Bottom line: As long as you apply for an e-VOA online in advance, you can go directly through the facial recognition automated clearance gates at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport upon arrival, skipping the queue for immigration officer stamps. The system was launched in January 2024, with 50-60 automated gates in the arrival area—the key to a fast exit is getting your e-VOA before you depart.
Those who apply for an e-visa online in advance can now use the automated clearance system!
Bali Airport will soon launch an automated clearance system
Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport has recently completed a major upgrade and will launch an automated clearance system equipped with facial recognition technology.
This system has been in use for over a year at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia’s capital, and has been highly successful, with the long queues for immigration stamps now a thing of the past.
Jakarta and Bali both use the same system to speed up clearance.
Starting January 2024, Bali will also launch this automated clearance system. It is expected to add 50 more automated gate units within a few months, bringing the total to 80 units in the international terminal for fast clearance (50-60 automated gates for arrivals/entry; 20 for departures/exit).
Apply for Your Visa Online for a Smoother Entry
Starting in 2024, Indonesia will encourage travelers heading to Bali to use its online immigration services. You can apply for various Indonesian visas online, and even extend your visa without having to visit an immigration office in person!
The following visa types can now be extended online:
- Single-entry visitor visas for vacation, family visits, and transit
- Single-entry visitor visas for medical treatment
- Single-entry visitor visas for visits by foreign government officials
- Single-entry visitor visas for short-term courses and training
- Single-entry visitor visas for international exhibitions
Use facial recognition for automated clearance and skip the queues almost entirely.
So starting in 2024, getting your e-Visa on Arrival in advance means you won’t have to queue for a VoA or wait in line at immigration for a stamp. The time you save lets you soak up even more of Bali!
👈 Back to the Ultimate Bali Travel Guide
Want to see the complete beginner’s guide? Click here to read the ‘2026 Bali Ultimate Travel Guide’ to get everything sorted before you go.
