10 November 2026 · Bali Tattoo Guide · Tattoo Tips

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Bali? (2026 Age Rules)

Q: What if my design is turned down?

Go smaller or simpler. Your artist can often suggest a smaller version or a more discreet spot that works now. Plan the big piece for later. Save your ideas and come back when you are 18. Many clients plan their tattoo for a return trip to Bali. Try a temporary tattoo. A temporary design lets you test the size and placement before you commit.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Bali? (2026 Age Rules)

At Mason’s Ink in Bali, you can get a tattoo from 18 on your own, or at 16 or 17 with a parent or guardian present at the appointment. Indonesia has no national law that sets a minimum age for tattoos, so each studio sets its own rule. For 16 and 17-year-olds, the design has to be modest and in a discreet place, never the face or neck, and your artist can still say no if they feel the design or placement is too much. Bring a valid ID such as a passport or driver’s licence, because your artist may ask to see it.

The short answer

18 and over: you can book any design and placement.
16 and 17: possible with a parent or guardian present at the studio, for a modest design in a discreet place.
Under 16: we do not tattoo anyone under 16.
Face, neck and other very visible spots: not for anyone under 18.
The artist decides: even with consent, your artist can turn down a design or placement they feel is not right for your age.
ID: bring a passport, driver’s licence or Indonesian KTP.
Other Bali studios: rules differ, so always ask before you book.

Is there a legal age for tattoos in Indonesia?

No. Indonesia does not have a national law that sets a minimum age for getting a tattoo, and Bali has no separate rule. That leaves the decision to each studio and artist, which is why you will see different answers online.

What Indonesian law does set is who counts as a child. Article 1 of Law No. 35 of 2014 (which amends Law No. 23 of 2002 on Child Protection) defines a child as a person who has not yet reached 18 years of age. That is why we treat 16 and 17-year-olds differently from adults: a parent or guardian has to be there and agree, and the tattoo has to be one that a young person is unlikely to regret.

Getting a tattoo at 16 or 17 in Bali

We do tattoo 16 and 17-year-olds, with a few conditions:

A parent comes with you. A parent or legal guardian has to be at the studio with you and agree to the tattoo. A note or message is not enough.
A modest design. Think small and simple: a fine line symbol, a flower, a short word or a meaningful date.
A discreet place. Somewhere you can easily cover, such as the upper arm, shoulder, ribs, ankle or hip. No face, neck or other very visible spots.
The artist has the final say. If your artist feels the design or placement is too much for your age, they can refuse, even if your parent agrees.

Why the extra care? A tattoo is for life, and taste, plans and bodies change a lot in the teenage years. A growing body can also stretch or shift a design. A small, well-placed piece is much easier to live with as you grow, and easier to build on later. You can see examples of small fine line tattoos from our studio at the end of this page.

Not sure if your idea qualifies? Come in for a free consultation, or send it to us on WhatsApp before you book, and an artist will tell you honestly.

What ID should I bring?

Your artist may ask for ID before the session, especially if you look young. Bring one of these:

Passport (the best option for travellers)
Driver’s licence with your date of birth and photo
Indonesian KTP or KITAS

If you cannot show ID when asked, your artist can refuse or move the appointment. If you are 16 or 17, the parent or guardian who comes with you needs to bring their ID too.

Tattoo age rules in our clients’ home countries

Many people who get tattooed in Bali travel from Australia, the UK and Europe. The rules at home can be stricter than in Bali, and they are worth knowing before you plan a holiday tattoo for a teenager:

Place	Minimum age	With parental consent?
Indonesia (Bali)	No national law, studio rules apply	Up to each studio. At Mason’s Ink, 16 and 17 with a parent present, for a modest, discreet design.
United Kingdom	18 (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969)	No
Queensland, Australia	18	No
Victoria, Australia	18	No
Western Australia	18	16 and 17 with a parent’s written consent
United States	Set by each state, usually 18	Some states allow it from 16 or 17

Laws change and differ between states and regions, so check the rules where you live. If you are 16 or 17 and planning a tattoo in Bali, talk it through with your parents first.

What if my design is turned down?

Go smaller or simpler. Your artist can often suggest a smaller version or a more discreet spot that works now.
Plan the big piece for later. Save your ideas and come back when you are 18. Many clients plan their tattoo for a return trip to Bali.
Try a temporary tattoo. A temporary design lets you test the size and placement before you commit.

Tips for your tattoo day in Bali

Whatever your age, a few things make the day go well:

Don’t drink before your session. Alcohol thins the blood and affects healing, and artists can refuse a client who has been drinking.
Avoid sunburn. We cannot tattoo sunburned skin, so cover up and plan beach days for after you heal.
Book near the end of your trip. A new tattoo needs to stay out of the sea, pools and strong sun for about two weeks. See our aftercare guide.
Have a free consultation. Walk in to our Seminyak studio or message us on WhatsApp. Your artist will look at your idea and give you their price.

For the full booking process, read how to book a tattoo in Bali, or meet our artists.

Tattoo age FAQ

How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Bali?

There is no national tattoo age law in Indonesia, so each studio decides. At Mason’s Ink in Seminyak, you can get a tattoo from 18, or at 16 or 17 with a parent or guardian present, for a modest design in a discreet place.

Can I get a tattoo at 16 or 17 with my parents’ permission in Bali?

Yes, at Mason’s Ink, if your parent or guardian comes to the studio with you and the design is modest and in a discreet place, such as the upper arm, ribs or ankle. Face and neck tattoos are not possible under 18. Your artist can still refuse a design or placement they feel is too much, even with your parent’s consent.

Is it legal to get a tattoo under 18 in Indonesia?

Indonesia has no law that names a minimum age for tattoos, so studios set their own rules. Indonesian law defines anyone under 18 as a child, which is why a parent or guardian has to be present for 16 and 17-year-olds.

Can I get a neck or face tattoo at 17?

No. Face, neck and other very visible tattoos are for adults only at Mason’s Ink, even with parental consent.

Can I get a tattoo at 15 in Bali?

Not at Mason’s Ink. We only tattoo 16 and 17-year-olds with a parent present, and adults from 18. If you are 15, save your idea and plan it for later.