Is It Safe to Travel to Bali? 2026 Safety Guide
Everything you need to know about travel documents for Bali in 2026
Where
Is it safe to travel to Bali in 2026? Yes, for most travelers, Bali remains a safe destination, with the US State Department currently rating Indonesia as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Pickpocketing and minor scams are the most common issues, while violent crime is rare in tourist zones.
Is It Safe to Travel to Bali? 2026 Reality Check
Is it safe to travel to Bali right now? The short answer is yes, Bali is generally safe for tourists in 2026, with most visits going smoothly, especially in main resort areas. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind: Indonesia's overall advisory is Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) from the US State Department, and that mostly covers petty crime and occasional natural events rather than violent incidents. The trick is to stick to well-trafficked neighborhoods, use common sense, and avoid late-night solo walks in unfamiliar areas. I booked my last trip with Travorio and found the whole process surprisingly straightforward, including paying with crypto.
Over the past decade, Bali has gotten better at keeping tourists safe, and most local businesses are genuinely invested in good experiences. Still, you should be aware of common scams, know the safe zones, and have a backup plan for medical issues, Denpasar’s BIMC Hospital is well-equipped, for instance. If you’re weighing a Bali trip, start by checking official advisories, pack some mosquito repellent, and double-check hotel reviews. You can always search flights on Travorio to see what your options are.
Current Travel Advisory for Bali
As of early 2026, the US State Department keeps Indonesia, including Bali, at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This isn’t a red flag, but it does mean you should pay attention to pickpocketing, bag snatching, and some scams, mostly in tourist-heavy spots like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. The advisory hasn’t changed much since 2024, except during the 2025 Mount Agung activity, when there was a brief ‘Reconsider Travel’ update for areas within 4 km of the volcano. The rest of Bali was unaffected and flights continued from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) as usual.
UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) echoes the US, advising 'general caution' and highlighting the same petty crime risks. Canada’s Government of Canada travel advisory also lists Indonesia as 'Exercise a high degree of caution.' None of these advisories recommend avoiding Bali entirely. Instead, they suggest keeping your passport secure, not flashing valuables, and taking extra care after dark in nightlife neighborhoods.
Most insurance companies use these advisories when determining coverage, so a Level 2 means your policy will still be valid for most claims, unless you’re trekking up Mount Agung during an eruption warning. The last time Bali was anywhere near a Level 3 or 4 advisory was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and before that, in 2017 during Mount Agung’s major eruption. Right now, standard risks apply, nothing out of the ordinary for a Southeast Asian destination.
If you want real-time updates, both the US STEP Program and the UK FCDO SMS alert service are worth signing up for. And no, you won’t be stopped at the airport unless there’s a government-mandated closure, which hasn’t happened since 2020. Most travelers in 2026 are reporting smooth entries and exits.
Safest Areas in Bali
Seminyak, Sanur, and Nusa Dua top the list for the safest neighborhoods in Bali. Seminyak, about 30 minutes from the airport, is known for its upscale resorts like The Legian Bali and Double-Six Luxury Hotel, and it’s patrolled by both police and private security from major hotels. Most streets are well-lit, and you’ll see CCTV signs everywhere. Sanur caters more to families and mature travelers, think beach walks at sunrise, low-key bars, and a steady police presence. Nusa Dua is built around five-star resorts such as The Mulia and Sofitel Bali, and has private guards at every entrance. It’s rare to hear about issues beyond a misplaced phone or a lost wallet here.
Ubud, in central Bali, remains safe for solo travelers, especially around Monkey Forest Road and the main market. The town is full of yoga studios, vegan cafes (try Clear Cafe or Alchemy), and boutique hotels like Komaneka at Bisma. Even late at night, you’ll spot other tourists walking around. The only thing to watch for in Ubud is monkey theft, don’t carry snacks or sunglasses in hand at the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Canggu, once a quiet surf village, is now a hotspot for remote workers and expats. Digital nomads flock to Dojo Coworking and stay at spots like The Farm Hostel. The area’s main drag (Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong) has plenty of people around, and the local banjar (village security) keeps things in check. Just be careful at some poorly lit shortcuts (known as 'gangs') at night.
