Effective today, Bali’s government will no longer require international arrivals to quarantine, and travelers from 23 countries are once again eligible for VoA.
The new visa on arrival is available for passengers from Australia, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Qatar, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the Netherlands, France, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Cambodia.
Prior to the pandemic, 6.3 million tourists use to flood Bali’s beaches, with 1.23 million Australians and 1.19 million Chinese among them.
But the island’s tourism sector was nearly wiped out by the long-lasting border closure, which allowed only one international flight last year.
Under the previous rule -which is still valid for the rest of the countries- those who were not on Bali’s 23-country list had to obtain a sponsor for a visitor visa, which costs around 3.5 million rupiahs ($329).
The new visas on arrival will cost only 500,000 rupiahs ($47).
According to Komang Artana, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Hotel Manager Association, the ridiculous cost of the tourist visa has resulted in some “mafia-like” behaviors.
The reintroduction of visas on arrival and the easing of the quarantine is a game changer for the industry and the communities, said Marcel Kloet, general manager of the St Regis Bali Resort.
“We look forward to Bali once again being a favorite international tourism destination, which will mean local communities can rebuild their lives and businesses,” he said.
Under both the new and old programs visitors must produce proof of vaccination or a booster, as well as submit to PCR testing upon arrival in Bali and again on the third day of their stay if they plan to engage in some island hopping.
Visitors will only be required to stay in their accommodations until the results return negative, which is approximately 24 hours.
Insurance that covers Covid-19-related expenses for at least $100,000 will continue to be mandatory.
Since February 4, an increasing number of international flag carriers have resumed service to the island.