Bali is open for weddings again - time to start planning
Bali tourist visa, As of March 7th 2022, tourists can now fly to Bali! The Indonesian Visa-on-arrival (VOA) has been reintroduced for the first time in two years since the start of the pandemic. We know these are the words many of you have been waiting to hear for almost two years.
So many Bali weddings were cancelled or postponed, and we’re just so happy to be feeling all the love from engaged couples again, helping them to plan their dream Bali wedding.
As for the logistics of flying into Bali for your wedding (or wedding planning holiday!), here is everything you need to know about the latest visa changes that are valid from March 7th 2022…
Indonesia is now allowing international travellers arriving into Bali to purchase a visa on arrival (VOA) at the airport on arrival, and also to skip quarantine requirements.
Of course there’s a catch (or two) – the VOA is not available to everyone, for now at least. You must be a citizen of one of these 23 countries – Australia, the US, Netherlands, Brunei, Philippines, the UK, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, France, Qatar, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
To qualify for the VOA and quarantine-free entry, travellers must also be fully vaccinated (that’s two or three doses), be holding health insurance that covers Covid-19, and also be holding a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 48 hours before the time of departure.
Although it is likely to change, at this stage the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, said in a statement released yesterday that travellers “Will be tested again upon arrival on the island, with those positive for the virus required to isolate in a hotel or hospital until a follow-up swab on the third day”.
Travellers also need to have a confirmed booking in a ‘CHSE’ certified hotel for at least three consecutive nights. (CHSE stands for Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability and this can be confirmed with the accommodation prior to booking – they should be able to show you a certificate).
Here is a current list of CHSE Certified Hotels in Bali.
Any hotel with either “Benoa” or “Nusa Dua” in the title are the most convenient if you’d like to finish your light isolation period with a food tasting at our incredible wedding catering partners Vivre Catering. One of our absolutely favourite wedding venues, Taman Bhagawan is also nearby if you’d like to check it out. The ocean-view photo locations at this venue are simply breathtaking.
Not on the list of countries permitted to purchase at VOA?
That’s ok, you’re still able to travel to Bali, but you’ll be subject to further restrictions, including having to undergo a minimum three days of hotel quarantine, swab tests and obtaining a visa through an agency prior to departure.
The new VOA will set you back Rp. 500,000 which is just under $50 Australian dollars and is valid for 30 days (with the possibility to extend this for 30 days with an additional fee). Perfect for those planning an extended honeymoon in Indonesia.
Before flying you’ll need to fill out both the online customs declaration form and download the PenduliLindungi app to fill out the e-HAC form.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the pre-pandemic entry requirements are still in place – you’ll need 6 months validity on your passport and must be holding a return ticket to your country of origin.
Don’t forget, as we now know from experience – these rules can change at any time so if you’re planning to bring a large group of guests to Bali for your dream wedding, you’ll want to double check all official requirements in advance to keep your guests up to date (top notch travel insurance is highly recommended too!).
It’s the perfect time to book your dream wedding in Bali, venues are ready and waiting and the Island is full of amazing deals. Talk to one of our Wedding Planners today to start planning your dream Bali wedding.
