Bali Checklist 2026: What to Do Before Going to Bali

Last updated: March 2026

Getting ready for your first or 25th trip to Bali? I’ve got you sorted with my Bali Checklist.

The excitement of planning a trip to Bali is hard to beat. The white and black sand beaches, world-class waves and vibrant dining scene are calling. But before you get lost in the dream, there are a few things you’ll want to check off your list before you fly.

I’ll take you through my Bali checklist of what to do before flying to Bali and the rest of Indonesia, including Kuta, Lombok, covering entry requirements, vaccinations, obtaining a visa, customs declaration forms, the tourist levy, and everything else you need to know.

Bali is often the first stop on an Indonesian surf trip, whether you’re staying a few days or using it as a launch point to Lombok and other islands. This checklist covers what to sort before you go, so your trip starts smoothly and stays stress-free.

Travelling with family can make things even more complex, but with some preparation, it’s definitely possible to avoid unnecessary stress and focus on enjoying your time together. I’ll also share a few personal tips that have made my trips to Bali and then from Bali to Lombok much smoother. For all our Bali travel and surf content, check out the Bali Hub.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission to help us keep producing amazing surf content—at no extra cost to you.

Flying to Bali is an Unforgettable Experience

I’ll never forget the first time I landed in Bali. The smell of clove cigarettes, the offerings of flowers and incense and the sarongs on the airport porters all made me feel like I was very far from home back in San Diego. To enhance the dazed feeling, I’d just completed a staggering 36 hours (SD→LAX→SYD→DPS) of travel to arrive in this foreign land. I didn’t know what to expect, and had only booked one night’s stay.

Times have changed. Today, I travel to Indonesia a couple of times a year as I live in Australia.  The airport has modernised since I first visited to accommodate the droves of visitors that have flocked here to find paradise. The customs area is now as big as a massive conference hall with partitions snaking through it to allow hundreds, even thousands of people to line up at immigration upon arrival.

Did I mention I travel with two kids now? Back when I was young, wild, and free, I looked in my Lonely Planet and found out you could get a visa on arrival. Now, I do everything I can to make entry into Bali as easy as possible so that my two wonderful fire-breathing dragons don’t eat me alive. By following this Bali Checklist, filling out, paying for, and having the QR code ready for my Indonesia Visa on Arrival, Bali Tourist Levy, Bali Customs Declaration, and Bali Health Declaration, my family and I can breeze through our Bali entry requirements, get our bags, and go surfing!

Bali Checklist: What to do Before You Go To Bali 

• Check your passport validity. You’ll need at least 6 months left to enter Indonesia.
• Ensure your passport doesn’t have any blemishes or tears, and has at least two empty pages.
• Get Bali travel insurance.
• Book flights to Denpasar (DPS). You’ll need an outbound flight, showing you will leave the country, in order to enter Bali.
• Apply for a Bali Visa on Arrival if required.
• Pay the Bali Tourist Levy before arrival.
• Complete the Bali Health Declaration form within the required time window.
• Complete the Bali Customs Declaration form before you land if possible.
• Sort your phone, SIM card, eSIM, or roaming before departure.
• Have a Bali currency exchange plan
• Inform your bank that you’re travelling overseas
• Double-check any vaccination or health advice before your trip.

Passport Validity

No one wants to get caught trying to board a plane with an invalid passport. Indonesia requires that all visitors have at least 6 months’ validity on their current passport, so be sure to check yours at least 6 months before you fly to Bali. I recommend doing it before you lock in your travel dates. You’ll need at least 2 free pages on your passport to ensure space for your passport stamps and visa documentation.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Indonesia is very strict about the condition of your passport. Last year, the airline refused to check in my partner because his passport had a rip and was waterlogged from a previous boat trip. They turned him around at the check-in counter – he had to delay his departure and go to the embassy to get a rush passport. I flew on to Bali with 2 kids, 1 grandma, and 7 boards. That was fun.

Travel Insurance for Bali 

There are way too many bad stories about travel insurance for Bali to tell here. All I can say is that travel insurance is always important, but especially in Bali. Getting a couple of Bali “tattoos” (motorbike burns) and reef kisses will make you never skip travel insurance in Bali again. I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance and Global Rescue if you are going to any off-the-beaten-path parts of Indonesia.

Bali Visa on Arrival 

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and more can get a 30-day Bali tourist visa on arrival. You can do this when you land at Denpasar Airport, or you can get a Bali electronic visa online ahead of time and get through the queue faster. Since it takes about an hour to do the visas and other requirements online, it’s much better to do it in the comfort of your own home while you’re listening to music or watching TV than filling out forms at the airport after a long flight with cranky, hungry kids. 

