JAKARTA, Indonesia — Planning to touch down in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya or Batam next year? Pack your sunscreen and sarong, but make room on your smartphone as well. Indonesia’s government is phasing out paper arrival paperwork in favor of a compulsory digital arrival card, part of a nationwide push to modernize entry formalities and tighten border security.
What Is the All Indonesia Digital Arrival Card?
The new All Indonesia arrival card folds four separate declarations—immigration, customs, health and quarantine—into a single electronic form. Officials launched a pilot program at major international gateways on 1 Sep 2025, and the system is scheduled to become mandatory for every international traveler arriving by air on 1 Oct 2025. Travelers can complete the form for free on the official website, allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id, or through the All Indonesia mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play. Authorities still plan to post QR codes in arrival halls so latecomers can register on the spot, but they strongly advise finishing the process before departure to dodge potential bottlenecks at immigration counters.
Key Dates and Locations
- Pilot launch: 1 Sep 2025
- Mandatory nationwide rollout: 1 Oct 2025
- Pilot airports: Jakarta (Soekarno–Hatta), Bali (Ngurah Rai), Surabaya (Juanda) and Batam (Hang Nadim)
How to Fill Out the Form—Step-by-Step
- Download the All Indonesia app or open the website.
- Create a profile using your passport details and email address.
- Within three days of your flight, log in and start a new trip record.
- Enter arrival airport, flight number, accommodation address and length of stay.
- Complete health and customs declarations, then review and submit.
- Save the confirmation QR code to your device or print a hard copy.
Passengers can update or correct a submission until they scan the code at immigration. Families traveling together may enter details for multiple people under one account, though each traveler still receives a unique QR code.
Why Indonesia Is Moving to Fully Digital Entry
Eliminating paper forms means shorter lines, less clutter and faster data analysis for public-health officials. “This application is not just about convenience; it’s also about protecting our country,” Yuldi Yusman, acting director of immigration traffic, said in a statement. Digital submissions allow authorities to spot incomplete documents or potential red flags before travelers even land. The new database also integrates seamlessly with Indonesia’s e-Visa system, reducing duplicate data entry for visitors who arrange visas online.
Data Privacy and Security Measures
The Directorate General of Immigration says personal information is encrypted during transmission and storage, with access limited to immigration, customs and health agencies. According to officials, the platform complies with the nation’s 2023 Personal Data Protection Law. Travelers who forget a login password can reset it only through two-factor authentication tied to the passport number on record.
Tips for Travelers
- Set a reminder. The form opens exactly three days before departure; early birds can’t submit sooner.
- Keep screenshots offline. Airport Wi-Fi can be patchy. Save the QR code in your photo gallery in case you can’t connect.
- Don’t pay third-party fees. The government issues the form free of charge. Any site charging money is likely a scam.
- Group travel? Use “Add Traveler.” Families may submit multiple declarations under one account, streamlining the process.
- Carry a power bank. Officials will scan the code from a lit screen. A dead phone equals a longer queue.
What Happens If You Arrive Unprepared?
Passengers who land without having completed the digital card can fill it out on arrival by connecting to airport Wi-Fi and scanning posted QR codes. That said, immigration officers will not process a passport until the digital form shows as “verified.” Peak-season travelers to Bali or Jakarta may face significant delays if they postpone registration until touchdown.
Comparing Indonesia’s Move With Regional Trends
Southeast Asia is rapidly digitizing border control. Singapore’s SG Arrival Card became mandatory in 2020, and Malaysia launched its Digital Arrival Card in 2024. Indonesia’s entry into the digital arena puts the region on a largely paperless footing, which should help airlines streamline pre-departure documentation checks.
Impact on Frequent Fliers and Tourism Operators
Airlines and tour companies catering to surf trippers in Bali or cruising families in Batam may need to update pre-departure emails, in-flight announcements and check-in desk signage. Because the form activates only three days in advance, automated reminders should be time-sensitive to avoid confusing guests.
FAQ
Do transit passengers need to fill it in?
Yes, if you pass through immigration to collect bags or switch terminals. Those remaining airside within a single terminal may be exempt, though rules can vary by airport.
Is the card required at seaports and land borders?
For now, only arrivals by air are affected. Officials say sea and land checkpoints will be added later, but no timeline is confirmed.
What if my flight is delayed past the three-day window?
The QR code remains valid for the entire arrival day. If the delay pushes you into a different calendar day, log in to edit your flight information before boarding.
Will the card replace visas?
No. Visa-on-Arrival, e-Visa and visa-free entry policies remain unchanged. The digital card simply consolidates declarations.
Which languages does the app support?
English, Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Arabic. More languages are planned.
Bottom Line for Jet-Setters
If Indonesia is on your 2025 itinerary—whether you’re chasing Komodo dragons in Flores or chilling in Canggu—put the All Indonesia digital arrival card near the top of your pre-trip checklist. Complete it within the allowed three-day window, save the QR code and breeze past the paper-form crowd on arrival. It’s one more small task for you, but potentially a giant leap toward smoother, smarter borders across the archipelago. — Source: Government of Indonesia public information
