Indonesia is the top overseas destination for Australians, and Bali is its best-known island. Before you fly you need three things: the All Indonesia arrival card (within 3 days of arrival), an e-Visa on Arrival (IDR 500,000 (approx. approx. A$40)) and the Bali tourist levy (IDR 150,000 (approx. approx. A$12)). Then pick one or two bases, such as a beach area in the south and Ubud inland.
This hub brings together our Bali guides. Entry rules come from the Indonesian immigration service, the Bali Provincial Government and the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice, all checked on 14 November 2026. Rules change, so check the official pages again before you fly.
What do Australians need to enter Bali in 2026?
| What you need | Official rule (checked 14 November 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All Indonesia arrival card | Required for every traveller arriving at an international airport or seaport. Submit it online within 3 days (72 hours) before you arrive. It includes the health declaration. | Directorate General of Immigration, e-Visa site; Smartraveller, Indonesia (updated 21 October 2026) |
| e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) for Australians travelling as tourists | IDR 500,000 (approx. approx. A$40), plus a small online processing fee. Apply at least 48 hours before travel on the official e-Visa or All Indonesia website. Valid for a 30-day stay, extendable once for up to 30 more days | Smartraveller, Indonesia; Official e-Visa website |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport, if you did not get an e-VOA | Same fee, IDR 500,000 (approx. approx. A$40). Needs a passport with at least 6 months of validity from your entry date and a return or onward flight booking. Some checkpoints only take cash | Smartraveller, Indonesia |
| Bali tourist levy | Separate from the visa: IDR 150,000 (approx. approx. A$12) per foreign tourist, paid once per visit. Pay online before you fly through Love Bali (the QR voucher is emailed) or at counters at Bali’s airport and seaport. Cashless only | Bali Provincial Government, Love Bali; Love Bali FAQ |
Rupiah amounts are as published on the official pages. Australian dollar figures are approx. conversions at the ECB reference rate on 13 November 2026 (1 AUD = 12,379 IDR) and are estimates, not a payment amount. Card and processing fees can add a little.
Use only the official websites linked above. Smartraveller warns about fake sites that look similar and charge extra. Our first-time Bali guide walks through the steps in order.
Why is Bali so popular with Australians?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Indonesia was the top destination for Australians travelling overseas in 2025-26, with 1,777,270 short-term trips, or 14 per cent of all trips (ABS, Overseas travel trends 2025-26). It is a relatively short flight from much of Australia, it suits almost any budget, and it pairs beaches with a strong Hindu culture of temples, ceremonies and rice-field villages.
Which Bali guides should I read first?
- First-time Bali guide: entry steps, how long to stay, getting around, money, etiquette and health basics.
- Where to stay in Bali: Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta and Legian, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Ubud compared.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali has a wet season and a dry season. Smartraveller describes Indonesia’s wet season as usually around October to April, when the weather can change quickly. That makes roughly May to September the drier months, which is also when many Australians travel in the June and July school holidays. Expect more crowds and higher room rates then and over Christmas and New Year.
How do I get to Bali from Australia?
Flights land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, in Bali’s south. Qantas lists services between Denpasar and both Sydney and Melbourne on its international routes page. Other airlines fly from more Australian cities, so compare options from your nearest airport.
From the airport, you can book an Ngurah Rai (DPS) airport transfer on Klook. For day tours and tickets around the island, browse things to do in Bali on Klook. A prepaid Indonesia eSIM from Airalo is one way to have data when you land.
Is there a useful official video for Bali?
A short film from Wonderful Indonesia, the Indonesian government’s official tourism brand, covering Bali’s temples, ceremonies and landscapes.
Frequently asked questions
Do Australians need a visa for Bali?
Yes. Australians travelling as tourists need a Visa on Arrival. You can apply online for the e-VOA at least 48 hours before travel or buy a VOA on arrival. Both cost IDR 500,000 (about A$40) and allow a 30-day stay, extendable once.
How much is the Bali tourist levy?
IDR 150,000 per foreign tourist, about A$12, paid once per visit. It is separate from the visa. Pay online through the official Love Bali website or at counters at the airport and seaport.
What is the All Indonesia arrival card?
An online arrival card, including a health declaration, that every traveller must submit within 3 days before arriving in Indonesia. It is on the official All Indonesia website, where you can also apply for the e-VOA.
How long should I spend in Bali?
A week suits one beach base and a few day trips. Ten days or more lets you split your stay between the south coast and Ubud, and add Sanur or the Nusa islands.
When is the wet season in Bali?
Smartraveller says Indonesia’s wet season is usually around October to April. The drier months are roughly May to September.
Photo credits
- Hero image: Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
