Traveling to Bali: Covid update May 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 10pm and can only have a certain amount of people inside. 

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.

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, 2020. But after rising Coronavirus cases in Indonesia it had been pushed forward to January 2021. After the Indonesian president visiting Bali in April, officials have been releasing new information that Bali might open for tourism in July 2021. There are nog official dates or details about regulations around entering Bali.

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 partnership with Nasi Bungkus Tetangga here.

Where can I do a Covid test in Bali?

There are a lot of Antigen / Rapid test posts in Seminyak and Canggu area. An antigen test will cost you 250.000 idr (about 15 euro) and it will take about 15 minutes for the result. You can do a PCR test at almost every clinic in Bali, this costs about 80 euro and will take 2/3 days to receive the results. You can also book an appointment at home. There are quite a few services, one which we have heard of is reliable is Bhakti Vedanta Medical. 

Where can I find official updates of Corona in Bali?

Here on the government website from Indonesia.

When can we travel to Bali again?

There is a new timeline for Bali re-opening for tourist visas, which states this could be around June / July 2021. There's no official dates or regulations being shared yet. We're keeping you posted! 

However if you have the approved E-Visa you are now allowed to fly to Indonesia - for business only. 

Is it safe to book tickets?

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!