The most common type of Bali tourist visa is a B1 Tourist Visa on Arrival. This is valid for 30 days, with the possibility of extending for another 30. These are issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration online on the Bali tourist visa website. 

Here’s what you need to get a Visa on Arrival for Bali online:

• A photo of the ID page of your passport only
• A PDF of the ID page of your passport
• A passport photo or a photo showing your face and neck
• The address of where you are staying in Bali
• Your passport details
• Proof of onward or return travel: This is often required to show that you plan to leave Indonesia within the visa’s validity period.
• Cash or a card to pay your visa fee – this costs IDR 500,000 (just under $50 AUD).

Once you’re done, you’ll need to allow at least 5 days for the Bali tourist visa to be processed, so ensure you leave enough time. Ensure you comply with the terms and conditions of the Bali travel visa  – these are provided to you when you complete your paperwork.

Pay Bali Tourist Levy

Bali’s Tourist Levy still applies in 2026 and can be paid online before you arrive. It currently costs IDR 150,000 per person, including children, and paying in advance is the easiest way to avoid extra admin after a long flight.

Once you pay, keep a screenshot or saved copy of your QR code, so it is easy to show on arrival. Be careful to use the official Love Bali website only, as scam pages do exist.

Beware of scams – the official website to pay the Bali Tourist Levy is https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id.

Complete Bali Health Declaration

Every person in your travel party, including babies, needs to have a completed SATUSEHAT Health Pass ready to present at customs once you arrive. This is a new requirement in place from August 2024.

You need to complete your own form, and then complete an additional form on behalf of each child you’re travelling with. Forms must be completed within 72 hours of your flight – you can do this on your way to the airport, while waiting to board, or on the plane if your aircraft has Wi-Fi. There is no cost required to get a SATUSEHAT Health Pass.

Here’s what you’ll need to have ready before you fill out the form:

• Your name and contact details
• Passport number
• Flight details (including seat number)
• Port of entry (airport) in Indonesia
• Answers to questions about your health and whether you may have been exposed to a disease
• Countries visited in the 21 days before arrival

Keep the QR code you’re provided with upon completion, as you will need to present this upon your arrival.

Complete Bali Customs Declaration

Another document you need to complete before you arrive in Bali is the electronic customs declaration (e-CD) form. This can be completed at the same time as your SATUSEHAT Health Pass; it can also be done within 72 hours of your flight departing. Note, you only need to fill out one e-CD per family. 

You’ll need to provide your personal and flight details, and importantly, you’ll need to remember what you’ve packed in your bag. I recommend completing the Bali Customs Declarations form after you’ve finished packing, but before you leave for the airport, as you won’t have access to your bag again until after you land.

If you don’t have time to fill out the Bali electronic customs declaration online form in advance, that’s fine – you can do it when you arrive. There are QR codes all over the immigration hall that scan to a link to fill out the form on your phone. Just make sure you have enough charge left on your phone after your flight!

Can I Use My Phone in Bali? 

As with all overseas travel, you’ll be using your phone a bit differently from how you use it at home. If you’re not a resident, you can only get Indonesian tourist SIM cards that are usually valid for 30 days. There are three main options: buy a local SIM card, buy an e-SIM, or enable roaming on your home network provider. 

• Local SIM card: The cheapest option. I recommend this if you want to save a bit of money, or if your card doesn’t support eSIM technology.
• eSIM: I recommend this option if your phone supports eSIM technology.
• Roaming data on your home network: Depending on who your mobile provider is at home, this may or may not be cost-effective.  For shorter trips when I need to be able to be contacted for work, I use my mobile provider’s $5/day global roaming.  I don’t recommend this option if you are staying for a long time or have a more expensive data roaming package. Roaming data can be very expensive!  

You’ll want to consider whether you need to access multi-factor authentication (MFA) text messages while you’re in Bali. These days, most people can’t log in to banking, social media, email or certain apps without an MFA code sent as a text message, so if this is you, you need to make sure your regular phone number can still receive texts while you’re overseas. Most carriers don’t charge you to receive text messages from overseas, but it’s always worthwhile checking in with your provider for peace of mind.

Check your SIM tray and phone’s settings to see if it offers eSIM or dual sim technology. If not, consider bringing a second phone and putting your home SIM in it to make sure you’re still able to receive important texts to your regular mobile number. 

What Plugs Are Used in Bali? 

