Bali, are currently transitioning to using electronic forms to declare goods for customs purposes. Pay attention to some banners with a QR code in the arrival terminal, as you can scan the code to get the link to the electronic form. 

The e-customs declaration form is accessible via this site, and you will get a QR code to report to customs at the arrival gate. If you travel together with your partner or family under the same booking code for your airline ticket, you can fill out the form once on behalf of everyone. 

There are regulations about bringing animal and plant products, medicines, and firearms. In addition, Indonesia is a country that imposes the death penalty as the maximum sentence for bringing narcotics and psychotropic substances into the country.

Alcohol & Tobacco Limits:

• Less than 200 cigarettes

• Less than 25 cigars

• Less than 100 grams of sliced tobacco

• Up to 1-litre beverage containing ethyl alcohol

If you plan to stay in Bali for more than 90 days, you need to register IMEI for your mobile phone to ensure that your device will work properly for the rest of your stay in the country. 

The IMEI registration will depend on the type of mobile phone, as the additional tax will be implemented for devices worth more than $500 USD. 

You can find the IMEI registration booth not too far from the baggage claim area at Bali airport with the following regulations:

• For devices under $500 USD, you can register IMEI for free upon arrival. 

• For devices worth over $500, you must pay 40% of your device value to the Office of Tax and Duties at the arrival gate.

Many hotels in Bali provide private transfers or shuttle buses from Ngurah Rai International Airport, so it's worth checking your accommodation to see if they provide the service for your convenience. Alternatively, there are also a few transportation options you can take from Ngurah Rai International Airport to your hotel in Bali including: 

• DAMRI bus (Sarbagita) has 3 (three) routes available from Bali airport; Tabanan, Nusa Dua, and Batubulan. If your accommodation is located in one of these areas, DAMRI is the most affordable option as it costs only as low as IDR 4,000 per pax. 

• Airport taxi in Bali offers a minimum payment of IDR 120,000 with an additional surcharge depending on your accommodation area. 

• GrabCar or GrabBike is an alternative option if you want a more affordable transfer with adequate comfort to get to your hotel in Bali. Go to the Grab Lounge at the arrival hall in Bali airport, and install the Grab app to book a ride to your hotel. 

Airport private transfers can be booked in advance through apps like Klook or Traveloka.

You can contact your airline for special services at the airport upon arrival, including wheelchairs, accessible toilets, and guided assistance for accessible travel in Bali. 

Bali Access Travel also provides services tailored for visitors with special needs, whether you need a wheelchair-friendly private transfer or you want to arrange a tour for disabled diving and snorkelling to experience the best of the island.