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Travel to Bali from the US: Requirements and tips
Traveling to Bali from the US? Find the best routes, entry requirements, how to get a visa, and top tips for planning your adventure.
When you travel from Bali to the US, you open a world of possibilities. From visiting holy Hindu temples to enjoying views of lush jungles surrounded by turquoise waters, the island is a far cry from what you can experience at home.
But to make the most of all these views, beaches, and temples, preparation is key. That’s why we have prepared a guide with everything required for a smooth adventure in this Southeast Asian paradise.
So, keep reading to find out more about how to get to Bali, learn the local entry requirements, and see other travel tips that will make your trip worry-free!
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How to get to Bali from the US
The best way to get to Bali from the US is to fly. While it seems obvious, it’s worth mentioning! The journey takes an estimated 20 to 30 hours – which may seem extensive but certainly beats going by boat.
Also, there are no direct flights from the US to Bali, so you’ll make at least one stop during the flight.
Depending on the airline you take, stops will vary between Hong Kong, Istanbul, Korea, or Qatar, for example. So consider which is the best place for your layover, as these can range from one hour to 15 hours.
Overall, most airports in the US have a great connection to visit Southeast Asia locations such as Bali. Still, the John F. Kennedy, Los Angeles International, Denver International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, and Dallas Fort Worth International airports are the top-tier options based on flight frequencies and operating airlines.
Cost of flying from Bali to the US
So, how much will those non-direct flights cost from your closest international airport? Here are some prices for those flying to Bali from the US:
- New York, JFK: Pricing for a round-trip is around $1,000 with Cathay Pacific and $1,500 with China Airlines.
- Los Angeles, LAX: Pricing for a round-trip is around $950 with Cathay Pacific to $1,600 with Singapore Airlines.
- Denver, DEI: Pricing for a round-trip is around $1,450 with Alaska and Eva Air to $1,950 with Delta and Korean Air.
- Atlanta, ATL: Pricing for a round-trip is around $1,450 with Alaska and China Airlines to $1,900 with Delta and Korean Air.
- Dallas, DFW: Pricing for a round-trip is around $1,600 with Alaska and Eva Air to $2,000 with Cathay Pacific and American Airlines.
Note: Prepare for long flights. Most flights from the US to Bali take 20 to 30 hours, depending on the number of stops.
Requirements to travel to Bali from the US
So, your route is decided. Now, let’s dive into the requirements for traveling to Bali from the US.
These are a must-have for visitors, so ensure you prepare everything in advance to avoid a surprise when arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Passport
For all US citizens, having a valid passport is a must to visit Bali. But here are some additional things to note about your passport:
- Blank passport pages: Your passport needs to have at least two blank visa pages before entering Bali.
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival. Plus, Indonesia doesn’t accept the 12-page US emergency passport.
Visa
All American citizens require a visa to visit Bali. This visa can be requested before traveling or upon arrival. Here’s what you need to know about both options:
- Request your visa before traveling: You can request the electronic visa on arrival through the official immigration site 48 hours before traveling. To request your e-VoA, you’ll need to apply and pay 500.000 Indonesian Rupees (~31.85 USD) and download it upon approval.
- Request your visa upon arrival: If you couldn’t make the e-VoA request before traveling to Bali, you can apply for the “Visitor visa” and pay the ~$31.85 USD fee to get it.
Note: The “Visitor visa” allows US citizens to stay in the country for 30 days. If you’re staying longer, you’ll need the 211A Visit Visa, which lasts 60 days and can be extended twice. It’s the best option for digital nomads in Bali.
Flight tickets
To enter Indonesia, you must have round-trip tickets; otherwise, the immigration office can deny your visa upon arrival.
Tip: When planning a trip to Bali from the US, try to purchase your tickets at least two months in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak season, to avoid high prices.
Travel insurance
While having travel insurance is not a must, most travelers prefer to buy one, and so should you. The idea is to have protection if something happens before or during your trip, such as medical emergencies or trip delays/cancellations.
Also, make sure you choose travel insurance that covers outdoor activities, such as water sports and trekking, which are common on the island.
Driver’s license
This is an optional item to take, even though you can easily carry it around. A driver’s license is a must to rent a vehicle, based on Indonesian government laws.
So, if you plan to rent a scouter, a car, or something similar, add it to your Bali packing list.
Restrictions
The only thing to consider is that you can’t enter or leave the country with more than $7,000 USD.
Vaccinations
Currently, there are no health restrictions related to vaccinations for visiting Bali from the US. But it’s advised to get the following vaccinations to prevent any diseases on Bali, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
5 Tips for planning a trip to Bali from the US
It’s no secret, a trip to Bali for US citizens takes preparation. From visa applications to long haul flights and expensive travel tickets, you’ll want to make sure your vacation is worth it once you land.
