Bali and Indonesia Introduce New Entry Declarations and Visa‑on‑Arrival and E‑Visa Rules

Published on December 1, 2025

Indonesia’s tourism industry is booming, but the country’s traditional paper‑based border procedures have often led to long queues and confusion. To modernise its immigration system and improve public health surveillance, the government began introducing digital solutions throughout 2024 and 2025. A new digital arrival card and updated visa‑on‑arrival rules were rolled out to make entry smoother for international visitors, particularly those travelling to Bali. These reforms follow global trends in digitising border controls and draw on health protocols adopted during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The government hopes the new digital platform will cut wait times at airports and enhance security as visitor numbers rise.

Digital arrival declaration

The centrepiece of these reforms is the All Indonesia digital declaration platform. Under official policy, passengers entering through major airports like Jakarta’s Soekarno‑Hatta, Surabaya’s Juanda, Bali’s Ngurah Rai or ports in Batam must complete a single online form[1]. The form consolidates immigration, customs and health declarations, replacing multiple paper cards. Travellers submit the form up to three days before departure and receive a QR code to be scanned upon arrival[1]. This streamlined process eliminates the need for a separate electronic customs declaration and allows authorities to collect health data to detect potential outbreaks[2]. Passengers also use the same portal to declare goods requiring inspection, such as food or plant products, which helps quarantine officials process arrivals efficiently[2].

Digital arrival card and new visa services

Completing the digital arrival card is mandatory for everyone, regardless of visa category. The immigration website stresses that travellers must submit the card within three days of travel[3]. Families can submit group applications and track them online[4]. The government also offers golden visas for investors and bridging stay permits for people transitioning between visa categories[5].

How the new visa rules work

Many foreign nationals can obtain a VoA on arrival or apply online for an e‑VOA. The fee is around IDR 500 000[6]. Applicants need a passport valid for six months and proof of onward travel[6]. The visa allows a 30‑day stay with one possible extension and covers tourism, business, official visits, procurement and transit[7]. Some activities, such as attending official events, may require additional documentation[8].

Eligible nationalities and entry points

More than eighty countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas are eligible for the VoA or e‑VOA programme[9]. Nationals of certain ASEAN states are visa‑exempt for up to 30 days but cannot extend their stay[10]. VoA/e‑VOA holders may enter through major international airports and designated seaports or land crossings[11][12]. Eligibility lists and entry points can change, so travellers should confirm current requirements before departure.

Bali tourism levy and other fees

In addition to visa fees, the provincial government of Bali collects a tourism levy of IDR 150 000 from each international visitor[13]. Advisories instruct travellers to pay this levy online through the government‑run Love Bali website or mobile app before arrival[14]. The levy supports cultural and environmental projects on the island.

Preparing for your trip

To make the most of Indonesia’s new entry system, prospective visitors should follow a few key steps:

1. Confirm eligibility: Check whether your nationality qualifies for visa‑free entry, a VoA or an e‑VOA, and apply through the official portal if necessary.
2. Submit the digital declaration: Complete the All Indonesia arrival card within the three‑day window and keep the QR code accessible[1].
3. Prepare documents and fees: Carry a passport valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel and pay the Bali tourism levy in advance; keep any e‑VOA approvals or payment receipts[6][15].
4. Declare restricted items: Use the digital form to declare food, plants or other goods requiring inspection to avoid delays at customs[2].

Conclusion

Indonesia’s adoption of digital immigration systems underscores its commitment to efficient, safe and sustainable tourism. The All Indonesia platform integrates customs, immigration and health declarations, replacing paper forms and enabling authorities to collect critical information ahead of arrival[16]. Clearer rules for visas on arrival and e‑VOAs—along with options like golden visas—provide flexibility and appeal to a range of travellers[6][5]. Meanwhile, Bali’s tourism levy channels funds to cultural and environmental projects[13]. By planning ahead, submitting digital forms and paying required fees, visitors can ensure a smooth entry and focus on enjoying the island’s unique culture and natural beauty.

Reference List

1. Directorate General of Immigration press release describing the All Indonesia digital arrival declaration; details include mandatory use at major airports and ports starting September 2025, integration of immigration, customs, health and quarantine forms, and the three‑day submission window[1][2].
2. Immigration website instructions noting that arrival cards must be submitted within three days of travel, that applications can include up to five people and that new visa types such as golden visas and bridging stay permits have been introduced[5].
3. Travel guidance summarising requirements for the e‑VOA: a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, payment of a 500 k rupiah fee and permitted activities for a 30‑day stay with one possible extension[7].
4. Consular guidelines listing eligible countries for the VoA/e‑VOA programme, identifying major entry points and explaining that nationals of certain ASEAN countries enjoy visa‑free entry for up to 30 days but cannot extend their stay[9][10].
5. Advisory regarding Bali’s tourism levy of IDR 150 000 per international visitor, introduced in February 2024, with instructions to pay through the Love Bali platform[15].