Bali entry points and what you need: official guide

The entry process for Bali is more streamlined than ever, but it also requires more preparation before you fly.

The Indonesian government has introduced a fully digital arrival system, meaning most of your entry process now happens through QR codes rather than paper forms. Preparing everything in advance means you can move through entry checks smoothly and quickly.

This guide explains what to know about Bali’s various entry points and what you need to have ready before arrival.

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Primary entry points: Where to arrive in Bali

Bali has a limited number of official international entry points. Most travelers arrive by air at the island’s main commercial airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Bali has a few official seaports, so it’s also possible to arrive by cruise or passenger boat. Whichever entry point you use, you must follow the same arrival and departure rules.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Ngurah Rai International Airport is the main gateway to Bali and handles virtually all international arrivals. Whether you’re flying long or short haul to Bali, this is most likely where you’ll enter.

The airport is fully adapted to meet the digital Bali entry requirements, which means most of the checks you’ll go through rely on QR code verification and automated systems.

Instead of filling out forms on arrival, you’re expected to arrive with everything already completed. In some cases, border officers might also carry out manual checks.

Simply follow the instructions given on arrival to pass through each part of the immigration and customs checks.

Entering by sea: Benoa Harbor and fast boat ports

Some travelers enter Bali by sea through ports such as Benoa, Padang Bai, or Serangan. This might be your entry point if you’re arriving from nearby islands like Lombok or the Gili Islands, or you’re visiting the region on a cruise.

The arrivals process by sea generally has the same requirements as for air passengers. However, seaports are less automated, so even if you have completed all digital steps, the process may take longer and involve manual checks.

What do you need to enter Bali?

To enter Bali legally, there are 4 key documents you need. These are not optional, and missing any of them can slow down your arrival significantly or cause issues.

Here’s what’s required, wherever you’re traveling from:

It’s a good idea to make sure these booking confirmations are easy to access, either as a printed copy or a screenshot with the key details on your phone. You’re also recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance, but this isn’t mandatory.

Indonesia Health Declaration

The All Indonesia QR system: One code for all passenger declarations

Indonesia simplified its entry process by merging several previously used forms into a single document, known as the All Indonesia Arrival Card. It covers health and customs declarations, as well as some general passenger information.

Apply for Customs Declaration

Completing this form generates a single QR code that you need to show on arrival in Bali. It may be scanned at multiple points, including immigration and customs, which is why completing it before departure is essential.

Travelers who arrive without it can still enter, but they will need to complete the process manually at the airport, which often results in delays.

Ngurah Rai Airport arrival process

Arriving at Bali’s main airport is designed to be fast and mostly contactless, but only if your documents are ready beforehand. Before your flight, you should already have:

Once you land, you will proceed directly to immigration. At this point, travelers are typically separated into two flows: those who can use the autogates and those who need manual processing.

If you qualify for the autogate system, the process is extremely quick. You scan your passport, complete a facial recognition check, and the gate opens automatically. There is no need to speak with an immigration officer, and the entire process typically takes under a minute.

If you’re not eligible (usually because you do not have an e-VOA or a biometric passport), you’ll need to go through a manual check at an immigration counter. This can take considerably longer, especially during peak arrival times.

After immigration, you may be asked to show proof of your tourist tax payment. From there, you proceed to customs, where your All Indonesia QR code is scanned again before exiting the airport.

Passing through immigration in just 45 seconds with autogates

The introduction of autogates has totally changed the experience for travelers arriving in Bali. If you have the right documents for the automatic system, you can complete the immigration process in record time.

If you have a biometric passport and a pre-approved e-VOA, you can move directly through the gate instead of waiting in line. In many cases, you can reach baggage claim within minutes of leaving the aircraft.

That’s why completing your visa and digital forms in advance is so beneficial. As well as giving you peace of mind that everything is taken care of before departure, your trip gets off to the smoothest and quickest start possible.