Travel Essentials

How to apply for a Criminal Background Check – DBS or equivalent

To participate in a Think Pacific  program, all participants are required to provide us with a criminal background check before starting a Think Pacific program. The background check requirement is a key part of Think Pacific’s Responsible Volunteer Travel Policy and Child Protection Policy.

A background check is important to determine whether any serious criminal offence has been recorded against your name. The check must have been issued within 12-months of your program start date and is required to be presented in English. If your background check cannot be issued in English, the original must be accompanied by an English translation complete by a professional translation service or notary public.

Below is some guidance on criminal background check providers for a number of nationalities. Please be aware that each provider will have different requirements for what is to be supplied as part of the background check, prices and anticipated turnaround times.

While Think Pacific has tried to make sure that each provider will provide you with a quality service, we do not take responsibility for the quality or completeness of the report provided and this information is given in good faith.

For nationalities not listed below, please contact your local police station for advice or contact your Think Pacific Program Coordinator.

• UK – www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record (Basic DBS level is required)
• USA – www.sentrylink.com (The “National Criminal Background Check” is required by Think Pacific)
• Canada – www.backcheck.net/criminalrecordchecks.htm
• Australia – https://www.intercheck.com.au/national-police-check/
• New Zealand – www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records
• France – www.casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr
• China – Your application must be done in person. Volunteers should apply for a Certificate of No Criminal Record at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in the district of your residence shown on your Household Register (hukou), and then make an application to the notary office for a certificate based on the PSB document. Please note, a professional English translation will be required.

Received Your background Check Already?

Once you have completed your Criminal Background Check, please complete this online form and upload the certificate.

Got a question about back ground checks? Please email info@thinkpacific.com

What vaccinations will I need to travel to Indonesia?

Specific vaccination requirements for travellers to Bali, Indonesia, can change over time and can depend on various factors, including your country of origin, the length of your stay, and your recent travel history. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or check the latest recommendations from trusted sources, such as your country’s health department or the World Health Organization (WHO), before travelling to Bali.

Additionally, check with relevant authorities and review any travel advisories or requirements related to COVID-19, which may include testing and vaccination requirements for entry into Indonesia.

Other Essential Vaccinations..

• Recommended vaccines for Bali are: Hepatitis A and Typhoid

Please see the following Travel Health link from the Travel Health Pro for further information

• Please book to see a doctor or visit your local health centre to book your vaccines.
• In the UK they can also be arranged at Boots or Superdrug.
• We advise you to leave plenty of time for arranging vaccines, ideally 8-10 weeks before departure.

Do you need a covid vaccination to travel to Bali?

According to British authorities in January 2025, all COVID-19-related entry restrictions were lifted. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry into Indonesia. We advise you to keep up to date with travel advice from the FCO or relevant providers. 

How do I start the visa process?

Our Operations Manager (UK) Frankie has recorded a ten minute video to talk you through everything you need to know about the visa and process with Think Pacific.

**It is ESSENTIAL that you watch the Visa Process video above**

Here’s an over view of the process for you:

1. Pay for you visa fee of £215 to Think Pacific (8 weeks before your project start date)
2. Receive a visa submission link from Think Pacific to upload your supporting documents (6 weeks before your project start date)
3. Think Pacific will process your visa with our agent – (4 weeks before your project start date)
4. Receive your visa documents – (Approximately 2 weeks before your project start date)

What visa will I need?

You will need to get the C1 visa. This visa is a single entry visa, valid for 60 days, and is extendable in Bali for up to 60 days. If you need to extend your visa past 60 days, you will be responsible for doing this once you arrive in Bali. Single-entry eVisa C1 is valid for 60 days and can be extended 2 times for 60 days each time. The day of arrival is the first day of validity of the visa. Once the eVisa is issued, you have 90 days to enter Indonesia with this visa.

Are all nationalities eligible for a visa to enter Indonesia?

