Language 
Travel to Bali from the US: Requirements and tips
Planning a trip to Bali from the US? Here's how to get there, the visa and entry requirements you'll need, what it costs, and how to stay connected.
Traveling to Bali from the US takes around 20 to 30 hours with at least one layover, plus a valid passport, a visa on arrival, and the Love Bali tourism levy to enter. This guide covers how to get there, the full entry requirements, what a trip costs, and how to stay connected once you land.
Navigate the world with ease
Use map apps as much as you wish with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
How to get to Bali from the US
The best way to get to Bali from the US is to fly. Prepare for a long journey, as it takes around 20 to 30 hours. There are no direct flights, so you’ll make at least one stop, usually through a hub like Hong Kong, Istanbul, Seoul, or Doha, where layovers run anywhere from one hour to 15 hours. Round-trip prices vary by departure city and airline:
- 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, DEN: 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.
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.
Love Bali tourism levy
Since 2024, all foreign visitors must pay the Love Bali tourism levy, a one-time fee of 150,000 IDR (around $10) per person. It funds culture and environmental protection on the island and is separate from your visa. Pay it online through the official Love Bali portal before you fly, or on arrival, and keep the QR-code voucher, as officials can ask to see it at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
All Indonesia arrival declaration
Every traveler entering Indonesia must complete the All Indonesia electronic customs declaration before landing. Fill it in within three days of your arrival through the All Indonesia app or the official customs site, then save the QR code to show at immigration. Pre-registering for the e-gate at the same time speeds up your airport process at Ngurah Rai.
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
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of July 10, 2026, and is subject to change.
Tips on how to travel to Bali like a pro
A few things are worth sorting before you fly:
1. Choose the best time to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is the dry season, June to August, when the weather is best, and festivals like the Bali Kite Festival and Bali Art Festival take place. The rainy season runs from November to April; travel is still fine, but expect heavier downpours.
Tip: Adding a side trip like the Gili Islands? Our Bali travel guide helps you build the itinerary.
2. Take credit cards and cash
Credit cards work in most restaurants and convenience stores, but not everywhere, especially in smaller shops, remote areas, and temple entries. Carry small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah for those, and exchange some before you fly, since local ATMs aren’t always reliable when you land.
3. Consider what to pack for your trip to Bali
Bali is tropical, so pack light clothes and a light rain jacket if you’re visiting in the wetter months. A quick Bali packing list:
- Quick-drying t-shirts, tank tops, and swimwear
- Sunscreen and personal toiletries
- Dresses, skirts, shorts, and long pants
- Basic medical kit
- Sarong for temple visits
- Travel adapter
- An eSIM or SIM card for Bali for mobile internet in Bali
4. Respect the local culture
Balinese Hinduism shapes daily life on the island, so dress modestly at temples and historical sites, covering shoulders and knees. A sarong on your packing list handles this. Learning a few phrases goes a long way, too:
- Selamat pagi: Good morning
- Terima kasih: Thank you
- Sama-sama: You’re welcome
- Tolong: Please
- Tidak apa-apa: It’s okay / No problem
5. Organize your internet connection before you travel
Reliable internet makes apps like Google Maps, Grab, and Gojek work from the moment you land. Your options:
- eSIM for Bali: the most convenient if your phone is eSIM-compatible — buy before you travel and it connects to local networks like Indosat or Telkomsel on arrival.
- SIM card for Bali: reliable for phones without eSIM support, but you have to wait until you arrive to buy one.
- Pocket WiFi and roaming: usually the priciest, often from $10/day plus device rental.
Stay connected on your trip to Bali from the US with Holafly
The best way to prepare for your arrival is with an eSIM for Bali from Holafly. Set it up before you leave the US and you’ll have unlimited data the moment you land, Here’s what you get with the Holafly eSIM for Bali:
- Unlimited data on local networks, with plans for 1 to 90 days
- Easy activation and installation on iOS and Android
- Hotspot sharing to keep your other devices online
- Immediate delivery as soon as you buy
Every Holafly eSIM also includes Always On, 1 GB of free backup data each month across 70+ countries. It’s a safety net for the rare moments your main plan runs low, not a replacement for it, so you’re never left completely offline mid-trip.
If you’re one of the many who choose Bali for a longer stay or a stint as a digital nomad, it’s worth looking at Holafly Plans. It’s a monthly subscription that keeps you connected for the long haul, so you’re not setting up a fresh eSIM every few weeks of your time on the island.
Connect to the fastest networks in Bali
International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
FAQs about travel to Bali
To enter Bali, US citizens need a passport valid for at least six months, a 30-day visa on arrival, a return ticket, the Love Bali tourism levy (150,000 IDR), and a completed All Indonesia arrival declaration.
Bali is generally safe for travelers, with standard precautions for a busy destination. Check the current US State Department advisory for Indonesia before you book, since guidance can change for weather, volcanic activity, or unrest.
Flying to Bali from the US takes roughly 20 to 30 hours in total, depending on your departure city and layover length. There are no direct flights, so every route has at least one stop.
A week in Bali is affordable by US standards once you land, since food, transport, and accommodation are inexpensive. International flights are the biggest cost, typically running four figures round-trip from most US airports.
$1,000 can cover a comfortable week in Bali excluding international flights, thanks to low daily costs. Budget travelers can spend far less, while villas and private tours push the total higher.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
