Bali Entry Requirements 2026: Onward Ticket & Visa Guide

Introduction

Planning a trip to Bali in 2026? Whether you're seeking the serene temples of Ubud, the vibrant nightlife of Seminyak, or adventure sports on the Gili Islands, understanding entry requirements helps you avoid surprises at the airport.

Bali offers visa-free entry (Visa on Arrival) for up to 30 days to travelers from most Western countries, making it one of Southeast Asia's most accessible destinations. However, one crucial requirement catches many travelers off guard: airlines and immigration officials require proof of onward travel.

This guide explains exactly when onward tickets are checked, how the Visa on Arrival process works, and how to prepare documentation that satisfies both airlines and immigration authorities.

What Is an Onward Ticket?

An onward ticket is documentation showing your plan to leave Bali within your permitted stay. It demonstrates exit intent to airlines and immigration officials, protecting both parties from overstay risks.

A valid onward ticket for Bali typically shows:

• A departure date within 30 days (or 60 if extended)
• A destination outside Indonesia (any country)
• Passenger name matching your passport exactly
• Flight number and departure time

The purpose is assurance you won't overstay—not verification of a confirmed booking. Airlines accept professional flight itineraries that fulfill these requirements.

Does Bali Require an Onward Ticket in 2026?

Airline Checks (Primary Enforcement)

Airlines are the main enforcers of onward ticket requirements for Bali. They check at departure to avoid liability—if you're denied entry to Indonesia, the airline must fly you back at their expense. This makes airlines stricter than immigration officials.

Major airlines that check onward tickets:

• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Jetstar
• Singapore Airlines
• Garuda Indonesia

These carriers use the TIMATIC database, which verifies compliance with destination entry requirements automatically.

When airlines most often request proof:

• One-way inbound tickets (highest risk)
• Visa on Arrival travelers
• Extended stays (over 14 days)
• Visa-free entry from certain regions

Common check locations:

• Your departure airport check-in counter
• Denpasar International Airport (DPS) secondary checks

Immigration Checks

Bali's immigration officers at Denpasar (DPS) airport conduct secondary checks on arrival. While less strict than airlines, they verify:

• Valid Visa on Arrival documentation
• Passenger intent to leave within the permitted period
• No overstay history

Bottom line: Airlines enforce onward tickets at departure; immigration enforces them at arrival. Prepare for both.

Entry Requirements by Visa Type

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Visa on Arrival is the most popular entry method for tourists. It's obtained at Denpasar airport or online before departure.

Key facts:

• Maximum stay: 30 days (extendable to 60 days through local immigration)
• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from arrival
• Onward ticket: Required by airlines, checked frequently
• Eligible nationalities: Most Western countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)
• Cost: Approximately $35 USD at airport or online

Tourist Visa

For stays longer than 60 days, apply for a tourist visa at an Indonesian embassy or consulate before arrival.

Key facts:

• Maximum stay: 60 days
• Onward ticket: Airlines still request for one-way flights
• Processing time: 5-10 business days
• Cost: Varies by embassy ($50-100 USD)

Business and Long-Term Visas

Business visas and long-stay visas face lower onward ticket scrutiny but still require documentation.

Key facts:

• Maximum stay: Per visa terms (90 days to 1 year)
• Onward ticket: Rarely checked
• Requirements: Sponsorship letter from Indonesian company or organization

What Happens Without an Onward Ticket?

If requested at check-in and you can't provide proof:

1. Denied boarding — Most common outcome
2. Forced purchase — Expensive last-minute ticket ($300-800 USD)
3. Rebooking fees — Costs to rebook your flight
4. Immigration refusal — Rare but possible at arrival
5. Delays and stress — Extended check-in procedures

Average cost of emergency ticket: $300-800 USD

Time cost: 2-4 hours of additional processing

When Onward Tickets Are Rarely Checked

You're less likely to face scrutiny if:

• Round-trip ticket with clear return date
• Pre-approved long-term visa (business, work)
• Regional airline flights (lower TIMATIC enforcement)
• Proof of residency in another country
• Multiple previous visits showing compliance

Other Bali Entry Requirements

Proof of Funds

Immigration may request evidence you can support yourself during your stay.

Acceptable documentation:

• Bank statements showing minimum $100-500 USD
• Credit cards (major international cards)
• Cash (carry visibly if substantial amounts)
• Sponsorship letter from host in Bali

Passport Validity

Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your arrival date. This is strictly enforced—no exceptions.

Health Requirements

As of 2026, Bali has no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry. However, check current health guidance from your country's health authority before traveling.

Recommended precautions:

• Yellow fever vaccination (if traveling from endemic areas)
• Routine vaccinations up to date
• Travel insurance with medical coverage

Return or Onward Travel Proof

Airlines require proof you'll leave Indonesia within your visa period. This is the onward ticket requirement—not separate documentation.

What Travelers Report

Based on aggregated recent experiences from travel forums and nomad communities:

High Risk Finding — One-way flights face 80-90% airline checks. Round-trip bookings face scrutiny only 10-15% of the time.

Timing Finding — Peak season (June-August) sees stricter enforcement. Off-season (November-March) sees slightly lower checks, but airlines still request documentation.

Airline Finding — Full-service carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines) check uniformly. Budget carriers (Jetstar, AirAsia) have variable enforcement based on departure airport.

Bali Entry Updates for 2026

Current as of January 2026:

• Visa on Arrival remains available for eligible nationalities with no policy changes announced
• No new mandatory health requirements introduced
• TIMATIC database enforcement remains consistent across major carriers
• Denpasar (DPS) airport continues secondary onward ticket verification
• Digital documentation (PDF on phone) is widely accepted

Monitor for changes: Check Directorate General of Immigration and your airline's website regularly.

Prepare Your Documentation

Avoid last-minute stress and expensive airport purchases. Preparing proof of onward travel in advance ensures smooth check-in without locking you into fixed plans.

A professional flight itinerary provides:

• Visa-ready PDF formatted to match official airline schedules
• Cost-effective solution at a fraction of real flight prices
• Flexibility to keep your travel dates open while exploring Bali
• Peace of mind at check-in without airline arguments

Create your Bali flight itinerary in 30 seconds