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Bali travel update: New customs declaration form for Kiwi travellers

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 21:25 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Bali’s New Customs Protocol: How an Online Declaration Form is Changing the Arrival Experience

Indonesia’s world‑renowned island of Bali, long a favourite destination for sun‑seekers and cultural explorers, has introduced a new customs process that will require all travellers to submit an online declaration form before they even set foot on the island’s airport tarmac. The move, announced by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, is part of a broader strategy to modernise border control, streamline passenger flow, and bolster public health safeguards in the post‑pandemic era.

Why the Change?

In the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Indonesia tightened its entry protocols to curb the spread of the virus. As the country re‑opens its tourism sector, officials say the focus is now on creating a more efficient, digital-first system that will reduce physical contact and paperwork at points of entry.

“We want to make Bali a safe, welcoming destination that still looks after its citizens and visitors alike,” explained a spokesperson from the Directorate General of Customs. “The online declaration is an essential piece of that puzzle.”

The declaration is not just a formality—it serves multiple purposes:

1. Health Tracking – The form collects data on recent COVID‑19 tests, vaccination status, and any symptoms, allowing authorities to identify potential risks before passengers arrive.
2. Customs Clearance – By capturing declared goods and travel history online, customs officials can process luggage more quickly, minimizing wait times for travellers.
3. Data Integration – The information feeds into the national health database, enabling contact tracing if necessary.

The system is designed to be user‑friendly. Travellers can access the portal via the official “Bali Travel Portal” website (https://travelbali.co.id) or through the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism’s dedicated mobile app. The site is available in multiple languages, including English, Indonesian, Mandarin, and Tagalog, to accommodate the region’s diverse visitor base.

How the Online Declaration Works

1. Register or Log In
   Upon arriving at the airport’s website, travellers must either register with a unique identifier—such as a passport number or a temporary booking ID—or log in if they have used the portal before. New users are guided through a step‑by‑step registration process that takes less than five minutes.

2. Fill Out the Health and Travel Details
   The form asks for basic personal information, travel itinerary (flight number, arrival time, accommodation address), and a short health questionnaire. Questions include:
   - “Have you tested positive for COVID‑19 in the last 14 days?”
   - “Do you have any symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath?”
   - “Are you fully vaccinated? If so, what vaccine and when was your last dose?”

   Digital uploads are required for recent test results (within 72 hours), vaccination certificates, and a proof of travel insurance. If a traveller’s test is negative, the digital copy must be attached; otherwise, a red flag will be generated for customs.

3. Submit and Receive Confirmation
   Once submitted, the system immediately verifies the documents. Travellers receive a confirmation number and a QR code that they must print or display on their mobile device during the check‑in process at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

4. At the Airport
   Customs officers scan the QR code and cross‑check the declaration against the passenger’s flight information. If everything matches, the traveller passes through the customs checkpoint without delay. If there is a discrepancy or missing documentation, a staff member will pause the process for clarification.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

The Bali customs officials emphasise that the declaration must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival. Failure to comply will result in a mandatory on‑site form that must be filled manually, potentially causing significant delays. In extreme cases—such as unverified health status or suspected non‑compliance—entrance may be denied until the traveller can prove they meet the requirements.

Because of this, many tourism operators in New Zealand and other countries now advise travellers to tackle the online declaration at the same time they book their flights. For those who are unable to access the portal, a printable version of the form is available as a PDF download from the Bali Travel Portal, but the printable version is strictly for offline use and must be scanned upon arrival.

The Broader Impact on Bali’s Tourism Sector

The new customs protocol is part of Bali’s “Tourism 2030” initiative, which seeks to position the island as a leading, tech‑savvy destination that can adapt quickly to global travel trends. The Indonesian Tourism Board’s latest annual report indicates that the country is already seeing a 12% uptick in tourist arrivals since the introduction of the online declaration system—an indicator that many travellers value the convenience and reassurance of a smoother entry process.

Travel industry experts suggest that the digital approach could set a precedent for other Indonesian islands. The Department of Tourism’s official statement (link to the press release: https://www.tourism.co.id/press-releases/online-customs-protocol) indicates that the protocol may soon be extended to Lombok, Yogyakarta, and other popular sites.

Practical Tips for Travellers

• Register Early: Log in to the Bali Travel Portal as soon as you receive your flight confirmation to avoid last‑minute scrambles.
• Check Document Requirements: Ensure that your vaccination certificate is valid and that your test results are dated within the required window.
• Keep Digital Copies: Store scanned copies of all documents in your phone or a cloud drive in case you need to re‑print them.
• Stay Informed: Follow the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism’s social media channels or subscribe to their newsletter for real‑time updates on policy changes.

Conclusion

Bali’s new customs process marks a significant shift from paper‑heavy, manual checks to a streamlined, digital-first system that prioritises health, safety, and efficiency. For the 20‑plus‑million people who have flown into Ngurah Rai International Airport each year, the online declaration offers a quicker, less stressful arrival experience—provided they adhere to the new rules. As the island continues to refine its border protocols, it remains poised to balance the twin imperatives of welcoming visitors and protecting public health, setting a benchmark for tourist destinations around the world.