Indonesia is in the process of rolling out a unified digital arrival system, commonly referred to as the All Indonesia Arrival Card, which aims to combine immigration, customs, and health declarations into one platform. Developed by the Directorate General of Immigration in collaboration with Customs, the Ministry of Health, and the Quarantine Agency, this digital system pulls everything into one place. Instead of filling out multiple forms, travellers are expected to complete a single online entry portal that will eventually cover immigration, customs, and health declarations.
When available, the All Indonesia Arrival Card can be filled out for free via the official immigration website or mobile app. You can submit it up to three days before arrival from your home country, or even upon landing in Indonesia. Once submitted, your information is automatically shared with the relevant agencies, making the entire entry process far smoother.
As the system is gradually introduced at major international entry points, for divers heading to Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat, or Sulawesi, this means less time at airport counters and more time focused on chasing manta rays, pygmy seahorses, and coral walls.
What Is the All Indonesia Arrival Card?
Think of it as your one-stop entry pass. Instead of juggling multiple slips of paper at the immigration counter, you’ll fill out one digital card. It applies to both Indonesian citizens and international travellers. Initial pilot airports are expected to include:
- Ngurah Rai International (Bali)
- Soekarno-Hatta International (Jakarta)
- Juanda International (Surabaya)
The rollout will continue across Indonesia, eventually covering even the smaller airports and seaports that serve the gateways to remote dive regions.
What Does the All Indonesia Arrival Card Replace?
To avoid confusion, here’s how the All Indonesia Arrival Card compares to existing arrival requirements:
| Previous Requirement | Replaced by This System? |
| SATUSEHAT Health Pass | Likely integrated during rollout |
| Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) | Yes |
| Paper arrival card | Yes |
| Visa (VOA / e-Visa) | ❌ No |
This system is designed to streamline arrival procedures, but it does not replace visa requirements. Travellers must still hold a valid visa or visa-on-arrival where applicable.
Why It’s a Good News For You
- Faster entry – No fumbling with paper forms after a 16-hour flight.
- Free and easy – Accessible via the official website or mobile app.
- Eco-friendly – Completely paperless.
- Time-saver – Shorter lines at immigration and customs.
For divers lugging camera housings, regulators, and enough gear to fill a small van, this means one less hassle at the airport.
ALSO READ: 9 Things That Can Ruin Your Dive Gear
How to Get Your All Indonesia Arrival Card
- Visit the official website.
- Fill in your details: passport info, travel itinerary, and declarations.
- Submit your form up to 3 days before travel, or right when you land.
- Get your QR code instantly.
- Show the QR code at checkpoints, immigration, customs, wherever needed.
Pro tip: Screenshot the QR code or print it. Wi-Fi in airports isn’t always reliable.
Important Rules to Remember
- One card per traveller, including kids.
- Information must match your passport and flight details.
- This is not a visa replacement. You’ll still need the appropriate visa if required.
- Rollout to smaller airports is ongoing, but always safer to complete the card in advance.
Why This Matters for Dive Travelers
If you’ve just endured a long-haul flight from California, London, Frankfurt, or Seoul, the last thing you want is paperwork. This card means you’re through immigration faster, with more time to catch your connecting flight to Sorong for Raja Ampat or Labuan Bajo for Komodo.
It also makes life easier when you’re hauling dive gear. Customs is smoother, the process is clearer, and you’re one step closer to the dive deck.
ALSO READ: Three species to spot in Raja Ampat
Final Thoughts
The All Indonesia Arrival Card is part of Indonesia’s ongoing effort to simplify the arrival process by bringing immigration, customs, and health declarations into a single digital system. While the rollout is still gradual and may vary by airport, the direction is clear: less paperwork, fewer counters, and a smoother arrival experience.
For dive travellers, this matters. After long international flights and with multiple bags of dive gear in tow, any reduction in administrative hassle makes a real difference. Completing the Arrival Card in advance when available can help you move through immigration and customs more efficiently, giving you more time to focus on onward connections and, ultimately, getting on the dive deck.
The key takeaway is simple: prepare early, follow the latest instructions for your arrival airport, and keep your QR code accessible. The Arrival Card is not a visa replacement, but when used correctly, it’s one more step toward a faster, more streamlined entry into Indonesia, so you can spend less time in line and more time underwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a visa to travel to Indonesia?
Yes. The All Indonesia Arrival Card is not a replacement for a visa. Travellers must still hold a valid visa, visa-on-arrival, or e-Visa, depending on their nationality and travel purpose.
Is the All Indonesia Arrival Card safe to use?
Yes. The system is developed and managed by Indonesian government agencies and is intended to securely handle immigration, customs, and health declarations through an official platform.
What if I land at a regional or smaller airport?
The system is being rolled out gradually. At the moment, it is expected to be applied first at major international airports. If you are arriving through a regional airport or seaport, procedures may still vary, so it’s best to complete all required forms in advance and follow instructions provided upon arrival.
Does this replace SATUSEHAT or customs declarations?
The system is designed to streamline and integrate existing arrival requirements. During the rollout phase, some elements, such as health or customs declarations, may still be handled separately depending on your point of entry.
Should I complete the Arrival Card in advance?
Yes, whenever possible. Completing the form before arrival can help reduce time spent at immigration and customs counters, especially after long international flights or when travelling with dive gear.
Can I complete one Arrival Card for my whole family or group?
No. Each traveller, including children, is required to complete their own Arrival Card. Parents or guardians can usually fill it out on behalf of minors.
What information do I need to prepare before filling it out?
You should have:
Your passport details
Flight information
Accommodation details (at least for your first night)
Any required customs or health declarations
Having this ready will make the process much faster.
What happens if I make a mistake on the form?
If you notice an error before arrival, it’s best to resubmit the form with correct information. Details such as passport number and flight information should match your travel documents exactly to avoid delays.
Do I need an internet connection upon arrival?
You may need to show a QR code or confirmation, so it’s strongly recommended to:
Save a screenshot on your phone, or
Keep a printed copy
Airport Wi-Fi may not always be reliable.
Does this affect domestic flights within Indonesia?
No. The Arrival Card applies to international arrivals only. Domestic flights within Indonesia follow separate procedures.
Will this speed up customs checks for dive gear and camera equipment?
The system is designed to streamline customs declarations, which may help reduce confusion at arrival. However, travellers carrying professional or high-value equipment should still be prepared for additional checks if required.
What if the system is not yet available at my arrival airport?
During the rollout phase, procedures may vary. If the system is not fully implemented at your arrival point, airport staff will guide you through the applicable process upon arrival.
