FCO issues tips for travellers heading to Bali

IGO TRAVEL | 6 December 2017

FCO issues tips for travellers heading to Bali

The FCO has issued a document with tips for travellers who are heading to Bali during this period of increased volcanic activity.

The FCO warns that the ash clouds from the volcano can cause the airport to close temporarily at short notice; and it could remain closed for days or weeks.

Here are some tips:

Be prepared for being delayed in Bali – If you have urgent work or family commitments back home shortly after your trip, you may want to consider your plans carefully. Your planned departure date from Bali could be delayed.
Check your travel insurance covers volcano-related costs – Some travel insurance policies, especially those taken out after the eruption started in November won’t cover costs such as extra hotel nights or alternative travel arrangements. Check with your travel insurance company before you travel. If you are not covered, you should make sure you have enough money to meet these costs yourself.
Make sure you have enough time left on your visa – If your permission to stay runs out while your departure is delayed, you could face a fine or have the hassle as well as expense of extending your visa. Make sure you have a decent margin between your planned departure day and your visa expiry date. If you have any questions about your visa, contact the Indonesian immigration authorities.
Know how to get in touch with your airline or travel agent – If the airport closes, you will need to contact your airline or travel agent for updates on the situation and to rebook your ticket. Make sure you have their contact details and also that they have yours.
Bring enough medical supplies, contact lenses etc – If you are on medication, or require other medical supplies, make sure you bring enough to last you, even if there is a long delay. Not all medicines are readily available in Indonesia.
Bring a face mask – The tourist areas of Bali may experience volcanic ash clouds which can cause respiratory problems. A properly fitted face mask is essential to help protect against this. While these should be available on the island, it is worth buying these before you travel.

What to do if the Airport closes?

If the airport closes due to the ash cloud, you have two options:

Wait on the island until the airport reopens, or
Leave Bali overland.

If you decide to stay in Bali…

Keep up to date with FCO travel advice for information about safety and health risks.
Contact your airline or travel agent: They will be able to advise you on the situation and options for rearranging your travel and may be able to assist you with accommodation arrangements.

If you decide to leave Bali…

Subject to local circumstances, there are two main options for leaving Bali if the airport is shut.

Via Java and
Via Lombok.