Bali Simplifies Entry Process with New Online Declaration Form
By Jenny Hewett, Travel Writer | September 3, 2025
For Australian travelers, Bali has long been one of the most accessible and beloved holiday destinations, rivaled only by nearby Fiji and New Zealand. However, the ease of travel had recently been complicated by a growing number of entry requirements involving multiple online forms and digital paperwork, making what should be a straightforward journey seem burdensome.
One Online Form to Replace Many
Starting September 1, 2025, Indonesian authorities introduced a new streamlined system called the All Indonesia Online Declaration Card. This single digital form replaces the several separate entry documents tourists previously had to complete. Travelers now need to complete this online form within 72 hours before arriving at select international entry points, initially including Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport.
From October 1, 2025, the new requirement will expand to cover all international entry points across Indonesia, including airports and ferry terminals, effectively simplifying the arrival process nationwide.
How Travel to Bali Worked Before
Previously, arriving in Bali involved multiple separate steps:
- Applying for an electronic visa (e-visa) to utilize the expedited e-gates at immigration.
- Completing an online customs declaration form.
- Filling out the SATUSEHAT Health Pass, which was introduced following the 2024 monkeypox outbreak.
- Paying the Bali tourism tax.
One frequent challenge was that many travelers arrived without having filled out the customs declaration form online and did not have the accompanying QR code, causing delays as passengers scrambled to complete the paperwork over unreliable airport Wi-Fi at arrival. The new unified online system aims to wipe out this bottleneck completely.
Benefits for Australian Tourists
Australians have shown continued enthusiasm for visiting Bali, with over 832,000 trips recorded in the first half of 2025—an 8% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The new online declaration card is expected to:
- Reduce confusion by consolidating multiple forms into one.
- Save time, especially for families traveling together.
- Allow a faster and smoother exit through immigration by ensuring all paperwork is pre-completed.
- Encourage travelers to apply for the e-visa in advance so they can use the expedited e-gates, avoiding long queues.
Jenny Hewett, a former Bali resident and experienced traveler, recommends securing the e-visa before departure to maximize efficiency, noting that on a recent trip, she reached baggage claim within 15 minutes of landing.
Context: Bali’s Tourism and Recent Changes
Despite ongoing concerns over environmental protection and cultural preservation, Bali continues to attract record numbers of visitors. The island has recently seen government-led efforts to manage overcrowding, including the removal of illegal cliffside beach warungs (local food stalls) in Bingin and Balangan—popular surf areas.
These measures come alongside crackdowns on unruly tourist behavior and attempts to enhance Bali’s image as a sustainable and high-quality destination. Official guidelines and lists of tourist dos and don’ts have been published to encourage respectful travel conduct.
Authorities have also targeted unauthorized accommodations and businesses, including the closure of a Russian-owned luxury villa complex in Ubud earlier this year.
Looking Ahead
As Bali implements its new entry procedures and continues addressing tourism impacts, travelers can look forward to a more organized and user-friendly arrival experience. The new digital declaration system marks an important step toward simplifying international travel to Indonesia, fostering a smoother gateway to one of the world’s most cherished island destinations.
For travelers planning a visit to Bali, it is now crucial to complete the All Indonesia Online Declaration Card at least 72 hours before arrival and to consider applying for an e-visa in advance to enjoy a hassle-free experience upon landing.
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