Have you ever tried applying for an Indonesian e-Visa online?
If so, be cautious. Recently, a traveler shared a very new scam tactic on Reddit, specifically targeting those who have just completed their visa application.

Received an ‘Official Letter’ the Day After Applying for a Visa
Here’s how it works: You apply for the electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) through the Indonesian Immigration website, thinking everything’s sorted. Then, one or two days later, an email suddenly pops up in your inbox.
The letter states that you need to reissue a ‘Mandatory Entry Declaration Card,’ and without it, you won’t be allowed to enter the country. Please click the link to make the payment as soon as possible.
Here’s the key point—this letter contains your real name and your application number. It’s not the kind of obvious spam email that’s randomly sent out; it genuinely knows what you’ve just applied for.
Many people see this and believe it, click through to make payment, and are even asked to transfer money using cryptocurrency.
Why does it feel so real?
Because the ‘Customs Declaration Form’ is indeed a real thing.
Starting from September 2025, travelers entering Indonesia will indeed need to complete an electronic declaration called the All Indonesia Arrival Card (AIAC). Scammers are taking advantage of this—playing on your uncertainty about whether it costs anything or how to complete it—and posing as officials to charge fees.

But the truth is: AIAC declaration is completely free, with no additional fees!
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Keep these few things in mind and you’ll be all set
First, Indonesian government websites always end with .go.id. When you receive an email, check the sender’s address and links first. If the URL doesn’t match, close it immediately.
Secondly, after obtaining your visa, the authorities will not ask you for any additional payments. Any notifications about ‘supplementary fees’ are almost certainly fraudulent.
Third, fill out the arrival card for free directly on the official All Indonesia system. No need to go through any email links.
This Isn’t the First Time Something Like This Has Happened
In 2022, fake e-VOA application websites emerged, designed to look identical to the real ones and even appeared as the top result on Google searches, deceiving many people at the time.
Scam tactics are constantly evolving, and now they can even obtain your application details, making the documents look increasingly authentic. However, always remember one principle: Once the visa fee is paid, that’s it—ignore any additional charges thereafter.
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