Bali closes borders 1st of January - 8th of March to all foreigners | Bali Covid Update January 2021

Bali is currently in a semi lockdown. People in Bali are allowed outside the house and beaches and public spaces are open but with restrictions and wearing face masks is required everywhere you go. Restaurants have to close at 9pm and can only have a certain amount of people inside. Borders are currently open for domestic travel only, including a quarantine period of 14 days.

What is the current status in Bali?

Indonesia has been closed for international travel since April 2020. That means currently no foreigners have been allowed to enter or transit in Bali on tourist visa.

Since September 2020 foreign travellers have been able to access Bali for business with a business visa or KITAS. Currently, Indonesia is closed again for all foreign travellers. Indonesia states now this rule will apply until the 8th of March. 

Indonesian citizens can travel within Indonesia, with the required documents and a Health Certificate with a COVID-19 free result (for specific information on these documents check here).

In terms of Covid statistics please check this official website for current Bali Covid updates.

When will Bali re-open its borders for international tourism?

Indonesia has first announced that Bali would be open again for foreigners September 1. But after rising Coronavirus cases in Indonesia it has been pushed forward to January 2021. No official exact date has been released or any news circulating this will actually happen any time soon.

I’m still in Bali on tourist visa, when do I need to leave the country?

For all foreigners who were in Bali during the period of borders closing, Indonesia has been providing free extension for tourist visas. So that means usually after 30 or 60 days they would have needed to leave the country, but due to the pandemic overstay is allowed and free of charge. For those who came to Bali with Visa on Arrival now need to extend their visa every month until more information about Covid-19 travel regulations by the government. The extension can be done with a local visa agency at the immigration office in Denpasar (you need to schedule your visit online).

Are restaurants, spa's and beaches open?

Most venues in Bali are open at the moment. Everywhere you’ll need to follow the safety regulations and health protocols. That means you’ll need to wear a face mask outside your home / hotel room and in all public spaces. When you’re at a restaurant you can take your mask off when eating – and when you’re on the beach you only need to wear it when ‘walking’. 

How is life in Bali right now?

Hotels and villas were slowly getting more guests again due to domestic travel, but at the moment it's very quiet at the island again. Unfortunately the local economy is still in crisis and the majority of the people in Bali are unemployed and rely on food supplies provided by their local communities and initiatives.

Have a look at our food donation initiative here!

Where can I do a Covid test in Bali?

Siloam Hospital in Denpasar or Siloam clinics.

Where can I find official updates of Corona in Bali?

Here on the government website from Indonesia.

When can we travel to Bali again?

With the fast changing rules around travel and immigration in Indonesia we can't give a simple answer. We have no updates yet regarding international tourism. However if you have an approved E-Visa you are now allowed to fly to Indonesia - for business only. 

Is it safe to book tickets for 2021?

It looked like international travel to Indonesia would be possible again this month. However, we all know this pandemic makes everything uncertain right now, so of course things change again. Some airlines are responding to this by offering free of charge option to change your flight dates after booking.

For instance, Garuda Airlines lets you freeze, reschedule or reroute your flight without rebooking fee. Or if you haven’t decided on your new travel dates you can extend your ticket validity until December 2021.

I am in Bali right now or going soon, what measurements can I take to protect myself and others from the virus?

Most measurements are globally the same. Whether you’re in Bali these basic steps can help you reduce your risk of getting sick or infecting others.

- Wear your face mask. Wear them outside, on the motorbike, in your hotel (accept in your room of course), in public spaces, when entering a restaurant (you can take them off when eating), when walking on the beach (you can take them off when on one spot).

– Keep your distance. Right now it is globally advised everyone should limit close contact, indoors and outdoors. So please no parties, gatherings and keep your distance when you’re in public spaces.

– Stay clean. Wash your hands with soap. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently. Don’t touch surfaces that are likely to have someone else’s touch or clean frequently (especially your phone and keys!). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which should be rubbed in for about 20 seconds, can also work, but the gel must contain at least 60 percent alcohol.

– Stay calm. Don’t go hoarding groceries. Visit supermarkets and stores outside peak hours.

– Stay healthy. Eat your fruits, veggies, drink lots of water, take vitamins (especially vitamin C and Zink are good for the immune system). And here in Bali it’s even easier as you can still order fresh-pressed juices and ginger or turmeric shots at home for instance at Koncious Goods or Remix Juice 

Check yourself on signs of coronavirus infection, including symptoms of having a cold, fever, shortness of breath and coughing. Stay home if you experience any of these symptoms or book a Covid-test at Siloam Hospital in Denpasar. 

Stay safe sweet friends!