Abstract
Securing a visa is only the first step for entering Indonesia. This guide covers the other mandatory and highly recommended documents required for a smooth arrival, including the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD), the Bali Tourist Levy, proof of onward travel, and passport requirements.
Table of Contents
You’ve got your visa approved and your bags are packed, but you're not quite ready for immigration. To ensure a seamless entry into Bali and the rest of Indonesia, you need to prepare a few other essential documents. Overlooking these can cause unnecessary delays or even issues at the airport.
1. Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD)
This is arguably the most important non-visa document. Every individual or family arriving in Indonesia must complete an Electronic Customs Declaration.
- What it is: A digital form where you declare any goods you are bringing into the country, as well as providing basic travel information.
- When to complete it: You can fill out the form online up to 48 hours before your arrival. It's best to do it the day before your flight.
- How it works: After submitting the form, you will receive a QR code. You must save this on your phone (screenshot it!) and present it to the customs officials after you collect your luggage.
- Official Link: Complete the form only on the official Indonesian Customs website: ecd.beacukai.go.id.
2. Bali Tourist Levy
Effective from February 2024, every international tourist visiting Bali is required to pay a one-time tourism fee. This fee is used to fund projects that preserve Balinese culture and protect the environment.
- Cost: IDR 150,000 per person (approx. USD 10).
- Who it applies to: All foreign tourists entering Bali, whether directly from an international flight or from another part of Indonesia.
- How to pay: The easiest and recommended way is to pay online before your trip via the official "Love Bali" website or app. After payment, you'll receive a voucher with a QR code to show upon arrival.
- Official Link: Pay the levy at the official government portal: lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
Important Note:
Be wary of unofficial websites. Only use the official "Love Bali" portal to pay the tourist levy to avoid scams.
3. Proof of Onward/Return Travel
Both your airline at check-in and the immigration officer in Indonesia have the right to ask for proof that you intend to leave the country. This is a standard requirement for most tourist visas.
- What qualifies: A confirmed flight ticket departing from any Indonesian airport to any other country.
- Why it's needed: It shows immigration you do not intend to stay illegally beyond your visa's duration.
- What if you're traveling overland? If you don't have a flight out, it's wise to book a cheap, refundable flight or a bus/ferry ticket to a nearby country like Singapore or Malaysia as proof. Services like "Onward Ticket" can also provide temporary, verifiable reservations for a small fee.
4. Passport Validity & Blank Pages
This may seem obvious, but it’s a critical check that can derail your trip before it even begins.
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 full months from your date of entry into Indonesia. Not 5 months and 28 days—it must be 6 months. Airlines are extremely strict about this rule and will deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
- Blank Pages: Ensure you have at least one completely blank page in your passport for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I fill out the customs declaration (e-CD) when I arrive?
+While there are usually computers available at the airport to fill it out upon arrival, the queues can be very long and the system slow. Completing it online beforehand will save you a lot of time and hassle.
Do children need to pay the Bali Tourist Levy?
+Yes, the Bali Tourist Levy applies to all foreign tourists, including infants and children, regardless of age.
What happens if my passport has less than 6 months validity?
+You will almost certainly be denied boarding by your airline. Airlines face heavy fines for transporting passengers with invalid travel documents. There is no flexibility on this rule, so you must renew your passport before you travel.