All-Indonesia Digital Arrival Card: What Is It?

Beginning September 1, 2025, Indonesia officially launched a unified digital system called the All-Indonesia Digital Arrival Card. This is a mandatory entry requirement for all international travelers arriving via certain airports/ports.

The “All-Indonesia” card merges several separate forms and declarations that were previously required:

• The immigration arrival card
  
• Customs declaration (e-CD)
  
• Health declaration (formerly handled via SATUSEHAT)
  
• Quarantine forms, where relevant
  

So instead of filling out multiple separate paper or online forms, travelers now fill one digital arrival card.

Where & When Is It Mandatory

The rollout is phased:

• Starting 1 September 2025: The requirement is in force at the major international airports of Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta), Bali (Ngurah Rai), and Surabaya (Juanda), plus certain seaports including those in Batam.
• By 1 October 2025: The requirement expands to all international airports across Indonesia, and later to other entry points including sea and land borders.

How It Works: Step by Step

Here’s how travelers are expected to use the Digital Arrival Card:

1. Complete the form online via the official portal (allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id) or using the official mobile app.
   
2. Complete it within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival.
   
3. Fill in information such as:
   
   • Personal details (name, nationality, passport number & expiry)
     
   • Travel details: arrival/departure dates, flight/ship, transport mode; accommodation address, etc.
     
   • Health & customs declarations: health status, previous travel‐history, items to declare; sometimes IMEI of phones/devices (if applicable)
     

Once submitted, a QR code is generated. You present this QR code (printed or on your device) at immigration/customs or relevant checkpoints upon arrival.

What It Does Not Replace

Important to note:

• It is not a visa. Even after you complete the Digital Arrival Card, travelers still need to obtain the proper visa if required (e-VOA, visa on arrival, e-Visa, etc.).
• The Digital Arrival Card does not replace other entry requirements (visa, immigration checks) but streamlines some of the procedures related to declarations.

Benefits & Purpose

Why did Indonesia adopt this new system? Some of the stated benefits/intentions are:

• Faster processing at immigration/customs, fewer queues and bottlenecks.
  
• Less paperwork for travellers—one form replacing several separate ones.
  
• Improved border security and data integration; collecting declarations (customs, health, immigration) in one system helps authorities manage entry more effectively.
• Convenience – can be done ahead of time, making arrival smoother.

What Travelers Need to Know / To Do

If you are planning travel to Indonesia, here are the key things to remember so you don’t get delayed or caught by surprise:

• Fill out the Digital Arrival Card up to 72 hours before your arrival.
  
• Use the official site or app. Avoid third-party or unofficial sites.
  
• After submission, keep your QR code accessible (on your phone or printed) to show at immigration/customs.
  
• Still ensure your visa status is valid (or apply for e-VOA / visa on arrival / e-Visa) if needed.
  
• Be ready with your accommodation address, flight/arrival info, and any health/customs declarations.

Challenges & Possible Issues

While the system promises a lot of benefits, some possible issues travelers might want to consider:

• If you miss filling out the card before arrival, you might need to do it upon arrival, which could slow things down.
  
• Data accuracy matters. Mistakes in passport, arrival info, or declarations might lead to difficulties at immigration/customs.
  
• Connectivity or app issues could pose minor delays if trying to access or download the QR code.
  
• For travelers unfamiliar with the process, there might be confusion over whether they also need to pay tourist levies or handle visa/entry requirements separately.

Timeline & Implementation

Here’s a summary timeline:

• 1 September 2025: Mandatory at main airports (Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya) and some seaports (like Batam).
• 1 October 2025: Expanded to all international airports, and other entry points (sea ports, land borders).

The All-Indonesia Digital Arrival Card is part of Indonesia’s move to modernize and streamline its border entry procedures. For travelers, it means fewer forms, more predictable arrival times, and a smoother experience. Of course, it doesn’t replace visa requirements or other immigration formalities, but if used properly, it saves time and stress.

If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia—especially Bali or Jakarta—make sure you fill out the digital arrival card ahead of time, keep your QR code, and check that your visa or entry permit is all set. Do this, and you’ll breeze through many of the formalities at the airport.