
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
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.
Affiliate Disclosure
We only recommend spots and stuff we’ve actually tried or would happily use ourselves. Some links are affiliate links — if you book or buy through them, we might earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep sharing family travel tips!
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!

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:
- 3-Week Bali & Lombok Itinerary With Kids
- Lombok with Kids: Baby, Toddler & Family Travel Tips
- Top 10 Things To Do in Bali With Kids
- Traveling between Bali and Lombok
- Is Bali a Good Destination With Kids?
- 5 Essentials to Pack Your Carry-On
- Bali with kids
📥 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
👧🏻 Do my kids need a visa for Bali or Lombok?
Most tourists can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 30 days, which is extendable. Check current regulations before you travel, as rules can change.
📲 Can I apply for a visa online in advance?
Yes, Indonesia offers an e-visa option via the official website evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Applying online can save time at the airport.
🚙 Should I pre-book airport transfers with kids?
Yes, especially if you need a child seat. Pre-booking saves time and ensures a safer ride.
🧾 Is there a mandatory health or customs form before arrival?
Travelers must complete the electronic customs declaration (e-CD) and a health pass form, especially due to MPOX regulations. These forms are usually submitted online before your flight.
👨🏻💼 Is travel insurance necessary for kids?
Absolutely. Make sure your policy covers children’s medical care, hospital visits, and trip cancellations or delays.
💰 How much cash should I bring for the visa on arrival?
The visa fee is about €35 / $35, but many places accept card payments now. Still, it’s wise to carry some cash for small expenses and emergencies.
This post is also available in:
Nederlands