There’s nothing more refreshing than arriving in paradise, but getting in the plane and then having to wait in a two-hour immigration line can ruin your vacation mood right off the bat. Fortunately, Ngurah Rai International Airport has a game changing solution. To avoid long queues, you can pre-register your ASEAN/E-VOA passport and easily pass through the newly installed biometric automated gates.
From the visa exempt regional traveller to the electronic visa holder, this online shortcut changes the way you arrive. This is your final step-by-step course to get into for 20 seconds and make the most of your time on the Island of the Gods.
The Ultimate Shortcut: Bali Airport Autogates
The Directorate General of Immigration Indonesia has implemented state-of-the-art, contactless auto-gates at the international arrival and departure terminals to handle the increasing volume of tourist arrivals from around the world. They are self-service barriers which use state-of-the-art biometric verification technology to compare a facial image and digital fingerprint with the microchip in your passport.
Those who have pre-registered their ASEAN/E-VOA passport for the country, instead of waiting for a manual stamp from the immigration officer, they could scan their passports themselves. In total, the automatic process only takes 15 to 25 seconds and is the most convenient way to begin your holiday.
Who is Eligible to Use the Bali Autogates?
Make sure you follow tough criteria set by the Bali airport autogates before entering directly into the automated lanes:
- E-Passport Holders Only: Passport should be an electronic passport (e-passport) with valid RFID chip. No traditional (non-biometric) passports will be accepted.
- Age Requirement: The biometric scanners are now designed for travellers 14 years and older. All families travelling with young children will have to use manned counters.
- Approved Immigration Status: They must have a valid Electronic Visa on Arrival (E-VOA), a standard e-Visa or a passport issued by one of the 13 Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA) countries, including all ASEAN countries.
Step-by-Step: How to Pre-Register Your ASEAN/E-VOA Passport
To ensure the automated barrier opens for you upon arrival, you must sync your biometric details with the immigration database prior to your flight. Follow this straightforward digital checklist:
1. Secure Your Electronic Visa or Exemption Online
Don’t purchase a physical visa sticker just after your arrival. Visit the official immigration e-visa website of Indonesia at least 48 hours prior to traveling. For paid visas, fill in the E-VOA (B213) visa form and make the payment digitally. You are required to log onto the portal for official registration of your visa-exempt travel profile online as you hold an ASEAN passport (for example Singapore, Malaysia).
2. Complete the Digital Passport Verification
Please provide a high-resolution scan of your bio-data page of your passport when you complete the online application. There will be a required “selfie” chip verification, which will be compared to the facial recognition software in the system. Upon completion of this step, the system will serve as the means of pre-registering your ASEAN/E-VOA passport.
3. Clear Immigration via the Autogate Lane
After receiving your E-VOA or exemption via email, your passport number will be live in the system. On landing in Bali, don’t use the manual lines but follow the Autogate directions.
- Take off the passport cover and lay the biographical face down on the glass of the scanner.
- Take one step onto the yellow footprints and point straight ahead into the camera!
- Avoid wearing hats, sunglasses or face masks. The gate will open immediately if it is confirmed!
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Crucial Travel Requirements to Remember
The Klook Travel Blog reported that the autogate is just one of the elements of a seamless entry. Please note that these are also required to avoid being rejected from the terminal:
- The All Indonesia App: All international arrivals must download and fill out the new, mandatory All Indonesia App within 3 days prior to arrival. This is a replacement of the old Satu Sehat and paper customs forms.
- Bali Tourism Levy: This IDR 150.000 (about USD $10.00) cultural preservation fee is compulsory and must be paid before boarding a flight through the Love Bali Website.
FAQs
Can I use the autogate if I buy my Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport counter?
No. If you purchase a physical VOA sticker at the airport terminal, you must queue for a manual immigration counter. The Bali airport autogates only synchronize with visas obtained electronically online.
Do ASEAN citizens need to pay for an E-VOA to use the autogate?
No. Citizens from ASEAN countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days. However, you must still visit the official immigration portal before traveling to submit your passport data and clear the automated pre-registration process.
What should I do if the autogate machine fails to read my passport?
If a biometric mismatch or chip error occurs, do not panic. A dedicated team of immigration officers stands directly behind the autogate barriers to instantly route you to an assisted clearance desk without putting you back at the end of the main queue.