A small number of nationalities cannot obtain a visa at all. Please refer to the official list of ineligible nationalities via this link: – Click Here. . We strongly recommend checking with your local Indonesian embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your eligibility.

Additional Note for ‘Calling Visa’ and ‘Red List’ Countries

The Indonesian government designates certain countries as ‘Calling Visa’ countries. Nationals of these countries face a more complex visa process, which includes higher costs and longer processing times, with no guarantee of approval.

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, it is crucial to seek guidance from the Indonesian embassy:

• Afghanistan
• Guinea
• Israel
• North Korea
• Liberia
• Nigeria
• Somalia
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka

For further assistance, please contact the Indonesian embassy in your home country or consult their official website for detailed instructions.

Can I leave Bali and return on the same visa?

No, the C1 visa is a single entry visa. This means that if you leave Indonesia within the visa period, you will not be permitted to re-enter Indonesia on the same visa. 

Why do I need a visa to join the project?

What happens if I don’t get my visa in time?

Our team will support you with your visa application process. It is important that you keep up to date with this process, and provide any information to the team that is required of you. If you miss the deadlines, and you are not able to gain your visa in time to join your project, this is your responsibility, and Think Pacific are not responsible for this. 

I will need to stay more than 60 days in Bali, what is the process for this?

If you choose to stay in Bali to travel after your project, you will need to extend your visa from 60 days to 180 days. The price for this extension is approx 2,600,000 IDR (approx £137). The process takes 7-10 business days so it is important that you start this process within the initial 60 day visa period. We are linked to a visa agent who can support you with this extension, however, Think Pacific are not able to coordinate this process for you. Here is the standard process for extension (this varies between visa agents):

1. You will arrange for the visa extension with the visa agent 7-10 business days before the end of your visa 
2. Your passport will be submitted to Immigration after the agent receives it from you
3. You will be invited for fingerprints in 3-4 business days. The agent will inform you one day in advance via WhatsApp and send detailed instruction of this process
4. You need to visit Immigration in Denpasar for fingerprints to the day appointed
5. Your passport will be ready in 4-6 business days after fingerprints. You will get the confirmation from the agent, and you can pick up your passport 

What happens if I overstay my visa in Bali?

It is very important that you do not overstay your visa in Bali. Overstaying under 60 days is an administrative violation punished by law in Indonesia, with a fee of 1,000,000 IDR per overstay day. Overstaying over 60 days is a crime and can be punished by incarceration for up to 5 years and penalty up to 500 mln IDR.

Don’t Leave Home Without It!

Travel insurance should be at the top your ‘to do list’. It’s also vital you read and understand your policy. For your own safety Think Pacific will not allow you to join our project without providing us with proof that you have personal travel insurance cover. We require you to provide your insurance details when you submit your pre-departure form.

Check If You Are Entitled To University Insurance…

If you are joining Think Pacific as part of a university project (or if you are receiving a bursary from your university) then you may receive travel insurance from your university. Please check with your university directly to check if this may apply by contacting your study abroad team.

Booking Your Own Travel Insurance…

If you are purchasing your own insurance, here are some tips

• Please check the policy carefully – read and understand any policy in detail before purchasing
• Ensure you are covered for working and volunteering abroad
• Ensure you understand what the claims process would be.

Our Travel Insurance Partner – World Nomads

World Nomad’s ‘Employer Plan’ is popular travel insurance provider and package with our participants.

• Get an Online Quote Here – World Nomads Insurance

Please note that any links are provided in good faith. Please check that you read and understand any policy and that you are confident that you are entirely happy that any insurance policy meets your needs.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Consider Medical Costs In Bali, Indonesia…

All participants must pay for medical services and medication as required in Bali. You will also be required to cover any fee incurred as a result of your medical treatment, this could include transportations costs for you and Think Pacific staff to support you at the hospital. Most medical facilities in Bali accept cash, credit cards, or insurance. It is therefore advisable to have access to funds such as a credit or debit card in the unlikely event that you should require to receive any treatment and to cover any associated travel or accommodation costs.

