01Entry requirements

Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA), valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 through a local agent or immigration office. It's paid and processed at the airport, though increasingly it can be pre-purchased online before you fly, which is worth doing to skip the queue.

If you're planning to stay longer than 60 days, work remotely for an extended period, or study, look into Indonesia's longer-stay visa options well before you travel — these need to be arranged in advance and aren't available on arrival.

Double-check before you fly. Entry rules for Indonesia have changed more than once in recent years. Confirm current requirements on Indonesia's official immigration site close to your travel date rather than relying on older blog posts — this page included.

02At Ngurah Rai Airport

Bali's only airport sits right on the coast in South Bali, close to Kuta and Jimbaran, which is part of why South Bali became the default first stop for most visitors. It's a single international terminal — immigration, baggage claim and customs are fairly linear, though queues can run long on peak evening arrivals.

  • Have your accommodation address ready — it's sometimes asked for at immigration.
  • SIM card counters are inside arrivals, past baggage claim — fine for convenience, usually pricier than buying in town.
  • ATMs are available airside and landside; rates and fees vary a lot between banks.

03Getting from the airport

Official airport taxis operate from a desk just outside arrivals with fixed zone pricing — straightforward if a little more expensive than an app-based ride. Ride-hailing apps technically face pickup restrictions right at the terminal, so many drivers ask you to walk a short distance to a pickup point outside the airport perimeter.

If you're headed to Ubud or further afield (Amed, Lovina, Sidemen), a pre-booked private driver is usually the least stressful option for a first arrival — see our itineraries guide for typical drive times between regions.

04Your first few hours

Traffic near the airport and through South Bali can be heavy, especially late afternoon into evening. If your flight lands in that window, budget extra time and don't schedule anything for your first evening beyond checking in and finding dinner nearby.