UPDATE: Indonesia has closed borders till January 14 to stop the new Covid strain. New rules can be extended further. We recommend you to alter your travel plans.
The answer in brief is yes. Officially, you can’t visit Bali for tourism purposes today, and it is assumed that Bali will remain closed until the spring of 2021. Entry to Indonesia on tourist visas and visa-on-arrival is temporarily suspended. However, travelers are finding ways to reach their favorite island. And this winter Bali promises to be one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads and just for fans of tropical warmth. After all, this is one of the few destinations in Southeast Asia, where it is real to come to. However, you should be prepared to pay more for the entrance and the road to Bali than in the pre-covid times. But these costs will be justified: the prices for housing and services in Bali have fallen significantly.
Where and how to apply for a visa to come to Bali amid the pandemic
If you want to visit the island during the quarantine, you need an Indonesian B211B business visa.
Since recently such visa can be processed without visiting an embassy or consulate. To apply for this you will need a sponsor: it can be any company officially registered in Indonesia. You can find tourist agencies which will help you to apply for a visa without finding a sponsor. The cost of visa processing will range from $330 to $700, depending on the urgency. We recommend to apply for a visa at least 2 weeks before your trip. You have three months to enter Indonesia from the moment you receive your visa.
The electronic visa is issued for 60 days, then it can be extended 4 more times for 30 days. Thus, you can stay in Indonesia for six months with the business visa.
Visa processing is done by the visa agent, who will tell you how to justify the reason for arriving in the country, as this visa is not intended for tourism. Officially B211B visa is issued for business meetings in Indonesia. It doesn’t allow to work.
Warning! Order a visa only from verified and accredited companies. Do not send money for the service without signing the electronic agreement.
Note that visa processing may be slowed or temporarily suspended during the Christmas vacations.
How to fly to Bali during the pandemic?
Bali Ngurah Rai Airport is temporarily closed for international arrivals. You can enter the country only through the capital of Indonesia – Jakarta – where you can take a domestic flight to Bali. Aircrafts of Turkish and Qatar airlines fly to Jakarta on a permanent basis, through Istanbul and Doha accordingly. It’s best to reserve at least 3 hours between flights ot to stay in Jakarta overnight. There may be long lines at the airport.
What documents are required to travel to Bali
- Electronic visa and a letter from the sponsor company (it will be provided by the agent who issues the visa);
- A PCR test for coronavirus, made not later than 7 days before the trip;
- A return ticket or ticket to a third country (departure date must be no later than 2 months after arrival). It is not always required, but if you do not have a ticket, you may not be allowed on the plane;
- Reservation of a hotel or other accommodation;
- Statement of consent to quarantine in the case of COVID-19;
- Medical insurance for the entire period of stay.
This is the first hand experience and the author of this blog will come to Bali soon. We will keep you updated!
