New entry requirements for Aussies travelling to Bali from today

A major rule change has come into effect today for Australians travelling to Bali, with those heading to the country’s favourite holiday destination needing to fill out a new declaration card before arrival.

The new ‘All Indonesia’ declaration card will be a one-stop form that will compile traveller information that was previously detailed in a handful of different forms for health, customs, immigration and quarantine declarations. Authorities hope the change will help centralise passenger details in one place and help streamline the process.

The card is free to complete online on a new digital platform that replaces multiple forms, and travellers have to complete the form and share information about their intended travel, transport and accommodation three days before arrival.

The change will come into effect on September 1 for all international passengers arriving at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, and Juanda Airport in Surabaya. However, from October 1, this will be extended to all international airports.

When completed and processed, travellers will receive a QR code which they can present at the Indonesian border on arrival. The new website can be accessed here.

Will I still need a visa to travel to Bali?

Yes — Australians will still need to apply for a visa despite the changes to the declaration card.

Travellers can apply for a visa on Indonesia’s immigration website, with authorities urging travellers to do so no later than 48 hours before arrival. Visas to Indonesia cost $50 and, as is the case with the majority of visa applications, passport information is required to secure approval.

“Before entering Indonesia, ensure you understand your visa conditions and entry and exit requirements,” Smarttraveller, the Australian government’s travel advice arm, warns.

How can I extend my visa if I’m in Bali as a tourist?

Australians eager to extend their stay beyond the initial 30-day period are required to make an in-person visit to the immigration office to complete their application, with this new rule in place since May.

It is believed this process was introduced to deter travellers from “abusing the visa” system and to “hold people accountable” for their actions in the country, Gary, the owner of Bali Legals, told Yahoo News in July.

Those who fail to visit an immigration office to extend their visa could potentially be denied boarding on a departure flight until a fine is paid. The maximum penalty for overstaying a visa in Indonesia is a fine the equivalent of $50,000 and up to five years imprisonment.

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