Keep all receipts and invoices for potential reimbursement through your travel insurance. Keep records of all medical bills, receipts, and documentation related to your treatment. You can later submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Think Pacific staff are on hand 24 hours a day to assist and support you in any case of illness but any costs associated with any illness or treatment in Bali must be paid by you at the time in Bali.

How to book my flights?

Think Pacific projects do not include return flights, you must arrange your own air travel. But, we give you plenty of advice and can connect you with with our flight partner, KILROY.

We advise all participants request a quote from KILROY here where you can receive some exclusive Think Pacific deals and support.

For students who are flying to Bali, we recommend looking at the Qatar Airways Student Club you could receive 15% of your flight price, plus other benefits.

We also advise cost comparing flights with search engines such as SkyScanner or Google Flights etc.

What are the connecting routes for travelling to Bali?

For those travelling from UK there are no direct flights to Bali. However, Garuda Indonesia flies via Jakarta from the UK, so its flights are among the shortest, coming in at just over 18 hours. But the award for fastest route goes to Emirates: London Heathrow to Bali in 17 hours, stopping over in Dubai. However, you can fly via Singapore, Kuala Lumpar, Doha and many more depending on which airport you depart from in the UK.

There are direct flights to Bali from the majority of the major airports across Australia.

Please ensure to check all visa requirements for any destinations you will pass through and make sure you understand these rules before booking your flights.

What is the name of the airport I need to fly into?

Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, is located in southern Bali, 13 km south of Denpasar.

Is there only 1 airport in Bali? 

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar Airport, is the only airport on the entire island of Bali and one of the most important in Indonesia

What day of the week should I arrive?

We recommend that you arrive on the start date of your project. This allows the in-country team and the UK staff to directly support you on your journey.

What time should I arrive in Bali?

We ask that you land in Bali from 9:00am-1:00pm on the first day of your project. This is to ensure that our team is available to collect you from the airport, and take you to the briefing hotel. This will allow you time to relax before your project briefing starts on the following day.

What should I do if I arrive early?

If you are choosing to arrive early into Bali to acclimatise to project, this should be no longer than 2 days before your start date.

If you are looking to spend time on holiday outside of your project, we ask you to book this following the completion of your project date. This is to avoid any potential issues or complications with your visa application.

If you choose to arrive earlier than 2 days before the start date of your project, you must contact the team on info@thinkpacific.com to inform us of your arrival time & date to avoid any complications with your Visa.

For early arrivals, you have 3 options for meeting up with the rest of the team;

• Arranged TP transfer from Denpasar Airport at 9am on your Project Start Date.
• Arranged TP transfer from Denpasar Airport at 1pm on your Project Start Date.
• Independent travel to our briefing hotel in central Ubud by 2pm on your Project Start Date.

Please indicate your chosen option when completing your Pre-Departure Form. Please note the arranged TP transfer is included in your project fee.

What does the airport transfer with Think Pacific look like for people arriving on the Project Start Date?

For anyone arriving on the day that the project starts the Think Pacific Bali team will arrange transfers from Denpasar Airport between 9am and 1pm on the start date of your project. The latest flight arrival into Bali to be in time to use this transfer is 1pm. The transfer from the airport to the briefing hotel in Ubud takes around 1.5 – 3 hours depending on traffic.

What happens if I choose to arrive later than the Think Pacific transfer?

If you choose a flight later than our allocated times, Think Pacific will arrange a transfer for you with an additional cost. The cost for your transfer is 450k IDR (approximately £25). Please ensure this is communicated with the team as early as possible.

What does the end of the project look like?

You will leave the village on the Friday of your final week, and spend your final night with your team at a Debrief location for a time of rest and reflection. Accommodation, activities and transport will be provided. Your project will officially end at 10am on the end date of your project when you will be able to head onwards to your outbound flight or to other adventures in Bali.

