Quick and Convenient! Bali's Automated Immigration Process & Guide for 2025

What is Automated Immigration?

Beginning in 2024, applying for an electronic Visa on Arrival (eVoA) not only eliminates the need to queue for VoA (Visa on Arrival) but also removes the wait for immigration stamping! The time saved allows you to fully immerse yourself in Bali!

Starting in January 2024, Bali has implemented this automated immigration system. It is expected to add 50 more automated gate units within a few months, bringing the total to 80 units at Bali’s international terminal for swift immigration processing (60 units for arrivals/entry; 20 units for departures/exit).

Immigration Procedures After Landing

The standard procedure is:

Disembark the plane➡️Queue for Visa on Arrival➡️Queue for passport inspection and stamping by immigration➡️Pass through immigration➡️Collect luggage➡️Show QR Code to customs➡️Pay tourism tax

For those who follow us and know to apply for an electronic visa and pay the tourism tax in advance, their immigration process becomes:

Disembark the plane➡️Pass through automated immigration➡️Collect luggage➡️Show QR Code to customs➡️Pay tourism tax

Not only do you skip two queues entirely, but you also avoid potential questioning or hassle from immigration officers!

Fellow Travelers’ Actual Immigration Experience Sharing

(Shared by traveler Ellen Yang):

(Shared by travelers Sam & Sandra):

Upon arriving at Bali Airport on February 6, 2024, we utilized the online pre-application for an electronic visa and experienced the brand-new automated immigration system. The entire process was swift and smooth, taking less than three minutes to complete—truly convenient! I highly recommend applying for the visa online in advance to save significant time and trouble.

The airport staff were extremely friendly. Shortly after disembarking, someone asked if we had already applied for our electronic visas and kindly guided us to the automated immigration area. However, since we were traveling with a child under fourteen, the airport staff informed us that minors under 14 cannot use the automated system. Fortunately, the customs officer noticed that only one child in our family couldn’t proceed and immediately escorted the child to a dedicated counter nearby. The efficiency was remarkable, with no queuing required. Meanwhile, the adults who had already passed through the automated gates waited by the counter for the child.

Editor’s Note: Currently, children aged six and above can also use the airport’s automated immigration gates. Previously, this system was limited to individuals aged 14 and older.

Additionally, Ellen reminds travelers that handwritten customs declaration forms have been discontinued for some time. Many people still only realize at the final checkpoint—after collecting their luggage—that they need to fill out an electronic customs declaration online, causing delays as they spend extra time completing it. Essential Guide to Indonesia’s Electronic Customs Declaration e-CD Make sure not to overlook this step!

Further Reading: Complete Guide to Applying for Indonesia/Bali Electronic Visa eVOA

Essential Requirements for Using Automated Immigration

Are you excited about this convenient service? To use this super-fast automated immigration clearance system, you need to meet the following two essential requirements:

1. You must hold a valid Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVoA), which is a prerequisite for automated immigration clearance at Bali Airport. You can apply for and obtain this visa online before arriving in Bali to ensure a smooth immigration process.
2. You must be at least 6 years old. The automated immigration system is only applicable to passengers aged 6 and above. Passengers under 6 years old will need to be guided by customs officers to a dedicated counter for immigration processing.

Don’t Take Photos Randomly Inside the Airport

Lastly, a reminder to everyone (applicable to airports worldwide) that taking photos at immigration or customs can lead to significant trouble. It is generally not recommended to take photos in immigration or customs areas within airports, primarily due to security and privacy concerns. Airports are highly secure surveillance zones, and photography might be misinterpreted as a challenge to security measures or a potential threat. Additionally, photographing immigration or customs facilities could violate laws or regulations, especially in sensitive areas. The best way to avoid issues is to remain respectful and comply with local laws, so it’s best to refrain from taking photos to prevent unnecessary complications.

Further Reading: Understand Bali’s 2025 Entry Changes in One Minute: Indonesia/Bali Entry Process - From Landing to Baggage Claim