Bali Trip Checklist 2026 – Everything to Pack & Know

Planning a Bali trip from India is deceptively simple, until small oversights start compounding into real problems at the airport, immigration counter, or on arrival. Visa rules change, health declarations fluctuate, tourist taxes get introduced, documents are inconsistently enforced, and last-minute assumptions (“I’ll sort it there”) often cost travellers time, money, or entry delays. This Bali trip checklist for Indians is designed to eliminate guesswork. It covers Bali entry requirements 2026, Bali visa fee for Indians, Bali tourist tax rules, health & insurance requirements, Packing essentials, money, SIM, transport logistics and common mistakes (and how to avoid them). This guide is designed so you land prepared, not troubleshooting under airport lights.

Read before planning: Bali travel guide.

Bali Entry Requirements For Indians

Missing paperwork is the number one cause of Bali entry stress. So, make sure you’re fully prepared.

Essential Documents Checklist

• Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• At least 2 blank passport pages
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Accommodation proof
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Electronic customs declaration (e-CD)
• Bali Tourist Tax receipt (mandatory)

Can be helpful: Best time to visit Bali

Bali Visa Fee & Options for Indians (2026)

Indians require a Bali tourist visa to visit the island. Here is what you need to know:

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Visa Fee: IDR 500,000 (approx. ₹2,700)
• Valid: 30 days
• Extendable once (additional 30 days)
• Payment: Card preferred; cash accepted

e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival)

• Apply online before travel
• Same fee: IDR 500,000(approx. ₹2,700)
• Faster immigration lane
• Valid 30 days + one extension

If you are somebody who dislikes immigration queues, we highly recommend applying for e-VOA in advance.

Note: Always verify visa fees on Indonesia Immigration’s official website before travel, as policies may change.

Must read: How to reach Bali

Bali Tourist Tax (Mandatory)

As of recent regulations(2026), Bali requires all international visitors to pay a tourism levy.

• IDR 150,000 (approx. ₹800)
• Pay online before travel or upon arrival
• Keep the QR receipt accessible

Immigration or random inspection officers may request proof.

Bali Overstay Fine

Overstaying in Bali is not premitted your visa results in:

• IDR 1,000,000 per day (approx. ₹5,300)
• Serious overstays may result in blacklisting

Do not assume leniency.

Bali Airport Process Explained (Ngurah Rai International Airport)

Here is what happens after landing:

1. Disembark aircraft
2. Pay Visa on Arrival (if not pre-approved)
3. Immigration stamping
4. Collect baggage
5. Submit the electronic customs declaration QR code
6. Random baggage screening (especially electronics/drones)
7. Exit to the transport zone

Immigration Queue Expectations

• 30–90 minutes during peak hours
• Late evening arrivals from India are busiest
• Expect tour group congestion after 8 PM

e-VOA holders typically move faster.

Bali Trip Timeline: What to Do and When

Most travel stress comes from doing the right thing at the wrong time. Use this timeline to stay ahead.

1 Month Before Departure

At this stage, you are locking foundations, not details.

• Decide your Bali visa for Indians strategy:
  • e-VOA (electronic Visa on Arrival) in advance
  • or Visa on Arrival at Bali airport
• Ensure passport validity:
  • Minimum 6 months validity
  • At least 2 blank pages
• Purchase Bali travel insurance with:
  • Medical coverage
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Adventure sports coverage (surfing, diving, scooters)
• Review routine vaccines (Hep A, Typhoid recommended)
• If applying for e-VOA, start early; processing is not always instant

Sanity check: Passport valid, visa path chosen, insurance PDF saved.

1–2 Weeks Before Departure

Now you eliminate friction.

• Finalise flights and accommodation
• Share your Bali itinerary and emergency contacts with someone back home
• Install essential apps:
  • Gojek (transport & food)
  • Offline Google Maps
• Check the SATUSEHAT health declaration rules (they change often)
• Start your packing list and refine it daily
• Print accommodation confirmations (immigration may ask)

Sanity check: All bookings confirmed, apps working, health rules checked.

48–72 Hours Before Departure

This is about redundancy.

• Print passport, visa, insurance, and tickets
• Back up all documents to cloud + phone
• Activate eSIM or confirm local SIM plan
• Pre-book airport transfer (hotel, taxi, or ride-hail)
• Fully charge the phone and the power bank

Sanity check: Documents exist in paper + digital form.

Check out: Best accommodation in Bali for honeymoon

Health & Travel Insurance (Non-Negotiable)

Vaccines & Health

• Hepatitis A (recommended)
• Typhoid (recommended)
• Malaria risk is low in tourist areas
• SATUSEHAT health declaration may apply, check 72 hours before travel

Travel Insurance Must Cover

• Medical emergency
• Hospitalisation
• Evacuation
• Lost baggage
• Scooter accidents

Carry policy number and hotline. 

Also Read:- Best Beaches in Bali

Packing for Bali: What You Actually Need

Clothing & Essentials

• Lightweight, breathable clothes
• Swimwear
• Sarong (mandatory for temples)
• Sandals + closed shoes
• Light rain jacket
• Reusable shopping bag

Toiletries & Protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Strong insect repellent
• Basic medicines + prescriptions

Tech & Documents

• Universal adapter
• Power bank
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Multiple document backups

Money in Bali

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

ATM Limits

• Typical withdrawal limit: 2–3 million IDR per transaction
• Daily bank cap may apply

Cards

• Widely accepted in hotels & restaurants
• Small vendors prefer cash
• 2–3% card surcharge possible

Avoid unofficial exchange kiosks offering unusually high rates.

Transport in Bali

There are multiple ways to commute in Bali. Here are some of the options: 

Airport Transfers

• Hotel pickup
• Taxi
• Gojek/Grab

Scooter Rental

Requires:

• International Driving Permit
• Helmet

Police checks occur frequently. If unsure, hire a private driver; it is worth the cost.

Bali SIM & Connectivity

Best option: eSIM before arrival

Airport SIM counters are available, but the SIMs are priced higher. Reliable data is essential for transport apps.

DIY Planning vs Assisted Travel Services

DIY works well if:

• You’ve travelled Southeast Asia before
• You’re comfortable tracking visa rules

Assisted planners like Pickyourtrail can:

• Manage visa documentation
• Curate a properly tailored Bali tour package
• Handle disruptions
• Provide 24/7 support

Useful for tight timelines or complex travel.

Checkout: Bali honeymoon packages vs DIY

Things Travellers Commonly Forget

• Bali tourist tax payment
• Customs declaration QR code
• IDP for scooters
• Cash for smaller vendors
• Temple dress compliance
• Overstay fine risk

Conclusion: Landing Ready Matters

A Bali trip goes smoothly not because nothing goes wrong, but because you planned for what usually does. When visas are sorted, documents backed up, health rules checked, and transport arranged, you arrive ready to enjoy the island, not fix problems under fluorescent airport lights. Use this Bali trip checklist for Indians as a living document, not a one-time read, and your trip starts the moment you land, not after you solve logistics.