Americans Face New Digital Permit Requirement for Bali Entry: What Travelers Need to Know for 2025

Major Changes Ahead: Bali Introduces Mandatory Digital Permit for All Travelers

Bali, Indonesia’s famed island paradise, is about to make a significant change to its entry requirements that will impact millions of international visitors, including Americans. Starting September 1, 2025, travelers arriving at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), as well as Jakarta and Surabaya, will be required to complete a new digital arrival permit known as the “All Indonesia” card. By October 1, 2025, this requirement will extend to all international airports and likely to sea and land border crossings throughout Indonesia.

This new system, designed to streamline and modernize the entry process, will not replace existing visa requirements but will add an extra step for all travelers, regardless of nationality or visa status. Here’s what Americans and other international visitors need to know to ensure a smooth journey to Bali and beyond.

What Is the All Indonesia Digital Permit?

The All Indonesia digital permit is a centralized online platform that consolidates several previously separate arrival procedures into a single, unified process. Traditionally, travelers to Indonesia have had to juggle multiple forms and declarations, including:

• Immigration questionnaires
• Customs declarations (e-CD)
• Health declarations (SATUSEHAT Health Pass)

With the new All Indonesia portal, these requirements are merged into one digital arrival card. The goal is to reduce paperwork, minimize confusion, and speed up processing at airports and other entry points. The system is accessible via the official website (allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id) or through a dedicated mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

According to Indonesian officials, the process of filling out the All Indonesia form takes about 2.5 minutes. Once submitted, travelers receive a unique QR code by email, which must be presented to authorities upon arrival.

Why Is Indonesia Making This Change?

Indonesia’s government has cited several reasons for the rollout of the All Indonesia system:

• Streamlining entry procedures: By combining multiple forms into one, the process becomes more efficient for both travelers and border officials.
• Enhancing security and health monitoring: Centralized data collection allows for better tracking of travelers and more effective responses to health or security concerns.
• Supporting sustainable tourism: Faster, more reliable entry procedures are expected to improve the visitor experience and support Indonesia’s tourism recovery and growth.

During the official launch at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing travel infrastructure, stating:

“The All Indonesia portal is a practical solution to previously fragmented procedures, making travel to Indonesia smoother and more secure for everyone.”

For Americans, who make up a significant portion of Bali’s international visitors, these changes mean adapting to a new digital-first approach to travel documentation.

How the New System Works: Step-by-Step Guide

To comply with the new requirements, travelers must complete the All Indonesia arrival card within three days (72 hours) before entering Indonesia. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Access the Portal: Visit the official website or download the All Indonesia app.
• Fill Out the Form: Provide personal details (name, nationality, passport number, contact info), travel information (arrival and departure dates, flight details, accommodation address), and answer health and customs-related questions.
• Submit and Receive QR Code: After submitting the form, a unique QR code is generated and sent to your email.
• Present QR Code on Arrival: Show the QR code to immigration, customs, and health officials upon arrival in Indonesia.

The form is free to complete and is mandatory for all travelers, including Indonesian citizens returning from abroad. If you do not complete the form in advance, you will be required to do so upon arrival by scanning a QR code at the airport. However, this can cause significant delays at customs and immigration, as data processing may take additional time.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete the Permit Before Arrival?

Travelers who arrive in Indonesia without having completed the All Indonesia digital permit will be held at the border until the form is filled out and approved. This could result in long waits, missed connections, and a stressful start to your trip. Indonesian authorities strongly recommend completing the process before departure to avoid unnecessary delays.

Visa Requirements: What Else Do Americans Need to Enter Bali?

The All Indonesia digital permit is just one part of the entry process. Americans and other foreign nationals must still comply with Indonesia’s visa regulations. Here’s what you need to know:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Most American tourists are eligible for a 30-day Visa on Arrival, which costs approximately $35 (IDR 500,000). This visa can be obtained online before travel (e-VOA) or purchased at the airport. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
• e-Visa: For longer stays or specific purposes (such as business or digital nomad work), travelers can apply for an e-Visa online. Processing typically takes up to five working days, and fees vary depending on the visa type.
• Return or Onward Ticket: All visitors must show proof of an outbound or return flight within 30 days of entry. Immigration officers may deny entry or require you to purchase a ticket on the spot if you cannot provide this.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Indonesia. Airlines may refuse boarding, and immigration will deny entry if this requirement is not met.

