Before you go · Bali
Bali essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Visa and arrival
Indonesia’s immigration service sells the electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) on its official site, evisa.imigrasi.go.id, where you can check whether your nationality qualifies. Never pay a look-alike site.
Indonesia now uses a single digital arrival card, the All Indonesia card, in place of the old separate customs and health forms; complete it online shortly before you fly.
The Bali tourist levy
Since 14 February 2024, foreign tourists entering Bali pay a levy of IDR 150,000 under Bali Provincial Regulation 6 of 2023. Pay it in advance on the official Love Bali site, lovebali.baliprov.go.id, which issues a voucher and lists who is exempt.
The provincial guidelines for visitors
Bali’s provincial government asks foreign visitors to respect temples, sacred symbols and ceremonies; to dress modestly, especially at sacred sites; to use licensed accommodation and roadworthy vehicles from registered businesses; to pay in rupiah and change money only at licensed money changers; and to follow the traffic rules, with a valid licence and a helmet on a motorbike.
It also asks visitors not to enter the main inner areas of temples except to pray, not to climb sacred trees, not to litter or pollute water, to avoid single-use plastic, and not to work without the right documents.
Nyepi, the Day of Silence
Nyepi, the Balinese New Year (Saka 1949), falls on Monday 8 March 2027 (Indonesia’s national holidays decree). For a day the island stops: visitors stay inside their hotels. Indonesia’s Idul Fitri holidays follow on 10–11 March 2027, so book early for that week.
Money
The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Change money only at licensed money changers or banks, and expect to pay in rupiah.
When to go
Bali is tropical: warm all year, with a drier season in the middle of the year and a wetter one around the turn of the year, when short, heavy downpours are common. The highlands around Bedugul and Kintamani are much cooler than the coast.
Emergencies
Call 112 for ambulance, police and fire. See our health page for hospitals. Travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation is strongly advised. On the west coast, swim between the flags.
Questions and answers
Do I need a visa for Bali?
It depends on your nationality: check evisa.imigrasi.go.id, where qualifying visitors can buy the e-VOA online before they fly.
How much is the Bali tourist levy?
IDR 150,000 per foreign tourist, paid on the official Love Bali site, lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
When is Nyepi in 2027?
Monday 8 March 2027.
What is the emergency number?
112.
Entry rules change, sometimes at short notice. Check evisa.imigrasi.go.id, lovebali.baliprov.go.id, the airport’s site and your government’s travel advice before you travel.