Yes, Bali remains safe for tourists in 2026. The island is thousands of kilometres from the Middle East conflict zone, and daily life — from temple ceremonies in Ubud to surf breaks in Canggu — continues uninterrupted. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are all operating normally.
Following the US-Iran ceasefire announced on 8 April 2026, the biggest concern for travellers is no longer safety on the ground in Bali but whether flights are resuming to normal. Gulf carrier routes connecting Asia with Europe and the Middle East were heavily disrupted by airspace closures during the conflict. With the ceasefire in place, flights are gradually resuming, though full recovery will take weeks.
What Do Government Travel Advisories Say
The U.S. State Department rates Indonesia at Level 2 — “Exercise Increased Caution” due to terrorism and natural disasters. This is the same level as France, the UK, Germany, and dozens of other popular destinations. The advisory does not single out Bali for any specific warning.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) highlights security concerns in Papua provinces — particularly Central Papua and Highland Papua, where armed clashes occur — and advises against all travel to specific volcanic exclusion zones. These regions are on the opposite end of the Indonesian archipelago, over 3,000 km from Bali.
Australia’s Smartraveller advises visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks, with higher advice levels applying in some areas. That is not a Bali-specific warning.
No major government has issued a warning against travel to Bali specifically.
How the Ceasefire Changes Bali Travel
The US-Iran conflict that began on 28 February 2026 led to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, parts of Saudi Arabia, and Gulf states, causing widespread flight cancellations on routes transiting through the region. The two-week ceasefire announced on 8 April has begun to ease this pressure, with some airspaces reopening and airlines expanding their schedules. However, the recovery is uneven and the ceasefire’s durability remains uncertain.
For Bali-bound travellers, this means Gulf carrier routes are gradually resuming but not yet back to full capacity. If your route doesn’t transit through Gulf airspace, you’re largely unaffected.
Current Status of Gulf Carriers to Bali
| Airline | Status | Rebooking Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Operating a reduced but expanding schedule to 125 destinations from Dubai, including Bali | Free rebooking or refund for travel through 31 May 2026; rebook by 15 June |
| Etihad | Limited schedule from Abu Dhabi, steadily expanding with Bali among resumed routes | Free rebooking for travel through 15 April; rebook by 15 June. No-change-fee bookings from 6 March onward |
| Qatar Airways | Revised limited schedule from Doha, targeting 120+ destinations by mid-June | Free rebooking for travel through 15 June 2026; rebook by 31 October |
Schedules are changing frequently as the ceasefire takes hold. Always check your airline’s website directly before travelling, or use the Wego flight tracker to monitor real-time status.
Routes That Bypass the Disruption
If you’re flying to Bali from Southeast Asia, East Asia, or Australia, the Middle East airspace situation has minimal impact on your journey. Direct or one-stop options that remain safe to travel on include:
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore
- Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur
- Qantas and Jetstar direct from Australian cities
- Garuda Indonesia from multiple Asian hubs
- Air India direct from Delhi (connecting flights available from Mumbai)
Search for flights to Bali on Wego to compare all available routes and prices.
What to Do If Your Bali Flight Is Cancelled
Even with flights resuming after the ceasefire, cancellations and schedule changes are still possible while airlines rebuild their networks. Here’s what to know if you’re affected.
Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT)
The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration issued Circular Letter No. IMI-GR.01.01-133 on 1 March 2026, authorising Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) for tourists stranded by flight cancellations. Key details:
- Validity: Up to 30 days, extendable for another 30 days if disruptions continue
- Cost: Free — no overstay fines for documented cancellations
- Where to apply: Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Jimbaran or Denpasar Immigration Office on Jl. D.I. Panjaitan, Renon, Denpasar
- What you need: Passport, airline cancellation letter, and proof of the cancelled ticket
- Processing time: Typically same-day
Thousands of travellers have already used this scheme. A dedicated helpdesk on the second floor of Ngurah Rai’s International Departure Terminal is staffed to assist affected visitors.
Rebooking and Refund Tips
All three major Gulf carriers have extended their rebooking waivers well beyond the ceasefire period (see the table above for specific dates). If your airline can’t rebook you within a reasonable timeframe, consider these options:
- Alternative routing: Book a separate flight through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok to bypass Gulf airspace entirely
- Travel insurance claim: File immediately — most comprehensive policies cover flight cancellations due to conflict-related airspace closures
- Credit card protection: Check if your card offers trip disruption coverage
Everyday Safety in Bali: What Tourists Should Know
Setting aside the geopolitical situation, Bali is one of the safest tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Violent crime against foreign visitors is extremely rare. The real risks are the mundane ones — scooter accidents, petty theft, and the occasional scam.
Petty Theft and Scams
Theft and fraud account for the majority of crimes reported by tourists in Bali. The most common incident is phone snatching — two people on a scooter grab your phone as they pass. This happens most in busy areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta.
To protect yourself: keep your phone in a zipped pocket or bag when walking near roads, don’t use it while standing on the kerb, and avoid dangling bags on the traffic side.
Common Scams to Watch For
- Money exchange scams: Use ATMs or licensed exchange counters — avoid street changers who use sleight-of-hand tricks
- Inflated taxi meters: Use ride-hailing apps (Grab or GoJek) or agree on a fare before getting in
- Fake beach entrance fees: Public beaches are free — don’t pay anyone claiming otherwise
- Overpriced parking: Tourist areas sometimes charge inflated parking fees; ask your hotel what normal rates are
Family-friendly areas like Sanur and Nusa Dua have fewer reports of petty crime than the busier nightlife hubs.
