Bali Will Reopen To U.S. and UK Travelers in October

Last Updated 3 years ago

Officials representing Bali, Indonesia, announced that the island destination will begin welcoming some international tourists next month. The island’s reopening will start with travelers from four countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Denpasar, Bali Island, Indonesia. Aircrafts of national Indonesian air carrier Garuda in front of passenger terminal of Denpasar International Airport Ngurah Rai.

Bali’s Reopening Will Begin With 4 Countries

In a statement on Monday, Bali’s Vice Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace) clarified that the destination’s reopening process is going to be measured by the length of stay of tourists from other countries.

“We have selected multiple countries such as Russia, America, Germany and England to start implementing the travel bubble program based on their length of stay in Bali. And visitors from those countries usually spend around 2 weeks on the island,” the Vice Governor remarked.

A young Bali female dancer is performing the Ramayana dance in a temple of Bali, in Indonesia. The Hindu culture in Bali is still preserved today and attracts millions of visitors in the Island of Gods for its the culture and natural beauty

Indonesia Loosening Travel Restrictions

The announcement follows a travel restrictions update this week from the Indonesian Government. From September 28th, 2021, more international visitors are now allowed into Indonesia, including:

Diplomatic and Official visa holders
Diplomatic and Official stay permit
Holders of Indonesia Temporary Residence Card (KITAS) and Indonesia Permanent Residence Card (KITAP)
Visitor and limited stay visas

You can find more information about visas on the official government website.

Vice Governor Cok Ace also mentioned during his announcement that Bali is prepared to welcome international travelers once again because a significant amount of the island’s eligible population is fully inoculated against Covid-19.

“According to the recent data, around 97% of Bali residents have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and 75% of people have completed the second dose. The vaccination program is expected to finish in the beginning of October.”

The Island Is Prepped For A Reopening

As reported in the Bali Sun, the island has prepared over 60 hospitals on the island for potential Covid patients. Labs throughout the island are ready to administer molecular tests for travelers, at a capacity of approximately 4,000 tests/day.

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is a Balinese Hindu sea temple located in Uluwatu. One of six key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars, is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a cliff.

Indonesia Entry Restrictions Update: Vaccinations and Pre-Departure Tests Required

All travelers entering Indonesia (Bali included) must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. A coronavirus vaccine card displaying the traveler's dosage information and dates must be shown at departure and arrival in Indonesia. Vaccinations that are accepted for travel to Indonesia are Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Johnson & Johnson.

Eligible travelers to Indonesia must also provide proof of a negative Covid PCR test result taken no later than 72 hours from departure, as well as a barcode from their electronic Indonesia Health Certificate (e-HAC) to show airport officials during the check-in process and after arrival.

To get the barcode for travel, you can fill out the form by downloading the “Pedull Lindungi” app to your smartphone. Once the form is completed you will receive a barcode to show at check-in and upon arrival in Bali. If you are traveling with kids, you can put your children’s names on the e-HAC form so you don’t need to create multiple accounts.

Check The Requirements For Any Stopovers

With limited direct flights available from the U.S. and the UK to Bali, many travelers will have to transit through a third country on a stopover. If you are planning your trip to Bali or somewhere else in Indonesia in the next few weeks or months, make sure to check the entry requirements for any countries you will be passing through on your trip.

Singapore, for instance, mandates that all travelers must show proof of a negative Covid test taken only 48 hours before departure. Always double check with your airline as well as any transiting countries prior to travel.

woman from behind with a backpack looking out at the rice fields in Bali, Indonesia

A New Type Of Tourist In Bali

Over the past few months, there have been reports that the island paradise is working to rebrand itself as a tourist destination. After decades of being a sought-after hub for 20-something backpackers as well as a quick long weekend getaway destination for visitors from nearby Australia, officials in Indonesia want to attract a more upscale type of tourist towards Bali as travel starts to reopen.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Philippe

Thursday 30th of September 2021

Country selected for the bubble: Russia which has many cases, deaths and few vaccinated, really funny !

Leonardo

In my opinion is purely discrimination.. If there's no scientific basis for the decision of which country is "safe" it's basically discrimination following the announcement they want to get rid of backpackers.

The authorities mention the length of stay which is translated to how much money they're willing to spend.

USA have an increasing infection rate with a lot of bubbles of unvaccinsted bringing a lot of hospitalizations and death.

It would be better to setup a number of allowed tourists rather than those 4 countries.

Esquared

@Leonardo, the statement about long duration stays is more about limiting the total number of visitors while maximizing the visitor-nights. Nearby countries like Singapore and china are more quickie in & out visitors which is not what countries want right now.

CHRISTOPHER CARAFINO

I love you Bali, cannot wait !!!

Shani

Wednesday 29th of September 2021

And you actually drank that cool aid? I follow Bali news daily on many groups, and no one is jumping up and down yet.

Daniel j Rock

Does this mean no quarantine in Jakarta??

Wayan

@Daniel j Rock, probably like that Daniel. we'll see the details at October 1

Randy

@Daniel j Rock, Quarantine has not been scrapped. 8 days in the hotel of your choice at your own expense. Comparing to the U.K quarantine expenses, this will not burn a hole in your wallet.

A PCR test upon arrival and another one at the end of the quarantine period from what’s been told. It seems a waste of time but the joy of traveling has become more challenging with unwanted expenses.