Most package tour operators and reputable taxis (Blue Bird Group, Gojek) will stick to these zones. If you’re booking on Travorio, you’ll find most hotels listed in these neighborhoods. They’re well-connected: Seminyak to Ubud is about 75 minutes by Grab or Gojek, and Canggu to Sanur takes about 50 minutes, traffic permitting.
Areas to Avoid in Bali
Every guide glosses over the places tourists should avoid in Bali, but there are a few that pop up in police reports more than others. Kuta, especially the nightclub strip along Jalan Legian, is notorious for pickpockets and bag snatching after midnight. The party scene draws crowds from 9 pm to 4 am, and that’s when most incidents happen. If you’re out late, keep cash in a zipped pocket and limit how much you carry.
Some parts of Denpasar, the island’s capital, have higher petty crime rates, especially around the Ubung bus terminal and remote corners of Jalan Teuku Umar. Tourists rarely end up here unless they’re changing buses, but if you do, don’t flash electronics or wear expensive watches. The same advice goes for the back alleys near Padang Bai port, which see a spike in thefts targeting backpackers heading to the Gili Islands.
Avoid isolated stretches of Lovina Beach, particularly after dark. While the main drag is fine in the evening, the further west you go, the emptier it gets and the more likely you are to encounter unwanted attention. Karangasem and the area around Amed are beautiful but have less police presence; theft from unlocked villas has been reported here more than in the south.
During volcanic activity, keep away from the exclusion zones around Mount Agung and Mount Batur. The local government sets up roadblocks, and venturing inside can void your insurance and result in fines. For 2026, there are no current evacuations, but always check the latest advisories before planning hikes or overnight stays in those areas.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
The classic Bali taxi scam is overcharging, unofficial taxis at the airport or outside tourist clubs often refuse to use meters. Blue Bird taxis are the most reliable, but look closely: some cars have fake Blue Bird branding. Always use the official Blue Bird app or Gojek; a ride from the airport to Seminyak should cost around 160,000 IDR ($10.50 USD) in 2026. If you’re offered a flat rate that's double this, walk away.
Currency exchange scams are common in Kuta and Ubud. Money changers with too-good-to-be-true rates will distract you during the count, palming notes. Use authorized exchange booths like Central Kuta Money Exchange or stick to ATMs inside banks. If you need to count, do it slowly and don’t let anyone rush you. Some tourists have reported being shorted by as much as 400,000 IDR ($26 USD) in a single transaction.
Fake police are another problem, scammers in uniforms may stop foreigners on scooters, demanding immediate cash fines for supposed violations like not carrying an international license. Real police issue official tickets, not on-the-spot cash demands. If you’re stopped, ask to see official identification and offer to pay at the nearest police station.
Some restaurants and beach clubs add hidden 'service charges' or inflate bills, especially in touristy areas. Always check the menu for notes on tax and service fees, and double-check your bill before paying. At beach bars in Seminyak, for example, it’s normal to see a 10% tax and 7% service fee, but anything above that should be questioned.
Last, beware the classic 'temple donation' scam near popular sites like Tanah Lot, where unofficial guides demand compulsory donations. Entry fees are posted at the gate (usually 60,000 IDR per person, or $4 USD), so you never need to pay extra to anyone outside the ticket office.
Health and Emergency Tips
Don’t drink the tap water in Bali, it’s not safe, even in five-star hotels. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap (about 7,000 IDR, or $0.45 USD, for a 1.5L bottle at Indomaret). Most restaurants use filtered water for cooking and ice, but if you have a sensitive stomach, skip the ice. I never had issues at places like Cafe Organic or Sisterfields, but I avoid street-side warungs with questionable hygiene.
Vaccinations recommended for Bali include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. If you’re coming from a country with yellow fever risk, you’ll need proof of vaccination. Dengue fever is present year-round, especially after rains, so bring mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET. In 2025, there were around 1,800 dengue cases reported island-wide, but most tourists avoid trouble by using repellent and sleeping with the windows closed or under a net.
