Updated August 6, 2026. Bali in 2026 requires three things before you land: a visa (most travelers buy the e-VOA online for IDR 500,000, good for 30 days and extendable once to 60), the All Indonesia digital arrival card filed within 72 hours of departure, and the Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000 paid on the official Love Bali site. Sort those three QR codes before you fly and immigration takes minutes; ignore them and you’ll queue behind everyone who did. Below: exactly how the entry rules work, when to go, where to base yourself, what things cost, and the etiquette that keeps you welcome.
Bali entry requirements 2026 (the three QR codes)
1. Visa: e-VOA or visa on arrival
- Price: IDR 500,000 (~US$31) for citizens of ~97 eligible countries, including the US, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia.
- Duration: 30 days, extendable once for another 30 (60 days total). The extension is done online or at an immigration office in Bali.
- Buy it online first: the e-VOA on the official portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) is the same visa without the airport queue. Avoid third-party lookalike sites that charge markups.
- Passport rules: at least 6 months’ validity beyond arrival and blank pages; onward/return ticket checked.
2. All Indonesia arrival card
Mandatory at every Indonesian international airport since October 2025: complete it online within 72 hours before departure and save the QR code.
3. Bali tourist levy
IDR 150,000 (~US$9) per person, separate from the visa, payable on the official Love Bali portal. Pay before you fly and keep the voucher QR — spot checks happen at attractions.
Rules current as of August 6, 2026 — confirm on the official portals above before travel; Indonesian entry rules have changed several times in two years.
Best time to visit Bali
Deep-dive: our month-by-month best time to visit Bali guide covers weather, crowds, prices, and the surf and dive calendars.
- Dry season (April–October): the sweet spot. May, June, and September offer dry-season weather without July–August peak crowds and prices.
- Wet season (November–March): daily downpours, but usually in bursts — mornings can be glorious, prices drop, and Ubud turns intensely green.
- Nyepi (Balinese New Year, March): the island shuts down completely for 24 hours — no flights, no traffic, no lights, everyone (tourists included) stays inside. Plan around it, or embrace one of travel’s strangest, most beautiful days.
Where to stay: pick your Bali
- Ubud — rice terraces, yoga, temples, the cultural heart. Base here for Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, and jungle swings.
- Canggu — surf, cafés, coworking; the digital-nomad capital (see our digital nomad visa guide for longer-stay options).
- Seminyak — polished beach resorts, restaurants, sunset clubs.
- Uluwatu (Bukit) — clifftop ocean views, world-class surf breaks, the famous temple kecak dance.
- Sanur — calm water, older crowd, ferry gateway to Nusa Penida and Lembongan.
- Nusa Penida / Lembongan — the postcard cliffs (Kelingking) as a day trip or a slow island stay.
What Bali costs in 2026
| Style | Per day (per person) | What that buys |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | US$35–60 | Guesthouse/homestay, warung meals, scooter rental |
| Mid-range | US$80–150 | Private-pool guesthouse or 4★ hotel, mixed dining, Grab/Gojek rides, tours |
| Luxury | US$250+ | Private villa with staff, beach clubs, spa days, private drivers |
Bali remains one of the best value luxury destinations on earth — the top end costs a third of its Caribbean equivalent.
Getting around and staying out of trouble
- Scooters are the island’s bloodstream — but you need an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement, a helmet, and honest self-assessment. Tourist scooter crashes are Bali’s #1 injury story, and enforcement (and rental rules) tightened after 2023.
- Gojek and Grab (ride-hailing) are cheap and effortless in the south; some villages restrict pickups — hotels arrange drivers.
- Temple etiquette: sarong and sash at temples (usually lent at the entrance), no entry to inner courtyards during ceremonies, never climb temple structures for photos, and don’t touch anyone’s head. Bali tolerates a lot; it remembers respect.
- Water and belongings: drink bottled/filtered water; use waterproof phone pouches on boats; watch bags on scooters.
Staying longer than 60 days
The VOA ceiling is 60 days, full stop. Beyond that: the B211A visit visa (up to 180 days via extensions), Indonesia’s remote-worker options covered in our digital nomad visas guide, or — from age 55 — the retirement KITAS explained in our guide to retiring in Asia. Overstaying costs IDR 1,000,000 per day and can end in deportation; it is never the smart option.
FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Bali?
Yes — Americans (like most Western nationalities) buy the visa on arrival or e-VOA for IDR 500,000, valid 30 days and extendable once to 60. The US is not on Indonesia’s short visa-free list.
How much is the Bali tourist tax?
IDR 150,000 (~US$9) per person per entry, paid on the official Love Bali portal — it’s separate from the visa fee. Pay online before you fly and save the QR voucher.
What is the best month to visit Bali?
May, June, or September — dry-season weather with fewer crowds and lower prices than July–August. Surfers favor the dry season on the west coast; divers like April–November around Nusa Penida.
Is Bali safe right now?
Yes for everyday tourism — the real risks are scooter accidents, strong surf currents, and petty theft. Respect ceremony road closures and check your government’s travel advisory before you go.
Can I extend my Bali visa without an agent?
Yes — the VOA extension can be done on the official e-visa portal or in person at an immigration office. Agents just save you the office visits for a fee.
How many days do you need in Bali?
Seven days covers one base plus day trips; ten to fourteen lets you split Ubud + a coast without rushing. Add two or three days for Nusa Penida or the Gilis.
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