We’ve partnered with KILROY to help you book your flights.

KILROY are travel company for students and young people specialising in backpacking, round-the-world travel, gap years, volunteering, and adventure travel.

What are the benefits of booking your flights with KILROY?

1. Pay a £100 flight deposit to secure a reservation up to 11 months before your Think Pacific project. This means you can lock in flight prices before any increases due to demand. Full payment is due 21 days before your departure date. OFFER EXCLUSIVE to Think Pacific participants. 
2. Personalised support from a Kilroy travel specialist. Book your 15 min consultation call to discuss your travel details.
3. One free night stay

Please note that as per ‘The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018′, KILROY are restricted to only offer package travel (flights + accommodation and/or activities) to UK residents only. For those outside of the UK, flights-only can be booked directly through https://flights.kilroy.co.uk/

Due to entry requirements in Indonesia, it is important you do a ‘passport hygiene check’ during the preparation for your Think Pacific because you will need to:

How much spending money will I need on project?

We suggest you budget around £400-500 for spending money for the Project. 

• We recommend ~£80 per weekend for each of the 3 free weekends. It is important to note that costs for accommodation, food, activities etc on your free weekend can greatly differ based on your choice. You are able to find hostels in the large tourist centres for £5-15 per night and food from as little as £2.50 per meal if eating at a local warung. However, it is easy to exceed your budget if you choose to stay at hotels/villas and eat at more expensive restaurants. Ultimately, you can spend as much or as little as you choose on your free weekend.
• In addition to this, you will need to cover the cost of your lunch for the duration of your Project, which we would budget £5/day (max £100). There are a variety of options within the village including local family-run warungs to more expensive sit-down restaurants.

What is included/not included in the project costs?

Your project costs include:

• Accommodation for the 27 nights of your project
• Breakfast and Dinner for the 28 days of your project (exception of the 3 free weekends)
• All transport associated with the project
• Pick up and drop off from the airport 
• Team-building camp and activities 
• Pre departure support
• 24/7 staff support in Bali 
• Professional workshops 

Are there any additional costs once I arrive in Bali?

Costs additional to your project include;

• Your lunches for the duration of the project.
• Resources and materials will be available for you to use during partner engagement, however, you may wish to purchase additional resources to deliver specific activities.
• Transport, accommodation, and food for your 3x free weekends. If you do not wish to travel on these weekends, you do have the option to stay in the homestay accommodation which is included in your project fee.
• Souvenirs/gifts
• Extra snacks/meals to supplement your homestay breakfasts and dinners.

How much spending money will I need for my free weekends?

We recommend that you budget around £75-100 per weekend, for accommodation, travel and food. However, this does depend on what you would like to do in your free weekends. You can find budget and low-mid range accommodation easily in Bali, and low cost local foods.

How do I know what accommodation to book for my free weekends?

We recommend that you wait until you arrive to Bali to book any free travel weekend accommodation. We recommend that you use travel review websites to look into possible accommodation options for your free weekends. We ask that you travel in groups at all times during your free weekends. 

Who will I travel with on the free weekends?

Participants will travel with peers from the project on the weekends. We ask that you do not travel alone due to health and safety reasons. It is likely that other participants on your project want to travel to the same areas that you do so you can plan together! 

Where should I travel to?

During your free weekends, we recommend that you stay on mainland Bali due to the often unpredictable schedules of boats to some of the nearby islands. We recommend that you research, and use travel review websites to look into possible options for your free weekends. 

What do I need to consider when travelling on my free weekends? 

The Indonesian Government and Governor of Bali is trying to cut down on ‘unruly’ tourists by introducing new regulations in 2025. These guidelines include but not limited to “Dress appropriately – When visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces, tourists are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing.” You can learn more about the regulations here.

As you will be coming back into the community for your project week, please ensure you return to the homestay well rested and ready for your busy week ahead.

Can I travel alone?