So, here are some top tips to ensure your journey, and time in Bali, goes off without a hitch:
1. Choose the best time to visit Bali
The weather in Bali is something to consider when traveling. The best time to visit is during the summer months, which are June, July, and August. During these months, you’ll also be able to enjoy local festivals such as the Bali Kite Festival, Bali Art Festival, and the Sanur Village.
Bali’s rainy season runs from November to April, and while tourism is still active, harsh weather conditions can occur.
Tip: If you want to make the most of your trip by discovering unique add-ons, such as visiting the neighboring Gili Islands, check out our Bali travel guide to prepare your itinerary!
2. Take credit cards and cash
Credit cards are widely accepted in Indonesia, so you can expect to pay at many restaurants or convenience stores with your card.
This said, it’s not always the case – especially in more remote locations or at smaller stores and eateries. It’s a good idea to bring some small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah for these moments, as well as for paying ad-hoc costs like temple entries.
Be sure to exchange your US dollars for Indonesian Rupiah before your travel, as you’ll need some local currency to pay for the Bali visa for US citizens and local ATM’s won’t always be the most reliable when you land.
3. Consider what to pack for your trip to Bali
Bali is known for its tropical climate, so leave that heavy coat at home and pack some light clothes for your trip.
Also, depending on the season, you might need to add a light rain jacket to enjoy outdoor activities. Still, here’s a quick list of the things to pack to visit Bali:
- Quick-drying t-shirts
- Tank tops
- Swimsuit/bikinis
- Sunscreen
- Swim trunks
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Shorts
- Long pants
- Personal toiletries
- Basic medical kit
- Sarong
- Travel adapter
- An eSIM or SIM card for Bali to get mobile internet
Note: Choosing the best eSIM for Indonesia will give you mobile internet in Bali and other cities you add to your travel itinerary, such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, or other major cities.
4. Respect the local culture
There are different ways to respect the local culture in Bali. For example, you can learn some phrases like:
- Selamat pagi: Good morning
- Selamat siang: Good afternoon
- Selamat sore: Good evening
- Selamat malam: Good night
- Terima kasih: Thank you
- Sama-sama: You’re welcome
- Tolong: Please
- Tolong bantu saya: Please help me
- Tidak apa-apa: It’s okay / No problem
While the main religion in Indonesia is Islam, Balinese Hinduism is the religion of Bali, with at least 87% of the population identifying as Hindu. So, respect the dress rules when visiting religious/historical sites.
Travel tip: If visiting temples is on your itinerary, add a sarong to your packing list, as Balinese Hinduism requires covering up shoulders and knees at religious sites.
5. Organize your internet connection before you travel
There are different ways to stay connected once you land in Bali, such as a SIM card, pocket WiFi, or an eSIM for Bali.
Choosing the most reliable option will elevate your trip by allowing you to use apps like Google Maps, Grab, or Gojek.
So, what’s the best way to get online in Indonesia?
- If your phone is eSIM-compatible, an eSIM is the best option for you, as you can purchase one before traveling, and it will connect to local networks such as Indosat or Telkomsel.
- Pocket WiFi devices and data roaming are quite expensive for visiting Bali. Each has rates starting at $10/day, and you’ll often have to pay for the device rental or added data.
- Lastly, a SIM card for Bali is a reliable option for tourists without an eSIM-compatible phone. But you’ll need to wait until you arrive in Bali to get one, which makes connectivity less convenient.
Stay connected on your trip to Bali from the US with Holafly
The best way to prepare for your arrival in Bali is with a Bali eSIM from Holafly. You’ll get unlimited data with data plans starting from 5 to 90 days while connecting with the Indosat or Telkomsel 4G/LTE networks.
Here are some additional features you’ll get with the Holafly eSIM:
- Data sharing for up to 500 MBs per day
- Easy activation process and installation on iOS and Android
- Data plans get cheaper the longer you stay, with pricing reaching as low as $1,54/day
- Immediate delivery after completing the purchase
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Hi, I'm Brenda Beltrán. I'm passionate about travel, technology, and video games. In 2019, I started my career as a journalist in entertainment and technology. Then, I discovered that content creation was my true calling. Now, at Holafly, I'm dedicated to sharing travel tips and experiences that will make your adventures unforgettable. ✈️ Hola, soy Brenda Beltrán, apasionada por los viajes, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde mis inicios en 2019 como periodista en entretenimiento y tecnología, descubrí que la creación de contenido era mi verdadera vocación. Hoy, en Holafly, me dedico a compartir consejos y experiencias de viaje para que cada una de tus aventuras sean memorables.✈️