For emergencies, dial 112 for general help, 118 for ambulance, and 113 for fire. BIMC Hospital in Kuta (Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X) and Siloam Hospitals in Denpasar (Jl. Sunset Road No.818) are the top choices for foreigners. Both offer English-speaking doctors and direct billing with international insurance providers. Clinics like Ubud Medical Clinic are fine for minor issues, but anything serious should be treated in Denpasar or Kuta.
Travel insurance is essential, medical evacuations can cost over $30,000 USD. Buy a policy that covers scooter accidents, as these are the most common cause of ER visits for tourists. World Nomads and Allianz both cover Bali, but check the fine print if you’ll be surfing or scuba diving.
How to Book Your Bali Trip Safely
Booking your Bali trip with a trusted platform can save you a ton of headaches. I used Travorio for my last roundtrip from LAX to Denpasar with Singapore Airlines, and the ticket came to $982 including checked bag. Travorio lists real-time flight deals and flags any airline with recent safety issues. For hotels, I went through Travorio’s Pay Later option and split the cost for my stay at Alila Seminyak into four zero-interest payments using Sezzle.
If you want to pay with cryptocurrency, Travorio’s crypto checkout supports over 100 coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC. I tried paying for a villa deposit in Ubud with USDT, and the transaction cleared in under 10 minutes. This is especially helpful if you’re wary of credit card fraud or want extra privacy.
Always double-check hotel cancellation policies. Most reputable properties, like Hyatt Regency Sanur or Padma Resort Legian, offer free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival, especially if you book direct or through a platform like Travorio. Avoid booking via social media or WhatsApp; these are common channels for fake villa scams.
Once you’ve booked, save digital and paper copies of your confirmations, insurance, and return flight details. Uploading them to Google Drive or Dropbox means you’ll have backups if your phone gets lost or stolen. And never share your passport or credit card details via unsecured email or chat apps.
Safety Overview
Safe vs Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Yes, Bali is considered safe for tourists in 2026, with the US State Department maintaining a Level 2 advisory. Most incidents involve pickpocketing or minor scams in tourist hotspots such as Kuta and Ubud. Violent crime remains rare, and major resorts and hotels have increased security measures.
Most solo female travelers have positive experiences in Bali, especially in Seminyak, Ubud, and Sanur. It's best to avoid walking alone late at night in less crowded areas. Stick to reputable transport options like Blue Bird taxis or Gojek, and choose accommodations with good reviews and secure entrances.
Families find Bali welcoming, particularly in Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Many resorts offer kids’ clubs, lifeguards, and family-friendly activities. It's smart to supervise children at the beach and use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Going out at night is generally safe in main tourist areas like Seminyak and Sanur. Kuta’s nightclub district is safe if you stay alert, but pickpocketing increases after midnight. Use registered taxis and avoid empty streets or shortcuts after dark.
Public transport in Bali is basic but safe. Perama buses and Kura-Kura buses are the main operators and are generally reliable. For short trips, Blue Bird taxis and ride-hailing apps like Gojek are safest, always check that the driver matches your booking.
Common scams include rigged taxi fares, fake money changers, and false police fines for scooter riders. Restaurant overcharging and unofficial temple 'donations' also happen. Always use official taxis, verify exchange booths, and pay entry fees only at posted counters.
The main health risks in Bali are dengue fever (mosquito-borne), food poisoning, and dehydration. Avoid tap water, use mosquito repellent, and eat at reputable restaurants. Both BIMC Hospital in Kuta and Siloam Hospitals in Denpasar offer high-quality care.
The general emergency number in Bali is 112. For ambulance service, dial 118. For fire emergencies, call 113. Major hospitals like BIMC Kuta and Siloam Denpasar have English-speaking staff and accept international health insurance.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Bali, covering medical emergencies, lost property, and trip cancellations. Policies from World Nomads and Allianz cover scooter accidents, which are a common cause of injury for tourists.
The safest, and most comfortable, time to visit Bali is during the dry season, May to September, when rainfall and dengue risk are lower. Avoid travel during major volcanic alerts or heavy monsoon months (December-February) if possible.
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