MyGlob Editorial
Planning a trip to Bali in 2026 means thinking about more than flights and hotels. Indonesia, and Bali specifically, has introduced and refined a handful of travel regulations in recent years aimed at managing tourism, protecting the island's culture and environment, and smoothing the arrival process. None of them are difficult to comply with, but missing one can mean delays at the airport or an awkward moment on the ground. This long read walks through the main things to know, with the strong caveat that rules and fees change, so you should confirm the current details on official Indonesian and Balinese government channels before you travel.
Entry: visa and passport basics
Most tourists enter Bali on a Visa on Arrival, available at the airport or as a pre-purchased e-VOA online, while some nationalities enter visa-free and others must arrange a visa in advance. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date with blank pages available. Decide your visa route before you fly, and if you think you'll stay longer than the standard tourist period, understand the extension process or choose a longer visa from the start.
The Bali tourist levy
Bali has introduced a tourist levy charged to foreign visitors, intended to help fund cultural preservation and environmental protection on the island. It is a modest one-time fee per visitor and is generally paid online through an official platform before or upon arrival, generating a QR code or receipt you may be asked to show. Because the amount, payment method, and enforcement can evolve, pay through the official channel only and keep your confirmation. Treat any third-party site asking for this payment with caution.
The customs declaration
Indonesia requires arriving travellers to complete an electronic customs declaration, typically done online within a set window before landing, producing a QR code you present after collecting your luggage. It's quick to fill in and replaces the old paper form. Complete it in advance so you're not scrambling on airport Wi-Fi after a long flight. Be honest about goods you're carrying, as there are limits and restrictions on items such as certain quantities of alcohol, tobacco, and high-value goods.
Health and prohibited items
Health entry requirements for Bali have changed considerably over the years, so check whether any health declaration or vaccination proof is currently required for your route before you go. Separately, Indonesia enforces strict rules on prohibited and restricted items. Drug offences in particular carry extremely severe penalties, and there are controls on things like certain medications, weapons, and protected wildlife products. If you take prescription medication, carry it in original packaging with a doctor's note, and check whether your specific medicine is permitted.
Respectful-conduct guidelines for tourists
Bali's provincial authorities have published guidelines on respectful behaviour for visitors, reflecting concerns about tourist conduct at sacred sites and in daily life. The spirit is simple: treat Bali as the deeply religious, living culture it is. Dress modestly at temples, follow the rules at sacred sites, behave appropriately on social media and around ceremonies, and use licensed operators and proper currency exchange. Disrespectful or illegal behaviour can lead to fines or, in serious cases, deportation.
Getting around legally
If you plan to drive or ride a scooter, you are legally required to hold a valid licence for that vehicle class, which for most foreign visitors means carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence. Police do conduct checks, and driving without the correct documents can mean a fine and, importantly, can invalidate your travel insurance if you're involved in an accident. Always wear a helmet and ride within your ability.
Money, scams, and practicalities
Use authorised money changers and avoid street operators offering rates that seem too good to be true, as short-changing scams exist. Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but carry some cash for warungs, markets, and rural spots. Keep digital and physical copies of your key documents, including your passport, visa or VOA approval, tourist levy receipt, and customs QR code, so you can produce them quickly if asked.
Putting it all together before you fly
A smooth arrival in 2026 comes down to a short pre-departure checklist: confirm your visa route and passport validity; pay the tourist levy through the official channel; complete the electronic customs declaration in the permitted window; check any current health requirements; sort an International Driving Permit if you'll ride; and read up on respectful-conduct guidance. Do these in the days before you leave, save every confirmation to your phone, and you'll breeze through the airport and onto the island.
Because Indonesian and Balinese travel regulations are updated periodically, use this guide as an orientation and verify every specific requirement, fee, and process on official government sources close to your travel date. A little preparation protects both your trip and the island you've come to enjoy.