Bali travel warning: all you need to know about new entry requirements for Aussies

Immigration procedures have changed - don't get caught at the border.

Bali. Picture by Shutterstock

By Sarah Falson

Updated September 2, 2025, first published September 1, 2025

Entry rules for Australians travelling to Bali and two other major locations in Indonesia have changed.

From September 1, Australian travellers need to fill out new paperwork before entering Indonesia through three airports.

The new All Indonesia Arrival Card will be required for all international passengers arriving in the country through Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (DPS), Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta and Juanda International Airport in Surabaya (SUB).

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Smartraveller said this requirement will extend to all other Indonesian airports from October 1.

It's important to note the All Indonesia card is not a visa.

The Australian Government said via its Smartraveller website you can apply for the e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) through the All Indonesia website after submitting your All Indonesia Arrival Card online.

Both need to be submitted at least 48 hours before your travel to Indonesia.

You can also apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) after submitting your Arrival Card online.

The All Indonesia Arrival Card is free to submit and can be completed online at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id

What else do I need to know before travelling to Bali?

Bali has strict rules for tourists including dressing appropriately and respecting local customs.

Before travelling to the region, read the Bali Provincial Government's official 'Do's and Don'ts' advice for foreign tourists.

A temple in Bali. Picture by Unsplash

Foreign tourists entering Bali must pay a tourist levy of $14 (IDR 150,000) per person. This is separate from the e-VOA or the VOA which cost $50 (IDR 500,000) each. The e-VOA also charges a small online processing fee.

The Australian Government warned earlier this year that Indonesia has strict standards for damaged passports and tourists from other countries may be refused entry into Indonesia as a result of a damaged passport.

READ ALSO: The price is steep, but the power is fading: how an Australian passport stacks up

They also issued a safety warning following a number of drink spikes, drownings and deportations. Find out more about that here.

Before you travel to Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia, read the Australian Government's Smartraveller advice at smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/indonesia

Bali still Australia's favourite destination

New Booking.com data shows Seminyak in Bali is the top-searched-for hotel destination for Australian travellers. Eight Indonesia destinations made the global top 25 most-searched locations for spring 2025.

Booking.com's area manager for Australia, Joanne Whitby-Lee, said: "As Australians emerge from some of the wettest winter months on record, travellers are looking to enjoy some well-deserved time in the sunshine.

"Travellers are gravitating to destinations in the surrounding APAC region that offer budget-friendly and convenient alternatives," she said.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is Explore's Digital News Editor. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!. My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.