No, we ask that you do not travel alone due to health and safety reasons. We understand you may want some time to yourself, in this case we would recommend that you travel with your peers and stay in the same accommodation in your own room. 

Do I have to let TP staff know where I am going/staying?

Think Pacific staff will ask for the area that you are travelling and the group you are travelling with, we do not ask for your specific accommodation name. Although you may wish to share this with the team. Think Pacific staff will be on call at the weekends, and available to support you in case of emergency. 

What happens if I do not have the money to travel?

For the free weekends, you do have the option to stay in the homestay accommodation. Please speak to a staff member if you wish to do so. You will need to provide your own meals during this time.

Can I stay in the village accommodation if I want to?

For the free weekends, you do have the option to stay in the homestay accommodation. Please speak to a staff member if you wish to do so. You will need to provide your own meals during this time. Please let your homestay family and TP staff know by Wednesday if you wish to stay there at the weekend. 

What time will I leave the village for the free weekends?

You are able to leave the village following your last session/activity on Friday, this will usually be in the early afternoon. Leaders will advise of this time so you can plan accordingly. Staff can support you to arrange transport if required. 

What time will I need to return to the village after the free weekends?

We ask that you return to your homestay by 8:30pm on Sunday of the free weekends. 

Are TP staff available for support if needed?

Yes, even during your free weekends, you are able to contact the base phone 24/7 if you have an emergency or need urgent assistance from the team. If your issue is not urgent, we ask that you speak with the Think Pacific staff when you return to the village to allow the team time to relax over their weekends also. 

The video above the talks you through what you need to do to ensure your arrival at Denpasar Airport is as smooth as possible. It also let you know to meet our team if you are arriving on the start day of the project.

Here’s an overview of the topics covered:

1. Paying the tourism levy
2. Completing your customs form
3. Completing your health declaration
4. Documentation for travel
5. Meeting the Think Pacific team at the airport

Tourism Levy

There is a new ‘tourism tax’ as a levy for for all international visitors to Bali for the protection of Culture and the natural environment of Bali – this is Rp 150,000 (approx £7.40). You can pre pay this online – https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/home# – or pay at the airport.

Customs Form

This is a requirement for entering Bali – all arrivals must completed online prior to arrival (within 2 days of travel to Indonesia). You can complete the declaration online –https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/ – or complete at the airport.

Health Declaration 

To keep Bali healthy, all travellers are required to complete a health declaration. It takes 2 minutes and will be scanned in the arrivals hall – however, you are not always asked for this so don’t be scared if you make it through without being checked. You can complete the declaration online – https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/

Documentation for travel 

Prior to setting off to Bali, it is important you have all your documentation handy to show if requested.

Make sure you have:

• Your Passport
• A photocopy of your passport
• Proof you have completed the tourist levy, customs form, and health declaration.
• Easy access to your travel insurance policy document
• Think Pacific contact numbers

A step by step guide when arriving into Bali

What should I do if I arrive early?

If you are choosing to arrive early into Bali to acclimatise to project, this should be no longer than 2 days before your start date.

If you are looking to spend time on holiday outside of your project, we ask you to book this following the completion of your project date. This is to avoid any potential issues or complications with your visa application.

If you choose to arrive earlier than 2 days before the start date of your project, you must contact the team on info@thinkpacific.com to inform us of your arrival time and date and your project start date to avoid any complications with your visa.

For early arrivals, please make sure you to arrive at the briefing hotel in Ubud by 2pm on your Project Start Date

There are articles, blog posts and social media accounts which share all the amazing experiences you can do whilst in Bali.

Our team have put some points together for you to consider:

• Travelling to different locations in Bali can take considerable time. Due to small roads not built for the high traffic volumes, traffic jams are very common. Give yourself additional time for travel (and consider bringing motion sickness tablets!).
• Consider where you are planning, being a responsible and an ethical tourist we’re sure is at the top of everyone’s lists. When choosing where you are going and any sights you are seeing, completing some background research before hand is always a good idea!