Imagine stepping off the plane with every detail covered: visa handled, temple outfit ready, and a smart health kit in your bag that’s the peace of mind a solid Bali pre-trip checklist gives you. This guide turns confusion into clarity, so your first day in paradise feels effortless instead of overwhelming, thanks to current rules, realistic packing tips, and sensible health advice wrapped into one practical Bali pre-trip checklist.
What’s New for 2025 (So You Don’t Get Stuck at the Airport)
- Bali Tourist Levy: Foreign visitors pay IDR 150,000 (about USD $10–15) per entry. The official payment portal is Love Bali; you’ll get a QR code to show on arrival. Paying online speeds things up.
- All Indonesia Arrival Card: Indonesia is rolling out a single digital arrival card (consolidating health/customs info). Pilot starts September 1, 2025 at Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya; mandatory nationwide October 1, 2025. Complete it within three days before you land. It’s free and generates a QR code.
Shortcut: Prefer a smooth touchdown? Book your airport transfer
Visas: Do You Need One, and Which Type?
If you hold a passport from many countries, you’ll use one of these:
1) Visa on Arrival (VoA) or e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)
- Stay length: 30 days, extendable once (total 60 days).
- Where to apply: The official Indonesian Immigration site offers the e-VOA apply online before you fly (you can apply for multiple travelers in one go).
- The U.S. State Department also notes the 30-day validity and one-time extension, useful if you’re planning 5–8 weeks in Indonesia.
2) Visa Exemption for ASEAN nationals
Indonesia maintains visa exemption for eligible ASEAN citizens for short visits (check the immigration site for precise rules by nationality).
3) Longer Stays or Non-Tourist Purposes
For stays beyond 60 days or special purposes (business meetings, remote work arrangements under specific categories, family visits), use the official portal to explore other visa classes and current requirements. Avoid third-party sites unless recommended by your embassy.
Don’t forget: The Bali Tourist Levy is separate from your visa. Pay via the official Love Bali site/app and keep the QR handy.
The best time to visit Bali (Dry vs. Wet Season, with Realistic Expectations)
- Dry season (roughly May–October): Sunniest months with lower rainfall—ideal for beaches, west-coast surf, and clear water days in the north and east. Expect 8–10 hours of sunshine in peak dry months.
- Wet season (November–April): Warmer, more humid, with tropical showers—great for lush scenery, better deals, and fewer crowds. Sunshine often drops to ~6–8 hours/day.
Sweet spots: Late May–June and September offer a balance of good weather and lighter crowds—perfect for first-timers who want value without monsoon days.
Want a weather-smart route with guaranteed pickups? See our curated Bali tour packages
What to Pack for Bali (Temple-Ready, Beach-Ready, and Weather-Smart)
Clothing & Footwear
- Lightweight, breathable layers: Cotton/linen tees, airy dresses, quick-dry shorts.
- Temple attire: Bring (or plan to rent) a sarong and sash; shoulders and knees should be covered at sacred sites. Many larger temples loan or rent sarongs at the gate, but carrying your own is faster and more hygienic.
- Footwear: Comfortable sandals for day-to-day; sturdy trainers for waterfall trails or sunrise treks.
- Rain shell (even in dry season you’re in the tropics).
Personal Essentials
- Sun protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses.
- Mosquito defense: Repellent with DEET or picaridin; consider a light, long-sleeve layer for dusk. (Dengue exists in Indonesia bite prevention matters.)
- Power: Indonesia uses Type C/F (European) plugs at 230V; bring a universal adapter.
Documents & Money
- Passport (6+ months’ validity from entry) and return/onward ticket.
- Visa & Arrival Card proof (e-mails/QRs saved offline).
- Levy QR from Love Bali.
- Travel insurance that covers medical care and activities you plan to do.
Health: Smart, Practical Prep (Vaccines, Medicines, and On-Island Hygiene)
Quick note: This is general travel guidance, not medical advice. Always consult a travel-health professional 6–8 weeks before departure.
Recommended Vaccinations (typical for Indonesia trips)
- Routine shots up to date (including MMR, Tdap, polio, influenza). CDC reminds all international travelers to be current on routine vaccines, with measles a recurring global concern.
- Hepatitis A: Common recommendation for most travelers.
- Typhoid: Sensible if you’ll eat widely at local warungs or visit rural areas.
