Get 5% of discount using the code
MYESIMNOW5
close-icon-modal
Buy eSIM
Trustpilot

Travelling to Bali from Australia in 2026: Visa, flights, safety, and travel tips

Planning to travel to Bali from Australia? This guide covers everything Australian travellers need: visa, flights, best time to go, and safety tips.

Published: June 4, 2026

Bali is Australia’s most popular overseas destination, close, affordable, and easy to reach from most major cities, with direct flights taking as little as 3.5 hours. If you’re looking for cheap places to travel from Australia, Bali consistently tops the list.

Whether you’re heading over for the first time or returning for another trip, this guide covers everything you need to travel to Bali from Australia: visa and entry requirements, flights, the best time to go, safety risks to know about, and how to stay connected when you land.

What do I need to travel to Bali from Australia?

Bali is straightforward to enter as an Australian, but there are a few steps to get right before you fly. Bali travel guide covers the destination in full, but here’s a rundown of every entry requirement, from your passport to the tourist levy, so you can tick everything off before departure. 

Passport and visa requirements

Australians need a valid passport and a visa to enter Bali. Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your arrival date and contain at least one blank page for the visa stamp.

For the visa, you have two options:

  • Visa on Arrival (VoA):  available at Ngurah Rai International Airport on arrival. You join the queue, pay the fee, and receive your stamp before clearing customs. The cost is IDR 500,000 (approximately AUD 45–50).
  • Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA): the faster option. Apply online at least 48 hours before departure via the official Indonesian immigration site. The e-VoA costs slightly more due to a small processing fee, but it allows you to use the automated e-gates at the airport, bypassing the standard visa queue entirely. Most Australian airlines now recommend completing this step before you fly.

Both visa types allow a 30-day stay, extendable once for an additional 30 days, up to 60 days total. You’ll need proof of onward or return travel when applying.

Note: Always verify current visa fees and requirements against the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advisory before you travel, as figures can change.

Bali tourist levy

In addition to your visa, all international visitors to Bali must pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately AUD 14–15) per person. The Balinese provincial government introduced this fee to fund the preservation of Bali’s cultural heritage and natural environment, and it is separate from the cost of your visa.

The levy can be paid online before departure via the Love Bali website or app, or at designated payment counters on arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport or the Benoa seaport. Paying in advance is recommended, it’s one less queue to deal with on arrival. Keep your payment receipt, as it may be checked at some accommodation providers and tourist sites.

All Indonesia Declaration Form

Since 1 September 2025, all travellers entering Indonesia, including Bali, must complete the All Indonesia Declaration Form before arrival. This digital form combines customs, immigration, and health declarations into a single process, replacing the previous Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) and the SATUSEHAT Health Pass.

The form must be submitted online within three days of your arrival date. Once completed, you’ll receive a QR code to present at immigration. Transit passengers whose final destination is not Indonesia are exempt.

You can access the form at the government’s official website. As entry requirements can change, verify current requirements directly with the Indonesian government immigration portal or Smartraveller before you fly.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance isn’t a visa requirement, but it’s strongly recommended for any trip to Bali. Medical costs in Bali can be significant if you require hospitalisation or emergency evacuation, and comprehensive cover also protects against trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unexpected costs.

Make sure your policy covers activities you plan to do, including motorbike riding, water sports, and scuba diving, as these are often excluded from standard policies. Check the fine print before you leave.

Flights from Australia to Bali

Direct flights from Australia to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) operate from several major cities, with flight times depending on your departure point.

Departure cityApproximate flight timeAirlines operating direct routes
Perth3.5 – 4 hoursJetstar, AirAsia, Batik Air, TransNusa
Darwin2.5 – 3 hoursJetstar
Melbourne5.5 – 6 hoursGaruda Indonesia, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Batik Air
Sydney6 – 6.5 hoursBatik Air, Jetstar, Virgin Australia
Brisbane5.5 – 6 hoursBatik, Jetstar, Virgin Australia
Adelaide5.5 – 6 hoursJetstar

Perth and Darwin offer the shortest travel times, making Bali a particularly easy getaway for West Australian and Northern Territory travellers. For those on the East Coast, flying overnight is a popular option. You land in the morning and don’t lose a day of your trip.

Book early if you’re travelling during school holidays or the July–August peak season, when fares and seat availability are tightest.

