Indian Tourists in Bali: Embassy Issues Key Travel Warnings and Safety Tips

Indian travellers heading to Bali should double-check all entry requirements well before boarding their flight. Indonesian immigration is known to be strict, and even minor passport damage, like a water-stained page or a small tear, can lead to denied entry.

To help avoid such issues and ensure a safer, smoother trip, the Indian Consulate in Bali on Tuesday released a set of travel guidelines. From visa tips to local transport rules, here’s a practical breakdown every Indian tourist should read before landing on the island.

Guidance for Indian Tourists Visiting Bali

Here are 12 important travel tips from the Indian Consulate in Bali to help Indian tourists stay safe, prepared, and hassle-free during their trip.

1. Passport Validity and Condition Matter A Lot

Don’t cut it close. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Indonesia. Anything less, and you risk being denied entry.

Also, Indonesian authorities can deny entry if your passport is damaged. Yes, even for minor water damage, rips, or tears. Make sure your document is in perfect shape before you travel.

2. Save Time at Bali Airport: Do These Before You Fly

While Indians can get a visa on arrival, it’s smarter to apply for an e-visa in advance. Also, fill out the customs declaration and pay your tourist levy online to skip the long lines.

Here are the essential links:

Doing this ahead of time will shave off a good chunk of wait time when you land.

3. Watch Out for Street Crime in Tourist Hotspots

Areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Jimbaran have seen incidents of mobile phone and gold chain snatching, especially from motorbikes. ATM card skimming is also a risk.

• Be alert while walking or riding scooters.
• Women travelling solo are advised to stay extra cautious.

4. Use Bank Branch ATMs, Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking

If you need cash, withdraw from bank branch ATMs instead of standalone machines. And steer clear of public Wi-Fi when logging into banking apps or entering personal information.

5. Indian Driving Licenses Aren’t Valid in Bali

Planning to rent a scooter or bike? You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). An Indian driving license won’t cut it, and if you’re involved in an accident, you could run into legal and insurance issues.

6. Renting a Vehicle? Check for Insurance First

Whether it’s a scooter, car, ATV, or jet-ski, make sure it’s insured for both damage and third-party liability. Most rental vehicles in Bali, especially for water sports, aren’t covered.

• If there’s an accident, you’ll be held liable, including for damage to others.

7. Drowning Incidents Involving Indians Are On the Rise

Sadly, there have been multiple cases of Indian tourists drowning in hotel pools or at sea. Never leave kids unattended near water, and make sure there’s a lifeguard on duty when swimming.

8. Be Smart About Adventure Sports and Trekking

Planning to go hiking, snorkelling, or ride an ATV? Take these precautions:

• Use licensed guides; they’re mandatory on many mountain trails.
• Carry overseas medical insurance and a local mobile phone.
• Don’t hike or climb alone.
• Some trails are poorly marked, and emergency response may be slow due to high tourist volume.

9. Ferry and Boat Travel: Stick to Government-Approved Ports

Boat accidents are not uncommon. Some vessels don’t have enough life jackets, so bring your own if possible. Only board from official ports like:

• Sanur
• Serangan
• Benoa
• Tanjung Benoa
• Kedonganan

Avoid boarding from unofficial locations; these boats aren’t tracked, and rescue delays are common during emergencies or bad weather.

10. Medical Costs in Bali Are High, Buy Travel Insurance

Bali doesn’t come cheap when it comes to medical care. Buy travel health insurance before your trip to avoid major expenses in case you fall sick or get injured.

11. Book Only with Trusted Tour Operators

If you’re travelling with a tour group, make sure they’re reputable and well-established. This is especially important if you’re booking taxis or sightseeing tours through them.

12. Avoid Unofficial Taxis, Stick to Trusted Apps

Only use licensed metered taxis, hotel taxi desks, or trusted ride-hailing apps. Avoid random taxi offers, especially at the airport or terminals.

Unregistered taxis have been linked to serious crimes like:

• Theft of left-behind items
• Harassment or assault
• Other forms of mistreatment

Final Word

Bali is beautiful, but the small stuff matters, like visa paperwork, insurance, and who you hire for transport. Follow these tips from the Indian Embassy, and you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday without the hassle.