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What to arrange before traveling. to Bali and Lombok with kids

Before You Go: What to Arrange When Traveling to Bali or Lombok with Kids

Planning a trip to Bali or Lombok with your family?
Lucky you — these islands are magical for kids and adults alike. But before you start dreaming of palm trees and nasi goreng, there are a few things you’ll want to arrange in advance. From passports to mosquito spray: this checklist will help you feel fully prepared.

What do you need to arrange before traveling to Bali or Lombok with kids?

Traveling to Indonesia with children doesn’t require tons of paperwork — but a bit of preparation makes a huge difference. You’ll want to make sure your passports are valid, your visa and customs forms are sorted, and your accommodation is booked. Don’t forget practical things like insurance, medication, baby gear, and a working bank card — it saves a lot of stress once you arrive.

Here’s a quick overview of what we recommend sorting before your trip:

Before You Go: Your Family Travel Prep List

  • 🛂 Passports valid 6+ months
  • 📶 eSIM for internet abroad installed
  • 🛬 e-VOA arranged or VOA on arrival
  • 📲 Customs (e-CD) form submitted
  • 🏥 SATUSEHAT health pass completed
  • 🧾 Bali tourist tax paid (Bali only)
  • 🏡 First night’s accommodation booked
  • 💳 Debit + credit card ready
  • 💵 €35 / $35 cash for VOA
  • 💉 Check vaccination requirements
  • 🛡️ Travel insurance for whole family
  • 🚐 Airport pickup booked in advance
  • 🧴 Baby meds & sunscreen packed
  • 💺 Request bassinet or bulkhead seat

Tried & Tested: How We Prep for Indonesia Trips with Kids

We’ve been to Indonesia many times — with our kids and long before we had them. Over the years, this has become our go-to checklist. It’s the list we always run through before we fly. Simple, practical, and based on real experience.

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What Else Should You Prepare Before Your Trip to Indonesia with Kids?

Even though the checklist gives you the essentials, here’s a bit more context on the most important things to prepare — especially when you’re flying to Bali or Lombok with babies or toddlers.

1. Passports, Visa & Customs

🛂 Passport

Your passports must be valid for at least six months.

🛬 Visa on Arrival (VOA)

You can apply for your VOA online at the official Indonesian immigration site: evisa.imigrasi.go.id, or get your visa upon arrival in Bali or Lombok. The fee is IDR 500,000 (around €35 or $35), payable by card or cash.

📲 Customs Declaration (e-CD)

Complete the customs declaration online within 72 hours before your flight at ecd.beacukai.go.id. You will receive a QR code to present upon arrival.

💻 SATUSEHAT Health Pass

All travelers, including children, must fill in the SATUSEHAT Health Pass online 48–72 hours before departure at satusehat.kemkes.go.id. This generates a QR code that may be scanned upon arrival. Although checks are rarely enforced in Bali, the form is still officially required.

🧾 Bali Tourist Tax

A local tourism tax of IDR 150,000 (~$9) applies if you fly into Bali. It can be paid online via the official Love Bali website or app at lovebali.baliprov.go.id, or upon arrival. This tax does not apply to Lombok or other islands.

2. Vaccinations & Medication

Before your trip, it’s important to check your children’s vaccinations with a healthcare professional, travel clinic, or your local health authority. They can advise which vaccines are recommended or required depending on the destination and your travel plans.

Bring any essential medications for your kids, such as fever reducers (e.g., children’s paracetamol), oral rehydration salts (ORS), allergy medicine, and mosquito repellent safe for children (containing DEET or Picaridin in recommended percentages).

Always pack a basic first-aid kit tailored to your family’s needs, and consult your doctor if your child requires any special medication.

3. Accommodation, Money & Insurance for Traveling Families

Traveling with kids becomes much smoother when you get these basics sorted ahead of time. These are the things we always tick off before departure — and it saves so much hassle upon arrival.

🏡 Book Your First Night in Advance

After a long flight, you don’t want to be scrambling to find a place to stay. Booking at least your first night ahead of time ensures peace of mind and smoother immigration checks.

💳 Prepare Your Debit & Credit Cards

Make sure your debit card is set for worldwide use, and bring a credit card as backup. Some ATMs or shops may not accept certain cards, so having both options is smart.

💵 Bring Some Cash for Visa & Small Expenses

Although Visa on Arrival can be paid by card (or upfront online), we always carry around €50/$50 in Indonesian rupiah or euros/dollars — handy for airport snacks, tips, or emergencies.

🛡️ Get Travel Insurance That Covers Kids

Check that your travel insurance includes coverage for children, hospital visits, and trip delays. Keep digital and paper copies with you just in case.

4. Flight & Arrival: Easy Transfers and Comfort Tips for Families

A relaxed arrival starts at the airport. These preparations ensure a safe transfer and a more comfortable flight — especially with babies or toddlers.

📶 eSIM for internet abroad installed

We personally use and recommend Airalo eSIMs whenever we travel with our kids. It’s super easy to install and saves the hassle of buying local SIM cards at the airport. You’re online the moment you land. New customers get an extra 15% off when using our link:

🚐 Pre-Book Airport Transfer with a Child Seat

Don’t rely on taxis having child seats. 👉 Book your airport transfer in advance through a trusted service that provides one — it’s safer and saves time.

🧴 Pack Baby Medications & Sunscreen

We always bring fever medicine, allergy meds, and a small first-aid kit for the kids. Don’t forget child-safe sunscreen — it’s often hard to find locally or expensive.

💺 Request a Bassinet or Bulkhead Seat

Flying with a baby? Ask your airline for a bassinet seat when booking. Bulkhead seats — the rows right behind a wall or partition — offer extra legroom and space for bassinets. Perfect for long flights!

Getting ready to go to Bali with kids

Final Thoughts: Ready for Your Family Adventure to Bali & Lombok?

Getting these essential preparations done before you fly makes a world of difference when traveling with kids. From passports and visas to travel insurance and comfy flights — ticking off this checklist means you can focus on the fun once you land.

Whether it’s your first family trip to Bali or Lombok, or you’re a seasoned traveler like us, planning ahead keeps stress low and adventure high.

👉 Planning your trip? Don’t miss these helpful guides:

📥 Looking for extras? Download our free 👉 3-week Bali & Lombok itinerary to keep little ones entertained — or check out our 👉 Family Travel Shop for journals and more fun printables.

📌 Save this guide to Pinterest & follow us for weekly family travel ideas.
📸 Say hi on Instagram — we love sharing real tips and behind-the-scenes from our adventures with kids!

Happy exploring! 🌿
— The Little Passport Crew

FAQ: Traveling to Bali & Lombok with Kids: Your Top Questions Answered

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