Secrets of budget travel to Bali: how to relax and not go broke

Visa requirements at the resort have changed since the beginning of 2025. Ignoring them is not advisable. Tourists continue to arrive on the island, but acting randomly is no longer an option – Indonesian migration legislation requires clarity, timeliness, and correct documentation. The focus is on the visa to Bali for Russians, taking into account new norms, digitalization of processes, and currency exchange rates.

Current entry rules: what has changed in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, the Indonesian immigration service reviewed the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to Bali when crossing the border. For Russian citizens, access to visa on arrival remains available, but with a number of updates:

• validity period – up to 30 days;
• single extension possible only through the electronic platform;
• mandatory online registration before entry;
• payment of visa fee before departure.

Thus, the visa to Bali for Russians is still available without prior contact with the consulate, but it requires digital confirmation even before boarding the flight. In the entry rules to Bali in 2025, the emphasis has shifted towards transparency and responsibility – “on the way” processing is no longer allowed.

Visa to Bali for Russians and other foreigners

The choice of visa depends on the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay. Indonesian rules in 2025 provide flexible entry formats – from instant processing upon arrival to full preparation through electronic services. The difference lies not only in the duration but also in the renewal process, cost, and the need for intermediaries. Each type regulates a specific entry scenario and requires compliance with established procedures.

Tourist visa on arrival (VoA)

An ideal choice for a short vacation. The visa permit for Russians in this case is issued immediately after arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar). The cost is 500,000 Indonesian rupiahs (~32 US dollars or 29 euros). Payment can be made in cash or by card, and local currency is readily accepted.

The initial stay period is 30 days, with one extension allowed for an additional 30 days. All operations take place online, through the imigrasi.go.id website or the M-Paspor application.

Electronic visa to Bali for Russians (B211A)

For longer trips, electronic visa processing is provided. It is arranged before departure, through an accredited visa agent or directly on the Directorate of Immigration website. The duration is up to 60 days with the possibility of two extensions.

How to apply for a visa to Bali: instructions for Russians

The application system has become more digital, so obtaining a visa is not about queues but about sequence.

The process of obtaining VoA:

1. Online registration at molina.imigrasi.go.id (48 hours before the flight).
2. Payment of the visa fee equivalent to 500,000 rupiahs.
3. Saving the confirmation QR code.
4. Presenting it at the border crossing.
5. Receiving the stamp in the passport at the VOA counter at the airport.

In addition, in 2025, the option of paying with cryptocurrency through partner services was introduced. However, the Indonesian side does not guarantee support for all formats.

Document requirements for tourists

In 2025, Bali’s border control has intensified the emphasis on accuracy and completeness of data. The border service verifies every detail, eliminating the possibility of improvisation or document substitution.

When applying for a visa to Indonesia in 2025, the standard package remains mandatory:

• passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months;
• return ticket (or reservation);
• proof of payment of the visa fee;
• QR code of pre-registration.

Documents for a visa to Bali are strictly checked – even the absence of one item can delay entry. Checks are carried out upon arrival, at the passport control zone.

Financial requirements and payment nuances

The visa document for Russian citizens requires payment in Indonesia’s national currency – rupiahs. However, there is a wide range of payment methods available:

• cash: dollars, euros, rupiahs;
• international bank cards;
• electronic transfers through Wise, Revolut, Payoneer;
• crypto wallets through recommended platforms.

The minimum visa fee is 500,000 rupiahs. Additional services – extensions, electronic visas, agent assistance – range from 30 to 100 dollars.

Where to get a visa to Bali for Russians: consulates and online services

Physical document processing has become rare. However, in 2025, a visa to Indonesia is still available at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow – for those applying for long-term or business trips. Address: Leninsky Prospekt, 113/1. Working hours – weekdays, by appointment.

An alternative is electronic submission. Official services accept applications 24/7. The embassy redirects applicants to digital platforms, especially for tourist permits.

Traveling to Bali in 2025: what every tourist should know

As of May 2025, the Bali tourist visa is actively used by citizens of more than 60 countries. Russians hold a stable 7th place in terms of entries – over 250,000 in 2024. At the beginning of 2025, there was a 12% increase.

Traveling to the island involves adapting to digital norms: apps, scanners, tech support chats, remote extensions. Arriving without a smartphone complicates the entire process.

Everything you need to know before departure

The fewer uncertainties, the smoother the boarding process. Checking basic documents and details before departure helps avoid delays at the border and additional costs at the airport.

What to bring and not forget before departure:

• passport with at least 6 months validity;
• paid online visa to Bali for Russians;
• return ticket and hotel reservation;
• internet access for extensions;
• bank card for payment;
• cash in dollars or euros – in emergencies;
• electronic payment confirmation;
• COVID-19 insurance coverage (still recommended).

Having the documents in order is not just a formality but a tool for quick passage through customs. A complete set in digital and paper form ensures entry without surprises.

Airport control specifics

Upon arrival on the island in 2025, all Russians are directed to a separate passport control sector. The system scans QR codes, verifies the digital profile, and then approves entry. The entire process takes no more than 15 minutes with full preparation.

Errors in data, system glitches, lack of necessary documents are common reasons for refusal. Automation does not eliminate human involvement but increases the requirements for accuracy.

Conclusion

In 2025, the visa to Bali for Russians has become a necessary but logical step in travel. The new rules have simplified the process for those who plan ahead, monitor exchange rates, and work with digital tools. For experienced tourists, it is not a problem but a preparation ritual.

Airlines have long turned baggage rules into a strategic game. At stake are comfort, time, and money. Miss one point in the conditions, and the luggage goes to the cargo hold, along with your wallet going on a “diet.” Understanding what can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane saves not only nerves but also resources. Every gram and millimeter counts in euros.

