I flew to Bali with a Nigerian passport, and while getting the visa sorted was probably the most expensive part of the trip, I was pleasantly surprised by how uncomplicated the actual process was.
If Bali has been on your list, here’s everything you need to know before planning your first trip.
If you’re already thinking about where to base yourself, you can compare stays in Bali on Booking.com and tours on GetYourGuide as you plan.
A tiered temple shrine on a lake, with the morning haze still on the hills.
Nigerians need a Calling Visa
Nigerian passport holders require a visa before travelling to Indonesia. Nigeria is on the country’s Calling Visa list, which means additional immigration clearance is required.
You’ll generally need an Indonesian sponsor or guarantor, which is why most Nigerians apply through visa agents.
Budget approximately ₦600,000 to ₦750,000 based on agent quotations, although prices vary and this isn’t the official government fee. It’s worth getting more than one quote.
The documents I was asked to provide were fairly straightforward:
International passport data page
Recent passport photograph
Return flight reservation
Additional documents, including proof of funds, may be required depending on your application.
If you need a temporary flight reservation, a dummy ticket from a service such as DummyTickets.com is one option, provided your agent accepts verifiable reservations.
Visa validity: My visa was valid for entry within three months of issuance, allowed a stay of up to 60 days and was single-entry. Always confirm the conditions on your own visa.
Apply early and verify your agent before making payments. Our guide to common visa application mistakes is a useful read before you submit anything.
Flights from Nigeria to Bali
I flew with Etihad Airways, but Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines are also worth comparing.
Breakfast on board Etihad.
There are no regular direct flights from Lagos to Bali, so expect at least one connection. Total travel time is typically around 20 to 30 hours or longer, depending on your route.
For a return economy ticket, I’d budget approximately ₦2 million to ₦2.3 million, although fares fluctuate.
A few tips:
Compare total journey times and baggage allowances, not just prices.
Check airline stopover programmes if you’d like to explore your connecting city.
Confirm transit visa requirements, especially for self-transfer itineraries.
Join your airline’s loyalty programme to earn miles.
Arrival requirements and immigration
Before travelling, complete Indonesia’s free All Indonesia arrival declaration within 72 hours before you arrive.
It combines your immigration, customs and health information into one form, and you’ll receive a QR code after submitting. Complete it at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id, and only there, because any site that charges for it isn’t the official one.
Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport also has electronic immigration gates. I was able to use them with my approved electronic visa, making arrival incredibly straightforward. Eligible travellers include e-visa holders with a biometric passport, and you’ll need your arrival QR code.
The departure hall at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Eligibility varies, so keep your passport, visa approval, arrival declaration and return ticket accessible.
Money matters: cards, cash and currency exchange
One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was how easy it was to make payments in Bali.
My GTBank naira card worked in most places, so I used it for much of my spending.
I also travelled with US dollars, which I exchanged for Indonesian rupiah (IDR) as needed. Money changers are widely available in popular areas like Ubud, Seminyak and Canggu.
A few things worth knowing:
Confirm your Nigerian card’s international spending limits before travelling.
Carry some US dollars and keep smaller amounts of rupiah for local markets, food stalls and cash-only businesses.
Use reputable money changers, compare rates and count your cash.
When paying by card, choose to be charged in IDR rather than accepting the terminal’s currency conversion.
Between my GTBank card and the cash I brought along, paying for things was surprisingly easy.
Getting around Bali and staying connected
Download Grab and Gojek for ride-hailing and everyday transportation. For longer distances or day trips, hiring a private driver can be more convenient.
A paper tourist map in the back of a taxi.
Bali’s traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time when moving between different parts of the island.
For mobile data, you can purchase a local SIM or arrange an eSIM before departure. Telkomsel is worth considering, particularly if you’re exploring beyond the main tourist areas.
I’d also recommend arranging your airport transfer in advance, especially after such a long journey.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali has two main seasons:
Dry season (April to October): Generally better for outdoor activities, beaches and exploring. May, June and September are particularly good months to consider.
Wet season (November to March): Expect higher humidity and more frequent rainfall, although it doesn’t necessarily rain all day.
July and August are particularly busy, so accommodation and flights can be more expensive.
Dry-season mornings are the ones to surf.
A few things to sort out before travelling
Passport: At least six months’ validity remaining.
Yellow fever certificate: Indonesia asks for proof of vaccination from travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever, and Nigeria is one of them. Carry your valid certificate and check the requirements for your route.
Bali tourist levy: Foreign visitors pay a Rp 150,000 per person levy, cashless. You can pay online through Love Bali before you land, and you’ll get a QR voucher by email. It’s separate from the All Indonesia declaration.
Travel insurance: Get coverage for medical emergencies and planned activities.
Return ticket: Keep your booking confirmation accessible.
Accommodation: Save your first hotel’s address and contact details. You can compare stays on Booking.com if you haven’t booked yet.
Power adapter: Indonesia uses Type C and F sockets.
Where we based ourselves between trips out.
Is Bali worth visiting on a Nigerian passport?
Absolutely.
The visa process is probably the biggest hurdle, but once that’s sorted, travelling to Bali can be surprisingly straightforward.
I’ve travelled to quite a few countries, and Bali was easily one of the smoother immigration experiences I’ve had. Between the convenient card payments, accessible transport and relatively simple arrival process, I found it an easy destination to navigate.
It’s not the cheapest place to get to from Nigeria, but I wouldn’t let the visa process put you off.
And there’s so much more to Bali than the familiar spots that dominate social media. I’ll be sharing a separate guide on where to go, how to plan your route and what I think is actually worth experiencing.
Sunrise over Mount Batur, away from the busier south.
If you’d like an easier first visa before Bali, our guide to easy visas for Nigerians is a good place to start.
Planning your first trip to Bali? Book a consultation with Faraway for help putting your trip together.
Happy travels!