Money, payments, and currency in Bali

Bali’s official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). In general, you get better value paying in Rupiah, and many smaller warungs, markets, and local businesses won’t accept foreign currency at all.

ATMs are widely available in tourist areas, though some charge foreign card fees. A useful rule of thumb for Australians: 100,000 IDR is roughly AUD 10, so you can quickly estimate costs on the go.

Credit and debit cards are accepted at most mid-range and upmarket hotels, restaurants, and shops. Carrying some cash is still advisable for local markets, temples, transport, and smaller vendors. 

Exchange money at authorised money changers rather than street vendors to avoid short-changing or counterfeit notes. The rates at authorised booths in tourist areas are generally competitive.

Beautiful Bali attractions.
Beautiful Bali attractions.

Best time to travel to Bali from Australia

The best time to visit Bali from Australia is during the dry season, particularly May–June and September, when rainfall is low, and conditions are ideal for most activities. That said, the right time to visit depends on your priorities, whether you’re after great weather, lighter crowds, lower prices, or a specific activity like surfing.

Bali has two main seasons:

SeasonMonthsConditionsCrowd level
Dry seasonApril – OctoberLow rainfall, sunny, lower humidityHigh (peak July–August)
Wet seasonNovember – MarchShort heavy showers, higher humidityLow to moderate

Temperatures stay consistent year-round at around 26–30°C, so rainfall and humidity matter more than temperature when choosing a time to go. 

The dry season brings the most predictable conditions for beach days, temple visits, and outdoor activities. The wet season, particularly February and March, offers lower airfares and quieter resorts, with rain that typically falls in short, intense bursts rather than all day.

July and August coincide with Australian school holidays and are Bali’s peak period, bringing higher prices and busier beaches. If you can travel outside these windows, May, June, and September offer very similar conditions with fewer crowds and better value. Once you’ve settled on your dates, check out what to pack for Bali to put together the right kit for the season.

Beautiful rice terraces in Bali.
Beautiful rice terraces in Bali.

Is it safe to travel to Bali from Australia?

Bali is generally very safe for Australian tourists. It has been one of Australia’s top international destinations for decades, and the vast majority of visitors have trouble-free trips. That said, like any destination, there are specific risks worth being aware of before you go.

  • Be cautious on the roads. Road and scooter accidents are one of the biggest risks for tourists in Bali. Traffic can be busy and unpredictable, so wear a helmet and make sure your travel insurance covers scooter use.
  • Protect yourself from dengue fever. Dengue is present in Bali year-round and is spread by mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening, and stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation where possible.
  • Avoid methanol poisoning. Stick to reputable bars and restaurants, avoid unlabelled spirits, and be cautious with unusually cheap alcoholic drinks.
  • Drink bottled water only. Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and be mindful of ice, raw salads, and food prepared in unhygienic conditions.
  • Keep valuables secure. Bag snatching, often from moving scooters, does occur in tourist areas. Keep bags zipped and worn across your body rather than on one shoulder. Leave expensive jewellery and excess cash at your accommodation.
  • Drink bottled water only. Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
  • Respect local culture. Bali is a deeply religious Hindu island. Dress modestly when visiting temples, sarongs and covered shoulders are required. Avoid raised voices, public displays of disrespect, or entering ceremonies uninvited.
  • Be food-aware. Street food is generally safe if freshly cooked and prepared at busy stalls. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood, and wash your hands regularly.
  • Register with Smartraveller. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller service allows you to register your travel details and receive updates if a situation develops while you’re overseas.

Stay connected in Bali with Holafly

A Holafly eSIM for Bali gets you unlimited data on a local network from the moment you land — no SIM swapping, no roaming fees. It’s a straightforward alternative to a physical Bali SIM card or carrier roaming add-ons. Useful day-to-day for Google Maps, Grab, Gojek, and the occasional menu translation.

For a broader look at connectivity options, the Holafly guide to mobile internet in Bali covers what to expect from local networks.

If your plan runs out mid-trip or you forget to top up before arrival, Holafly’s Always On feature keeps you connected with backup data automatically, so you’re never left without a signal when you need it most.

Plans that may interest you

SEO Content Writer

哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen,平常最喜歡旅遊,也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享,希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊,加上 Holafly 的 eSIM,讓你的旅程更美好!✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!

Read full bio