- Consider Japanese Encephalitis for longer rural stays, and rabies pre-exposure if you’ll be around animals or in remote areas (post-exposure care may involve logistics). For malaria, Bali island is generally low to no risk, antimalarial tablets are not usually advised for Bali-only itineraries.
Mosquito-Borne Illness
- Dengue circulates in Indonesia; there’s no widely available traveler vaccine in most countries yet, so avoid bites: use repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk, and choose accommodations with screens or A/C.
Medicines to Pack (and how to carry them)
- A compact travel health kit: oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal (loperamide), motion-sickness tablets, pain/fever reliever, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters, and any prescription meds in original packaging with copies of your prescription. CDC advises reviewing destination guidance and carrying medicines appropriately when traveling abroad.
Food & Water Habits
- Stick to purified or bottled water; avoid ice where you’re unsure of water quality. Wash/sanitize hands before meals. (You’ll hear locals call it “Bali belly” smart habits reduce your chances.)
Temple Etiquette at a Glance (So You’re Always Welcome)
- Wear a sarong + sash, cover shoulders and knees, and follow signage or guide instructions.
- Don’t enter inner sanctums unless permitted; avoid stepping over offerings; be extra respectful during ceremonies. Bali’s provincial “Do’s and Don’ts” emphasize modest attire and respectful behavior at religious sites.
One-Page Bali pre-trip checklist (Print or Save)
Documents & Money
- Passport (6+ months), return/onward ticket
- VoA/e-VOA (print or mobile), All Indonesia Arrival Card QR, Love Bali levy QR
- Travel insurance; driver’s license + IDP if you’ll ride a scooter
Health
- Routine vaccines current; consider Hep A, Typhoid; JE/rabies depending on plans; dengue bite prevention kit.
- Personal meds + compact first-aid/rehydration kit; carry prescriptions properly.
Clothing
- Breathable layers; rain shell
- Temple outfit: sarong + sash; shawl/light scarf for shoulders; closed shoes for treks.
Electronics & Extras
- Universal adapter (Type C/F), power bank
- Reef-safe sunscreen, high-SPF lip balm, sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent (DEET/picaridin), after-bite cream
Want a done-for-you plan (airport pickup, drivers, temple tours, island-hopping)? Build your custom itinerary »
Mini Itinerary Starters (Season-Smart)
- Dry season taster (5–7 days): Ubud (rice terraces, waterfalls) → Uluwatu (cliffs, sunset temple) → Seminyak/Canggu (dining, beach clubs).
- Wet season bliss: Focus on culture/spa/culinary in Ubud + one calm-sea day to Amed for snorkeling when forecasts look clear. (Tropical showers are often short stay flexible.)
Mid-Article CTA
Ready to explore Bali without the hassle?
👉 See Bali tour packages with guaranteed pickup
FAQs (Quick Answers You’ll Actually Use)
1) Do I need to pay anything besides the visa?
Yes, the Bali Tourist Levy of IDR 150,000 per entry. Pay on the official Love Bali site/app; keep the QR ready to scan.
2) Is there a new arrival form?
Yes. The All Indonesia Arrival Card rolls out September 1, 2025 (Bali/Jakarta/Surabaya) and becomes mandatory nationwide October 1, 2025. It’s free, digital, and creates a QR for scanning.
3) What’s the best time to visit Bali?
Dry season (May–October) is sunniest and best for beaches; wet season (November–April) is greener, cheaper, and quieter great for culture trips.
4) What should I wear to temples?
A sarong and sash are standard; cover shoulders and knees. Many sites provide rentals, but bringing your own speeds entry.
5) Do I need malaria tablets for Bali?
For Bali island, risk is low to none; antimalarials are not usually advised for Bali-only trips. Bite prevention is still essential due to dengue.
6) Which vaccines should I consider?
Ensure routine vaccines are current (especially MMR), add Hep A and Typhoid for most travelers; consider JE and rabies based on activities/length of stay. Ask a travel-health clinician 6–8 weeks before departure.
7) Where should I apply for an e-VOA?
Only on the official Indonesian Immigration portal. Avoid look-alike sites.
Pack Confidence with This Bali pre-trip checklist
A great Bali vacation starts before you board: pick the right Bali visa, pay the levy, file the arrival card, choose your best time to visit Bali, and pack smart especially for temples and health. Do these few things, and the island’s magic meets you at the gate. Ready to trade planning stress for paradise? Book your Bali tour today and let our local team handle the logistics while you enjoy the view. Plan your trip!
