As we all know, Bali is known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture. It’s a no-brainer why the island attracts more than 8 million tourists annually.
However, before you rush and embark on your tropical getaway, you might wonder, “Do I need to be vaccinated to go to Bali?”
Well, fear not, Bob’s Besties! In this Land of the Gods, the answers lie in the realm of health and safety regulations.
During the global pandemic, all domestic or international travelers were obliged to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination to enter the island.
Now that the virus has slowly died down, the Indonesian government has updated its immigration laws pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination.
Regarding the new rules, some sources stated that a vaccination document is only needed for international travelers, while others say nobody needs to carry COVID-19 papers at all.
Hmm, so, which one is the truth? Do you need to be vaccinated to go to Bali? What about the other requirements for visiting the island?
Find out more as we look into Bali’s health and safety regulations!
Do You Need to be Vaccinated to Go to Bali?
When it comes to vaccination rules in Indonesia, there are two versions of regulations circulating on the internet, both discussing whether a vaccination document is needed or not at all.
1. Vaccination Rules in Bali as of 2022
Photo: Guillaume Marques via Unsplash
In September 2022, entering the new normal era, the government released two new laws regarding tourism:
- Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 25 of 2022 concerning Health Protocol for International Travel, effective 1 September 2022
- Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 24 of 2022 concerning Domestic Travel Provisions, effective 25 August 2022, effective 25 August 2022
According to these regulations, international travelers no longer needed to show a pre-departure negative result of RT-PCR or the ownership of health insurance. Vaccination proof, however, was very much needed.
Foreigners were required to show the complete dose (third dose/booster) vaccination proof at least 14 days before departure. Those who only had one dose of vaccine were required to undergo a full 5×24-hour quarantine at their own expense.
Meanwhile, for domestic travelers, a third vaccination was a must! Second-dose vaccination was only tolerated for domestic travelers below the age of 17, or those with the status of foreign nationals originating from overseas with the age of 18 years old or older.
Read More: Ultimate Bali Itinerary Ideas: From Beaches, Pottery, to Wine Tasting
2. Vaccination Rules in Bali as of 2023
So, that was a year ago. Now that it’s been a year, we’ve watched the world slowly heal. Does it affect the tourism industry in Indonesia? The answer is absolutely yes!
You might be thrilled to hear that as of June 9, 2023, the Indonesian government has lifted its latest circular, noting that vaccination proof is no longer needed for both international and domestic travelers.
Not only that, the authorities also scrapped the facial masks statute. Meaning, the days of hiding behind facial coverings while venturing through the lush scenery of Bali are officially over!
Other Requirements for Visiting Bali
Other than looking into whether you need to be vaccinated to go to Bali, another important question to ask yourself is what you need to prepare before enjoying Bali’s golden shores.
Follow’s Bob’s list to stay updated!
1. Passport
Photo: Nicole Geri via Unsplash
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. The passport also needs to be in good condition and has at least one empty page.
No ripped or expired passports are allowed on this tropical extravaganza!
2. Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa to enter Bali, especially if you are not a member of the nine ASEAN countries or Timor-Leste. Check with your local embassy or consulate to find out the specific requirements.
3. Travel and Medical Insurance
Insurance in general is your BFF. Consider getting both travel and medical insurance to protect yourself against any unexpected surprises. Just see it as having a travel guardian angel looking out for you!
4. Return Ticket
Upon arrival, you must have proof of an onward or return ticket. You might not have to show it to the authorities, but sometimes they insist on checking to see and match it with your visa validity.
Read More: Traveling Alone: Your Chance to Make the Friendship of a Lifetime
5. Driving License
A driving license is a must if you want to rent a scooter in Bali. For foreigners, an international driving license is generally recognized and accepted by rental companies for tourists who wish to explore the island on wheels.
6. Cash
While bringing cash can come in handy, do not, we repeat, do not bring more than Rp100,000,000 cash into the country. This might land you in the immigration office at the airport!
There are plenty of ATMs on the island that you can use from time to time.
7. Respect the Culture
Photo: Mathis Jrdl via Unsplash
Last but not least, respecting Bali and its magnificent culture should be engrained in your brain before stepping foot onto the island.
Bali is a place of incredible history and tradition, so make sure to respect the local customs and etiquette. A little cultural awareness goes a long way!
There you have it, globetrotters—the ultimate guide to tackling the paperwork before going to Bali!
If you need a place to stay that provides a serene and relaxing journey, Bobocabin Kintamani or Bobocabin Ubud are ready to be your host.
All you have to do left is pack your bags and put on your favorite tropical shirt. Get ready to uncover the masterpieces of architecture and sceneries Bali can offer with us!
Header image by: Jeremy Bishop via Unsplash
