Bali Simplifies Entry Process for Tourists with New Online Declaration Form
Starting September 1, 2025, travelers heading to Bali will benefit from a streamlined entry process thanks to a new digital system introduced by the Indonesian government. The "All Indonesia Online Declaration Card" consolidates multiple mandatory entry requirements into a single online form that must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival. This new system replaces the previously complex process of filling out several separate forms and significantly reduces wait times at immigration checkpoints.
What Has Changed?
Previously, visitors to Bali were required to complete several digital procedures before arrival. These included applying for an e-visa to access expedited e-gates at the airport, submitting an online customs declaration form, completing the SATUSEHAT Health Pass (introduced following the 2024 monkeypox outbreak), and paying the Bali tourism tax. The scattered nature of these requirements often caused confusion, especially since filling out forms like the customs declaration on-site was difficult due to poor airport Wi-Fi, resulting in long queues and delays.
The newly launched All Indonesia online declaration form merges these requirements into a single, easy-to-use platform. Currently, it applies to travelers arriving through Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport. From October 1, 2025, the system will be mandatory for all international entry points across Indonesia, including airports and ferry terminals.
Benefits for Tourists
For Australian travelers, who have historically made over 800,000 trips to Bali in the first half of 2025 alone, this change is expected to ease travel logistics considerably. The consolidated form will not only reduce paperwork but also help visitors avoid the common pitfall of incomplete documentation upon arrival. Families and frequent visitors stand to save time, as the smoother process will allow for a swifter exit through immigration.
Travel expert and former Bali resident Jenny Hewett notes that while visitors must still apply for visas, it is highly recommended to obtain an e-visa before traveling. This allows entry through e-gates, which significantly shorten immigration procedures. On a recent trip, Jenny reached baggage claim within 15 minutes, thanks to using the e-gates.
Wider Context: Managing Over-Tourism and Sustainability
This initiative forms part of the Balinese government’s broader efforts to manage over-tourism and improve the island’s reputation as a sustainable and culturally respectful destination. Over the past year, authorities have undertaken measures such as the removal of illegally constructed beach shacks in popular surf areas like Bingin and Balangan. These actions aim to protect Bali’s environment and cultural heritage amid a surge in tourist numbers.
The government has also released guidelines to encourage proper tourist behavior following incidents of disrespect at sacred sites. Cracks down on unruly tourist conduct continue, with social media accounts documenting ongoing challenges.
Looking Ahead
With Bali welcoming increasing numbers of visitors, including a reported 8 percent rise in Australian tourists compared to last year, these procedural reforms are timely. The new online declaration form promises to make the journey smoother for travelers, while the government’s focus on regulation and environmental preservation seeks to sustain Bali’s allure as a premier destination in the region.
Travelers planning a trip to Bali are advised to complete the All Indonesia Online Declaration Card within the required 72-hour window before their flight and to apply for their e-visas in advance to ensure the quickest and easiest arrival experience.
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