Here we keep you up-to-date with the current Coronavirus situation in Bali & Indonesia, including active cases, visa applications and quarantine updates.
No matter how hard you try, there’s no escaping the doom and gloom of the global Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic – even here in sunny Bali. But there are ways to avoid getting sick, and more importantly, ways to reduce the spread of the virus. If you’re currently in Indonesia or have an upcoming holiday planned to Bali, you’re no doubt wondering, “is Bali safe“, or “are the borders open in Indonesia?“.
Well, the simple answer is that yes, Bali is safe for those who are fit, healthy and following correct hygiene and social distancing procedures, and the island has now reopened to international travellers providing they meet certain requirements.
Currently, all foreign visitors must hold a valid visa (like the B211 Visit Visa or Visa On Arrival) as well as proof of complete vaccination and other documentation in order to enter. For fully vaccinated travellers (either two doses or a booster) quarantine and PCR testing is no longer required.
To give you a better idea of the current Covid-19 situation in both Bali and Indonesia, here we dive into what the virus means for visitors to Indonesia (including expats and holidaymakers), and the necessary precautions and preventive measures to take when travelling to Bali.
- Visa update: Visas On Arrival have been reinstated for 86 nationalities, and ASEAN citizens can travel Visa-Free. For all other nationalities, tourists can apply for the Single Entry B211 Visit e-Visa.
- Quarantine update: Quarantine is no longer required for fully-vaccinated international arrivals (two doses or a booster).
- PCR update: Pre-arrival PCR tests are no longer required.
- Red list update: Indonesia has removed the “Red List” ban. All nationalities may now enter the country!
What is the current Coronavirus situation in Bali & Indonesia?
As of today (15th February 2023), Indonesia is listed as CDC Level 1 on the Covid-19 risk assessment, with 522 active cases in Bali, and a total of 13,127 active cases throughout Indonesia. Top tip: you can track live updates of active cases country-by-country here, Indonesia-specific statistics here, or follow the Bali COVID-19 Update Facebook group for daily (and accurate) updates on Bali.
Indonesia is home to more than 270 million people, meaning the number of cases is likely inaccurate since it’s hard to test the entire country (and Indonesia is moving towards endemic status). So, in order to minimise your risk of catching the virus (or any other kind of illness for that matter) remain vigilant, social distance and follow all stipulated health protocols.
What are the current visa restrictions in Bali?
Currently, all arrivals into Indonesia must hold a visa. Tourists can apply for the Tourism B211 Visit Visa, ASEAN citizens can travel visa-free, and for 86 nationalities, the Visa On Arrival has now been reinstated.
The 75 nationalities eligible for the Visa On Arrival are: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uzbekistan, Vatican and Vietnam.
All foreign arrivals must also show proof of complete vaccination and proof of an onward ticket within their visa’s validity. Check out our full list of pre-departures requirements here.
For more information on which visas are accepted and what documentation is required for arrivals, read our e-visa guide, or follow the Bali COVID-19 Update Facebook group for daily (and accurate) updates.
- Visa update: Visas On Arrival have been reinstated for 86 nationalities, and ASEAN citizens can travel Visa-Free. For all other nationalities, tourists can apply for the Single Entry B211 Visit e-Visa.
- Quarantine update: Quarantine is no longer required for fully-vaccinated international arrivals (two doses or a booster).
- PCR update: Pre-arrival PCR tests are no longer required.
- Red list update: Indonesia has removed the “Red List” ban. All nationalities may now enter the country!
Top tips for those currently in Indonesia
Wash your hands frequently with soap. This may seem obvious, but it’s about time we all started washing our hands properly. That means thoroughly lathering the backs of your hands, in-between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub for at least 20 seconds (or for as long as it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice) and then dry your hands with a clean towel. Use a hand sanitiser if you can’t wash your hands immediately.
Stay in a CHSE hotel. A CHSE hotel or villa is one that meets the ‘Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability’ protocols in Indonesia, which includes wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands with soap regularly.
Avoid crowded places and contact with people who are unwell. Yup, unfortunately it’s not the best time to rub shoulders with the masses at one of Bali’s biggest nightclubs – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of Bali’s secluded destinations and off-the-beaten path adventures.
Down with a fever, cough or the flu? Wear a mask and seek medical attention right away. If for whatever reason you do not have your mask, cover your mouth with tissue paper whenever you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue in a rubbish bin immediately.
Boost your immunity. A good one to practice not only during a pandemic but in everyday life too: boost your health and look after your immune system. Slurp on juices and coconuts (or even try one of Bali’s best juice cleanses), clock in enough exercise at one of Bali’s best gyms or yoga studios, and treat yourself to some stress-melting pampering with a massage from one of Bali’s best spas. Top tip: try Indonesia’s age-old elixir of Jamu – a potent mixture of turmeric, tamarind, and sometimes ginger, lime and honey too. It’s an immunity-boosting traditional medicine that Indonesians swear by!
Check your travel and health insurance. Before you book your insurance, you’ll want to confirm with your provider that Covid-related issues will be covered – this could include medical treatment, flight cancellations, and even accommodation allowances if you happen to be held up anywhere. For all international arrivals, you’ll need to have at least $25,000USD Covid coverage included. You can try JagaWisata – an affordable travel insurance plan in Indonesia that meets the Covid coverage requirements.
Consider the positives
We get it – travelling internationally right now isn’t as easy as it used to be, with some countries still enforcing testing and other health protocols. But it’s not all doom and gloom. If you’re vaccinated and healthy, then there are plenty of positives to keep in mind. Here’s a few to consider:
A ray of hope & sunshine. It’s suggested that warmer climates ward off the virus better than countries with cold weather, so if this is true, then there’s no better place to be than right here in sunny Bali. Check out Bali’s quiet beaches, or hang out in the sunshine at your sun-soaked private villa or hillside hotel.
GO-JEK is a godsend. Thanks to Indonesia’s app-based delivery service, social distancing is a breeze. Download this app and you’ll have access to food from your favourite cafes and restaurants, and you can even shop remotely at your local supermarket or pharmacy thanks to the GO-JEK superheroes. Need to buy groceries, clothes or household goods? Try these online retailers too.
Isolation by design. Compared to most western countries with their densely populated cities and close-living quarters, Bali’s wide open spaces and often palatial accommodation makes social distancing a tropical breeze. If there’s anywhere in the world to avoid coming into contact with the masses, it’s here…
Affordable travel. Right now, there’s plenty of insane deals and discounts on hotels if you’re planning on visiting the island, including awesome stays surrounded by nature. And while you’re there, we recommend supporting small local businesses who’ll be struggling through the economic downturn. Eat local food, shop Bali-born brands, and choose a humble guesthouse or independent hotel over an international chain.
What to watch out for
Wherever you are in the world, it goes without saying that monitoring your health is essential – especially if you’ve recently travelled. Much like the flu, the virus can transfer via close contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It can also spread when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after touching infected surfaces or objects.
The symptoms of Coronavirus are similar to the flu, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. That includes a sore throat, cough, fever and even shortness of breath for severe cases. If you do feel unwell or experience any of these symptoms, then contact a doctor immediately.
Honestly? It’s relatively straightforward. Pandemic or not, observing basic personal hygiene is key and being socially responsible is pretty obvious. With a little initiative and awareness, we can kick Coronavirus in the butt and continue enjoying life in paradise… Let’s do this, people!
