Don’t get caught out! How Bali’s new digital forms could trip up even experienced travellers
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Bali is about to become a little simpler to navigate for international travellers—but only if you know the new rules.
Confusion at the airport could cost time and patience, so tourists are being urged to plan ahead.
From 1 September, a major change will affect every visitor stepping off the plane.
Al international arrivals at Ngurah Rai International Airport were required to hold a new 'All Indonesia' declaration card.
The digital form replaced several previous documents, including health (SATUSEHAT), customs (e-CD), immigration and quarantine declarations.
Tourists had to complete the form online three days before arrival, entering personal and passport details, as well as travel, transport and accommodation information.
Once processed, the form generated a QR code that visitors presented to Indonesian customs on arrival. Officials stressed that the card did not replace the need for a visa.
Tourists could apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) separately through Indonesia’s immigration website, ideally at least 48 hours before landing.
The e-VOA carried a $50 fee and required a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date.
The changes followed the introduction of a 150,000 IDR tourist levy (about $14 Australian) in February last year, which authorities said would fund efforts to protect Bali’s culture and environment.
Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport became the first to implement the All Indonesia card, with plans to extend the system to all international airports in Indonesia from 1 October 2025.
Tourists who failed to complete the declaration risked delays or complications at customs, while the combined online process aimed to reduce paperwork and streamline arrivals.
Officials said the digital form would save time and improve accuracy, particularly for international visitors unfamiliar with Indonesia’s previous entry documents.
The move was expected to modernise the entry process and reduce bottlenecks, offering a smoother experience for the millions of tourists who flock to Bali each year.
If you’re thinking about how Bali’s new entry rules could affect your next trip, it’s worth looking at how passport and visa changes are impacting travel more broadly.
Rising passport costs and shifts in visa-free access are changing the way people plan international journeys, showing that entry requirements aren’t just about forms—they can affect your budget and timing too.
For a real-world example of these wider travel changes, check out this related story.
Read more: Australian passport price climbs while visa-free access shifts worldwide
Could this streamlined process finally make Bali arrivals stress-free for tourists?
Confusion at the airport could cost time and patience, so tourists are being urged to plan ahead.
From 1 September, a major change will affect every visitor stepping off the plane.
Al international arrivals at Ngurah Rai International Airport were required to hold a new 'All Indonesia' declaration card.
The digital form replaced several previous documents, including health (SATUSEHAT), customs (e-CD), immigration and quarantine declarations.
Tourists had to complete the form online three days before arrival, entering personal and passport details, as well as travel, transport and accommodation information.
Bali airport introduces new digital declaration card. Image source: Pexels/Puwadon Sang-ngern | Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Once processed, the form generated a QR code that visitors presented to Indonesian customs on arrival. Officials stressed that the card did not replace the need for a visa.
Tourists could apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) separately through Indonesia’s immigration website, ideally at least 48 hours before landing.
The e-VOA carried a $50 fee and required a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date.
The changes followed the introduction of a 150,000 IDR tourist levy (about $14 Australian) in February last year, which authorities said would fund efforts to protect Bali’s culture and environment.
Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport became the first to implement the All Indonesia card, with plans to extend the system to all international airports in Indonesia from 1 October 2025.
Tourists who failed to complete the declaration risked delays or complications at customs, while the combined online process aimed to reduce paperwork and streamline arrivals.
Officials said the digital form would save time and improve accuracy, particularly for international visitors unfamiliar with Indonesia’s previous entry documents.
The move was expected to modernise the entry process and reduce bottlenecks, offering a smoother experience for the millions of tourists who flock to Bali each year.
If you’re thinking about how Bali’s new entry rules could affect your next trip, it’s worth looking at how passport and visa changes are impacting travel more broadly.
Rising passport costs and shifts in visa-free access are changing the way people plan international journeys, showing that entry requirements aren’t just about forms—they can affect your budget and timing too.
For a real-world example of these wider travel changes, check out this related story.
Read more: Australian passport price climbs while visa-free access shifts worldwide
Could this streamlined process finally make Bali arrivals stress-free for tourists?