These days, many hotels in Indonesia have USB chargers or outlets that can take all different plugs.  However, you may find that your hotel only has Indonesian outlets, and in that case, you’ll need a global adapter.  It’s always a good idea to have one just in case. 

Whether it’s for capturing cherished memories, translating the local language, or just general safety, keeping your phone charged and with you at all times is crucial. Make sure you pack at least one power bank, along with a charger for your phone and a charger for the power bank itself. For most airlines, portable chargers and batteries must stay in your carry-on luggage. Different airlines have different rules around wattage (Wh) for portable chargers, so it’s worth taking note of this when you book your flights, so that you don’t have to throw out an expensive piece of technology.  

How to Pay for Things in Bali?

The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and while cash is still king in many areas, credit cards and digital payments are becoming more common. It’s crucial to have a Bali currency exchange plan to avoid unnecessary fees and avoid being caught without cash when you need it.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Have cash on hand before you go: While ATMs are widely available in tourist areas, they can sometimes be unreliable, have withdrawal limits, or charge hefty fees. Exchange a small amount of IDR before your trip so you have cash for immediate expenses like taxis or small vendors.
• Avoid airport exchanges. The exchange rate at the airport tends to be worse than at reputable money changers in town. If you must exchange money upon arrival, only change a small amount to get you started.
• Avoid dodgy exchange shops offering too-good-to-be-true rates. Stick to well-known money changers such as Central Kuta Money Exchange, BMC, or those inside major shopping centres. 
• Always count your money before leaving the counter.
• Choose ATMs attached to banks (such as BCA, Mandiri, or BNI) rather than standalone machines, which are more susceptible to skimming scams. I tend to use bank ATMS for cash when I am there and avoid currency exchanges. 

Inform Your Bank You’re Travelling Overseas

The last thing anyone wants on a trip to Bali is to deal with an endless hold followed by a painful back-and-forth with your bank. Many banks now have advanced security mechanisms to detect unusual transactions, and overseas spending is one of the major red flags. One card tap in Bali could be all it takes for your bank to lock your card until you get on the phone with them and resolve it directly. How can you avoid this? Tell your bank where you’re travelling and when. P.S. – This is one of the reasons why it’s a good idea to have access to your home phone number in case it’s needed to verify your identity by your bank. 

Another popular option is to organise a travel money card. You’ll want to do this well ahead of your departure date so you have time to receive your card in the mail and activate your account. With a travel money card, you can avoid international transaction fees, and you don’t have to worry about carrying all your spending money around with you. You can apply for a travel card from your current bank if they offer one, or sign up for one with a new provider. Banks may offer incentives for new customers who sign up for a travel money card, so be sure to shop around. You may even score extra deals on travel insurance, hotels, reward points and more.

What Vaccinations Do I Need for Bali? 

While there are no strict mandatory vaccination requirements for Bali, Indonesia, as of March 2026, it’s recommended you visit a travel doctor to receive personalised advice about which vaccinations you should get based on your existing health concerns, where in Bali you’re staying and what kind of activities you’ll be doing.

Despite there being no required vaccinations for Bali, travellers from Western countries may want to consider these:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Malaria & Dengue Fever: While malaria risk in Bali is low, dengue fever is a real concern.

Plus, ensure you’re up to date on all your standard vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, and diphtheria.

Before you travel, check the latest health advice from SmartTraveller (Australia) or CDC (USA) to see if there are any new health alerts for Bali. You can also visit a travel clinic for personalised recommendations based on your itinerary.

Now You Know What to Do Before Flying to Bali 

If you’re like me and love being prepared and avoiding unnecessary waiting and stress, using this Bali checklist as a holy grail is a no-brainer. Taking a little time before your trip to get your ducks in a row can save time and your sanity.

Whether it’s your first trip to Bali or your tenth, or you’re travelling onward to one of our favourite Bali alternatives in other parts of Indonesia, a little preparation will make all the difference. Once you arrive, you can relax, soak in the culture, and enjoy every moment without worrying about last-minute travel surprises.

Now that you know exactly what to do before flying to Bali, take this Bali Checklist, and get ready for an incredible adventure filled with breathtaking sunsets, delicious food, and world-class waves. Safe travels!

Where to Go After Bali

Bali is an easy place to arrive, but it’s rarely where the best waves or quietest experiences are found. If you’re continuing your trip, these guides will help you plan what’s next.

• How to get from Bali to Lombok: Which option is best for you
• Surfing Lombok: Best surf spots for all levels
• Book a Sea Hearts Surf Guide in Lombok