Additionally, all international visitors to Bali must pay a local tourist tax (levy) of IDR 150,000 (about $10), which is separate from any visa fees. This can usually be paid online or at the airport.

Special Considerations for Digital Nomads and Long-Term Visitors

Bali has become a global hotspot for digital nomads and remote workers. In response, Indonesia has introduced new visa options, including the Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Worker Visa, E33G) and the B211a visa. These visas allow longer stays and are designed for those working remotely for foreign employers or running businesses outside Indonesia.

• Digital Nomad Visa (E33G): Valid for one year (renewable up to five times), requires proof of $60,000 annual income, a bank balance of at least $2,000, and accommodation in Indonesia. Holders cannot work for Indonesian companies or conduct local business.
• B211a Visa: Allows stays up to 180 days, with an initial 60-day period and two possible extensions. Applicants need a valid passport, proof of funds, and an onward ticket.

Both visas require compliance with Indonesian tax laws if you stay more than 183 days in a year, potentially making you a tax resident. It is recommended to consult a tax professional if you plan to stay long-term.

What Does This Mean for American Travelers?

For most American tourists, the new digital permit adds an extra step to the pre-travel checklist but also promises a more efficient arrival experience. By consolidating forms and declarations, the All Indonesia system aims to reduce confusion and speed up processing at busy airports like Bali’s Ngurah Rai International.

However, the change also means travelers must be more diligent in preparing their documents before departure. Failing to complete the digital permit in advance could result in frustrating delays at the border.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Bali

• Complete the All Indonesia digital permit online within three days of your flight.
• Print or save the QR code to your phone and have it ready for inspection.
• Apply for your e-VOA or other visa online before travel, if possible, to save time at the airport.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a return or onward ticket.
• Pay the Bali tourist levy in advance if available.
• Consider travel insurance, even though it is no longer mandatory, as hospitals may require upfront payment.

Travelers should also be wary of unofficial websites or third-party services that may charge unnecessary fees or provide incorrect information. Always use official government portals for visa and permit applications.

Broader Implications: Indonesia’s Push for Digital Transformation in Tourism

The introduction of the All Indonesia digital permit is part of a broader trend in Southeast Asia toward digitalizing travel procedures. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea have already implemented e-Visas and electronic travel authorizations, reflecting a global shift toward contactless, data-driven border management.

For Indonesia, which relies heavily on tourism for economic growth, these changes are intended to:

• Enhance the visitor experience
• Improve border security and health monitoring
• Support the recovery of the tourism sector post-pandemic

By centralizing and digitizing entry procedures, Indonesia hopes to attract more international visitors while maintaining robust health and security protocols.

Potential Challenges and Concerns

While the new system is designed to simplify travel, some concerns remain:

• Technical Issues: As with any new digital platform, there may be initial glitches or outages, especially during peak travel periods.
• Accessibility: Not all travelers are comfortable with online forms or have reliable internet access before departure. Airports will provide QR codes for on-site completion, but this could lead to bottlenecks.
• Privacy: The centralized collection of personal and travel data raises questions about data security and privacy. Indonesian authorities have stated that the system complies with data protection regulations, but travelers should remain vigilant.

Despite these challenges, most experts agree that the benefits of a streamlined, digital entry process outweigh the drawbacks, especially for high-traffic destinations like Bali.

In Summary

• Starting September 1, 2025, Americans and all international travelers must complete the free All Indonesia digital permit before entering Bali, Jakarta, or Surabaya.
• The requirement expands to all Indonesian international airports and likely sea/land borders by October 1, 2025.
• The All Indonesia portal consolidates immigration, customs, and health declarations into one online form, generating a QR code for arrival.
• This new permit does not replace existing visa requirements; travelers still need a valid visa (VOA, e-VOA, e-Visa) and a passport valid for at least six months.
• Proof of a return or onward ticket and payment of the Bali tourist levy are also required.
• Digital nomads and long-term visitors have new visa options but must comply with Indonesian tax laws if staying over 183 days.
• Completing the digital permit in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays at the border.
• Indonesia’s move reflects a global trend toward digital, streamlined travel procedures aimed at improving efficiency and security for all visitors.