Health Risks
Dengue fever is present year-round and spikes during the rainy season (November–March). Use DEET-based repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Wear long sleeves when possible.
Rabies is active in Bali. Avoid touching stray dogs, cats, and — crucially — the monkeys at temple sites. If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately — rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but fully treatable with prompt post-exposure treatment.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice at hotels and established restaurants is usually fine; avoid ice from street vendors.
The U.S. CDC recommends Hepatitis A for unvaccinated travellers to Indonesia, and typhoid for most travellers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Natural Disaster Awareness
Bali sits on Indonesia’s Ring of Fire. Minor earthquakes are common, and Mount Agung and Mount Batur are both active volcanoes, though neither is currently at elevated alert levels.
Indonesia has strong disaster monitoring systems, early warning networks, and established evacuation routes. Hotels and resorts conduct regular safety drills. The risk is real but well-managed — similar to living in earthquake-prone areas like Japan or California.
Entry Requirements and Practical Tips for Bali in 2026
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Citizens of 97 countries — including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, the UK, and most of Europe — can get a Visa on Arrival at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. You can also apply online for an e-VoA before you fly.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | IDR 500,000 (~USD 35) |
| Validity | 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days (additional IDR 500,000) |
| Passport requirement | Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival |
| Apply online | evisa.imigrasi.go.id |
Arrival Card and Pre-Arrival Forms
Before arriving in Indonesia, travellers must submit an arrival card within 3 days before arrival. Eligible travellers can also apply for an e-VoA online before departure, allowing key entry steps to be completed in advance.
Indonesia’s All Indonesia platform streamlines arrival processing by integrating immigration, customs, health, and quarantine declarations into one digital flow. International arrivals must also complete the required electronic customs declaration through that system.
Bali Tourist Levy
All international visitors to Bali must pay a IDR 150,000 (~USD 10) tourist levy, separate from the visa fee. Pay online before you fly via the official Love Bali website or app — it takes two minutes and saves queuing at the airport.
Payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and QRIS. You’ll receive a QR code voucher by email. You can also pay at counters at Ngurah Rai Airport on arrival, but the online option is faster.
Travel Insurance
With the ceasefire still in its early days and the situation potentially shifting, comprehensive travel insurance remains essential for any Bali trip. Make sure your policy explicitly covers:
- Flight cancellations and delays due to geopolitical events or airspace closures
- Medical evacuation (Bali’s hospitals are limited compared to Singapore or Australia)
- Trip interruption and additional accommodation costs
Read the fine print — some basic policies exclude “acts of war” or geopolitical disruption. Upgrade to a policy that covers these scenarios.
Medications Warning
Indonesia has strict drug laws. Some medications that are legal in your home country — including certain ADHD medications and all cannabis-based products — are illegal in Indonesia, even with a valid prescription. Penalties include arrest and imprisonment. Check with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your country’s embassy before travelling with any prescription medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bali safe to travel to after the US-Iran ceasefire?
Yes. Bali is over 8,000 km from the conflict zone and was never directly affected. The ceasefire has further eased the situation by allowing flights to resume on Gulf carrier routes. Ground safety, tourism operations, and daily life in Bali are completely unaffected by the geopolitical situation.
Can I still fly to Bali from Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Emirates is operating Bali–Dubai flights on a reduced but expanding schedule. Etihad has also resumed Bali services from Abu Dhabi. Check your airline directly before booking, as schedules continue to change as flights resume.
What happens if my flight to Bali is cancelled while I’m there?
Indonesia is issuing free Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) valid for 30 days, with zero overstay fines. Apply at Ngurah Rai Immigration Office with your passport, airline cancellation letter, and proof of the cancelled ticket. Processing is typically same-day.
Are Gulf airlines offering free rebooking for Bali flights?
Yes. Emirates covers travel through 31 May 2026 (rebook by 15 June). Etihad covers travel through 15 April (rebook by 15 June). Qatar Airways covers travel through 15 June (rebook by 31 October 2026). All three are offering refunds as an alternative.
Do I need a visa to visit Bali?
Citizens of 97 countries can get a Visa on Arrival (IDR 500,000, ~USD 35) for up to 30 days, extendable once. You can also apply online for an e-VoA at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before you fly.
Is Bali safe from earthquakes and volcanoes?
Bali experiences minor earthquakes regularly and has two active volcanoes (Agung and Batur), but Indonesia has robust monitoring and early warning systems. Neither volcano is currently at elevated alert. The risk is comparable to other Ring of Fire destinations like Japan.
Sources
- U.S. State Department — Indonesia Travel Advisory
- UK FCDO — Indonesia Safety and Security
- Australian Government Smartraveller — Indonesia
- Emirates Travel Updates
- Etihad Airways — Resume Limited Flight Schedule
- Qatar Airways Travel Alerts
- Lets Move Indonesia — Emergency Immigration Relief
- Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration — e-Visa Portal
- Bali Provincial Government — Love Bali Tourist Levy Portal
- U.S. CDC — Indonesia Traveler Health
- Al Jazeera — US-Iran Ceasefire Deal: Terms and What’s Next
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
