Have you ever stepped off a plane and immediately felt overwhelmed by the immigration process? If so, you’re not alone. Many travelers have faced long lines and tedious wait times just to enter a beautiful country like Indonesia. But here’s some great news: over four million tourists passed through Bali Airport utilizing the newly installed autogates, transforming the arrival experience into something remarkably speedy and efficient.
The Dawn of the Autogates
Since becoming fully operational in October 2024, these autogates allow visitors to breeze through immigration checks in mere seconds. Imagine stepping off your flight, feeling the tropical breeze, and within moments you’re ready to explore Bali instead of waiting in line!
Improving Service Standards for All
The Directorate General of Immigration for Indonesia is committed to elevating the service experience for both Indonesian residents and international tourists. This initiative includes enhancing the visa application process, enabling online visa extensions, and proudly introducing 90 autogates at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport’s terminals.
Impressive Statistics and Positive Feedback
During a recent discussion, Alexander Maxwell, the Head of Immigration Information and Communication Technology Division at TPI Ngurah Rai, revealed that more than 4 million travelers benefited from the autogate system in 2024 alone. Can you believe that’s about 57% of all arrivals? Maxwell stated, “This autogate has become an effective solution to reduce waiting times at immigration checks.”
Maxwell also noted, “We started the first phase in early 2024, and our mission is ongoing to ensure that all devices are installed.” This dedication reflects a broader commitment to harnessing technology to enhance services.
Who’s Flying In and What Are Their Options?
Interestingly, Australian tourists lead the pack in arrivals, with over 1.5 million Australians visiting Bali in 2024! Following them are visitors from India and China, showing just how much Bali is loved by travelers worldwide. Maxwell explained, “This figure reflects the success of handling the surge in travelers. We are optimistic that this increase will continue in the coming years.”
However, it’s important to note that not all travelers can access the speedy autogates. This facility is available only for foreigners who possess an e-visa, including the e-Visa on Arrival.
Applying for the eVisa on Arrival
So, what’s the deal with the eVisa on Arrival? It’s quite straightforward. You can apply online anytime between 90 days and just 48 hours before your trip. This visa is valid for 30 days and is easily extendable for another 30 days. With an application fee of IDR 500,000, it’s a breeze to secure your travel entry — and even better, groups can apply together!
It’s worth mentioning that visitors can also opt for the Visa on Arrival in person upon arrival at the airport. Both visa options cater to tourists from over 90 countries, including Bali’s most frequent visitors.
The Future of Bali Travel
As Bali gears up to welcome over 6.5 million international tourists in 2025, it’s prudent for travelers to utilize every opportunity to streamline their arrival process. Applying for the eVisa on Arrival beforehand, completing the online customs declaration form, paying the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, and downloading the Satusehat One Health app are all steps that will make your arrival smoother.
Don’t let long lines ruin your exciting start in paradise. Embrace the tech-savvy changes at Bali Airport, and make your arrival feel just as magical as the island itself!
