Travelling to Bali with Kids: Official 2026 Visa & Entry Protocol
Official Entry Guidelines
Updated August 2026
Arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and discovering you have incomplete documentation for your children can result in denied boarding or hours of delays. This 2026 compliance guide outlines the exact legal requirements for travelling to Indonesia with minors.
2026 Crucial Update: Autogate Restrictions for Children
While securing an e-VOA allows adults to use the fast-track biometric Autogates, children under 14 years old are generally restricted from using the scanners due to height limitations and strict facial recognition protocols for minors.
How this affects you:
- Families with young children holding e-VOAs must proceed to the manual immigration counters (often there is a dedicated family lane).
- Why the e-VOA is still vital: Even though you use the manual counter, having the e-VOA means you completely skip the massive queue to purchase the visa on arrival, saving you 1-2 hours of standing with exhausted kids.
1. The Golden Rule: 1 Passport = 1 Visa (No Exceptions)
The most common misconception among parents is that children can be "attached" to a parent's visa or that babies fly free of immigration rules. This is false.
- Newborns & Infants: Every single traveler, regardless of age, must possess their own valid passport and their own approved e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival).
- Full Pricing: The Indonesian government does not offer child discounts for entry visas. The e-VOA fee (IDR 500,000) is a flat rate for everyone.
- Process: You must submit a separate online application for each child using their specific passport details and photograph.
2. Solo Parents & Different Surnames Protocol
To combat international child abduction, airlines and Indonesian border control are extremely vigilant when a child is not travelling with both parents sharing the same surname.
Travelling as a Single Parent?
You must carry a Notarized Letter of Consent signed by the non-travelling parent. Without this, airlines have the legal right to deny you boarding at your departure airport.
Different Surnames?
If a mother's passport surname differs from the child's (due to maiden names or remarriage), you must carry the child's original Birth Certificate (or a certified copy) to explicitly prove maternity.
3. Mandatory Family Document Checklist
Before leaving for the airport, ensure the "Family File" contains the following for each member:
| Passports | Must have exactly 6 months validity from arrival date. No exceptions for infants. |
| Approved e-VOAs | Digital or printed copy of the e-VOA barcode for every individual child and adult. |
| Customs (e-CD) | One per family: Only the head of the family needs to fill out the Electronic Customs Declaration. It generates one QR code for the whole group. |
| Bali Tourist Levy | Per person: The IDR 150,000 tax applies to babies as well. Pay via Love Bali app before flying. |
4. Paediatric Health & Emergency Protocol
Bali is generally safe for families, but preparation is key. Always travel with comprehensive family travel insurance.
Recommended Paediatric Care
BIMC Hospital Kuta: International standards, 24/7 ER, and excellent paediatric specialists.
Siloam Hospitals Denpasar: Modern facility with a dedicated children's ward.
Bali Belly (Gastroenteritis)
Strictly prohibit children from drinking tap water or swallowing shower water. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Carry paediatric oral rehydration salts.
Family Travel FAQ
Yes. Every individual traveler, including newborns and infants, must hold their own valid passport and have their own approved e-VOA. There is no concept of a "family visa".
Children under the age of 14 are generally restricted from using the biometric Autogates due to height and facial recognition limitations. Families will be directed to the manual immigration counters, but holding the e-VOA still allows you to bypass the long visa payment queues.
No. The official Indonesian government fee (IDR 500,000) is a flat rate for all foreign nationals, regardless of age.