Standards without maneuvers: size and weight of carry-on luggage

There are no universal indicators – airlines set their own norms for dimensions and weight. The standard for most flights is 55×40×20 cm, although some low-cost carriers limit the dimensions to 40×30×20 cm. The weight varies from 7 to 10 kg, with some airlines allowing up to 12 kg. For example: Lufthansa allows up to 8 kg, Turkish Airlines – up to 8 kg, Ryanair – only 6 kg for the basic fare.

Failure to meet the parameters during check-in or boarding leads to additional charges for excess baggage. On short routes, the cost can range from 40 to 80 euros. Dimension control is not based on the shape – but on the fact: if it doesn’t fit in the sizer, get ready to part with your money.

Liquids in carry-on luggage: how to avoid exceeding restrictions

Liquids are a reason for regular disputes during screening. The rules are clear: the total volume must not exceed 1 liter, each bottle – maximum 100 ml. All containers – only in a transparent resealable bag.

The category includes not only water and beverages, but also:

• cosmetics (mascara, cream, spray);
• toothpaste;
• sauces and yogurts;
• perfume.

Exceptions are made only for medications confirmed by a prescription and baby food for the duration of the flight. The airport does not forgive self-will – violators will be asked to leave the “excess” for inspection.

Prohibited items in carry-on luggage

Even a small item can violate the rules and disrupt boarding. Knowing the prohibited items helps avoid disposal, fines, and extra screening at the airport. Not every compact item is allowed in carry-on luggage.

Strictly prohibited are:

• sharp objects: knives, scissors with a blade over 6 cm, manicure tools;
• weapons, imitations, explosives;
• tools;
• aerosols, spray cans.

Violating the rules not only results in confiscation but also in additional checks, delays, and missed flights. What is not allowed in carry-on luggage is often indicated in small print on the airline’s website – but ignorance only exempts you from baggage, not from responsibility.

Suitcase or backpack: the choice of format matters

Carry-on luggage on the plane is not just a wheeled suitcase. Carriers allow a backpack or bag as an alternative, provided that the dimensions are observed. Some fares (e.g., Ryanair Basic) only allow one small bag up to 40×20×25 cm for free.

Important: it’s not about the perceived size, but the specific centimeters that determine the outcome at the check-in counter. Exceeding the dimensions by even 1-2 cm can turn carry-on luggage into paid baggage. Special attention should be paid to protruding parts – wheels and handles.

How to pass security control without extra problems

At the screening stage, the security service checks not only the contents but also compliance with the dimensions. The X-ray belt is not a metaphor but a reality. Each item undergoes a check for compliance with the requirements. In case of violations, there is mandatory confiscation or denial of boarding.

Special caution should be exercised when transporting:

• electronics: laptops, tablets, chargers are checked separately;
• medications: prescription drugs are checked with supporting documents;
• children’s items: formula, bottles, wipes – only in the necessary amount.

At the control stage, order is important: prepare devices in advance, pack liquids in a bag, remove outerwear. This saves time and reduces stress at the airport.

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane: permitted arsenal

A precise list of permissible items reduces the risk of errors during packing. The right choice of contents ensures quick passage through security and avoids unexpected restrictions.

Permitted categories:

• smartphones, tablets, laptops, chargers;
• headphones, e-readers, cameras;
• documents, tickets, keys, money;
• books, magazines, packaged food without liquid;
• personal hygiene items (in permitted volume);
• outerwear, umbrella;
• medications with a prescription;
• baby essentials (formula, bottles);
• duty-free items in a sealed bag;
• folding cane, crutches (as needed).

Even permitted items require compliance with format, packaging, and weight. Confidence in the bag’s contents allows you to focus on the journey, not on explanations to inspectors.

Tariff sum: consequences of exceeding limits

Failure to comply with carry-on luggage requirements leads to budget overruns. Excess baggage incurs additional charges. The cost varies from 20 to 100 euros depending on the destination and fare type. Some carriers charge fees even for improperly placed backpacks.

Reducing risks involves studying the tariff conditions in advance and using precise dimensions and weights when packing.

Sports equipment, children’s items, and non-standard cases

Airlines restrict but do not exclude the possibility of bringing sports or specialized equipment into the cabin. Cycling gloves, swimming goggles, yoga straps, and even rollerblades are allowed if they meet carry-on luggage requirements. However, larger items such as boards, rackets, clubs are transported exclusively in checked baggage, subject to a separate fee.

Children’s items are additionally allowed: on many flights, you can bring a bassinet, a collapsible stroller, or a car seat at no extra charge. However, each carrier specifies its own list – studying the fare conditions before the flight is critical.

How to save without sacrificing convenience

Savings start not with the bag but with an analysis of the rules. What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane is not just a list but a tool for managing expenses during the journey.

Pre-check:

• dimensions (use a sizer or measure with a ruler);
• weight (home scales provide an accurate forecast);
• tariff options (some airlines only include carry-on luggage in premium tickets).

A backpack or suitcase within the parameters, a lightweight container for liquids, clear packaging order – the basic formula that helps avoid additional expenses. A well-packed carry-on luggage turns a regular flight into a confident air travel when all variables are considered: from bag choice to passing security. Properly assembled carry-on luggage in the plane does not complicate the flight but simplifies it.

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane: conclusions

Understanding what can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane gives an advantage – not only in comfort but also in resource management. Control, requirements, rules, tariffs – are not abstractions but specific parameters that affect every journey. A clear list of permitted items turns baggage from a lottery into a predictable process.