Bali Customs Declaration: Complete Entry Guide for Travelers

Before you enjoy your first coconut or sunset in Bali, there’s one essential step every traveler must complete: the Bali Customs Declaration.

Completing it ensures your arrival goes smoothly and prevents issues with airport checks, luggage screening, and restricted items.

However, many travelers don’t realize what needs to be declared, what’s allowed, and what might get you into trouble in Indonesia. Especially after the introduction of the All Indonesia Arrival Card.

That’s why this guide exists; to help you understand everything clearly so your Bali holiday starts relaxed and stress-free. Let’s walk through it together!

Key Takeaways

• All travelers entering Indonesia must complete the Bali Customs Declaration (part of the All Indonesia Arrival Card) and receive a QR code for arrival scanning.
• You must declare certain items such as large cash amounts, electronics over the limit, alcohol/tobacco beyond allowance, plants/animals, and luxury goods—when unsure, declare it.
• Some items remain fully prohibited even if declared, including drugs, weapons, hazardous chemicals, pornography, and products from protected wildlife.
• IMEI registration is required only for stays longer than 90 days; otherwise, tourist SIM/eSIM works without issues

What Is the Bali Customs Declaration?

The Bali Customs Declaration (sometimes called Indonesia e-CD) is the mandatory online form every traveler must fill out before entering Indonesia.

As of August 2025, it is part of the All Indonesia Arrival Card — Indonesia’s electronic customs form for all incoming passengers. The platform merges:

• Immigration arrival details
• Health declaration
• Customs declaration
• IMEI registration (if needed)

After completing the digital form, you’ll receive a QR code for airport officers to scan upon arrival.

The form can be found on the official website: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/. You can fill it out up to 3 days before arrival.

Read More: Bali Travel Trend 2026: New Tour Routes & Fresh Experiences

How to Fill the Bali Customs Declaration Online (Step-by-Step)

Here is a clear overview of how to fill in the new all Indonesian arrival card:

Step 1. Visit the Official Site

Open the official All Indonesia Arrival Card website (allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id). You can submit it 3 days before arrival.

Step 2. Enter Personal Details

• Name
• Passport number
• Flight number
• Date of arrival
• Email (recommended)

Step 3. Enter Luggage & Family Details

Include:

• Number of suitcases
• Unaccompanied baggage (if any)
• Family members traveling with you

Step 4. Declare Goods

This is where you answer Yes/No for:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Electronics
• Cash
• Plants/animals
• Goods for business
• IMEI registration (if needed)

Step 5. Sign & Submit

Once done, you’ll get:

• A QR Code (Screenshot or save it)
• Email confirmation

Then, just show the QR code after passport control. Easy as that.

Read More: Digital Nomad Bali Guide: Visa, Tips & Best Location for Global Workers

What You Need to Declare When Entering Bali

Category & What to Declare	Examples / Details	Notes & Risks if Not Declared
Animals, Plants & Biological Products	Live animals, seeds, plants, soil, wood items, shells, horns, coral products	Many require special permits — some are prohibited entirely.
Cash Over IDR 100 Million (≈ USD $6,300)	Any currency, traveller’s cheques, banknotes, mixed currencies	Must be declared at customs — undeclared funds may be seized.
Foreign Currency Over IDR 1 Billion (≈ USD $63,000)	Wire transfers, foreign cash brought in, relocation funds	Mainly relevant for investors/business travellers; mandatory declaration.
Alcohol & Tobacco (Duty-Free Limit)	Alcohol ≤ 1 Litre, Cigarettes ≤ 200, Cigars ≤ 25, Tobacco ≤ 100g	Exceeding amounts may be taxed or confiscated.
Phones Requiring IMEI Registration	Applies if staying in Indonesia > 90 days and using a local SIM	If unregistered, device may only work on Wi-Fi (no mobile data).
Electronics Exceeding Personal Allowance	Max 2 of each item (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, drones) Max 5 devices total combined Max value USD $1,500 in total	New items look like resale goods → may be taxed/detained. Used personal items are usually fine.
Luxury Goods (High Value Items)	Designer bags, fine jewellery, premium watches, branded fashion	Must declare if total value > USD $500/person — boxed/tagged items are inspected more.
Goods for Business or Bulk Quantities	Multiple identical items, samples, resale products, commercial stock	High risk for tax, seizure, and long inspection if undeclared.

Tips:

• If you’re not sure, just declare your items — it’s the safest option to avoid fines, long inspections, or even having your items taken away. Indonesia is quite strict with customs now.
• Keep the receipts for expensive electronics. Customs officers may ask for proof that your items are personal belongings, not brand-new products you plan to sell.

Items That Are Completely Prohibited (Even if Declared)

These items are not allowed under any circumstances. Declaring them does not make them legal!

Category	Examples / Details	Penalties / Notes
Drugs / Narcotics	All types of illegal drugs	Long prison sentences, heavy fines, and in extreme cases — death penalty
Weapons	Guns, bullets, explosives, airsoft guns, certain knives	Strictly prohibited; will be confiscated and may lead to arrest
Protected Wildlife Products	Coral, turtle shell, ivory, endangered animal parts	Considered illegal wildlife trade — items will be seized and legal action may follow
Pornographic Materials	Any form of pornography	Fully illegal in Indonesia
Dangerous Chemicals / Hazardous Goods	Toxic chemicals, flammable/hazardous materials	Even if declared, Customs will confiscate and take action

Read More: Can I Pay With My Card in Indonesia? Payment Guide for Foreigners

IMEI Registration in Bali: Do You Need It?

If you're staying less than 90 days in Bali, then you do not need to register the IMEI.

You can just use e-SIM or buy a tourist SIM (which is valid up to 90 days) instead. Your phone will work normally with this.

However, if you're staying more than 90 days in Bali, then you must register your IMEI. Otherwise, your phone will only work on WiFi, cannot receive local calls, SMS, or data. Your SIM card also won't activate.

Every phone has an IMEI number, and in Indonesia, this must be registered if you plan to use a local SIM card long-term.

Pro Tip: Register your IMEI at the airport, not later. So, you can get a USD 500 duty-free allowance for your device’s value. If you skip airport registration, you may have to pay the full import tax later.

MEI Registration applies to:

• Phones (iPhone, Samsung, etc.)
• Cellular iPads
• 4G-enabled tablets
• Cellular modems

WiFi-only devices do not require IMEI registration.

Duty-Free Allowance for Bali

Category	Duty-Free Limit	Notes
Alcohol	1 liter	Above = confiscated
Cigarettes	200 sticks	Or 25 cigars / 100g tobacco
Electronics	USD 500 value	Phone/laptop/camera
Cash	Up to IDR 100M	Above must be declared
Foreign Currency	Under IDR 1B eq.	Above must be declared
Personal Items	“Reasonable quantity”	Clothing, toiletries

Conclusion

And that’s everything you need to know about the Bali Customs Declaration. The process is actually quite simple once you understand what to prepare.

Remember to declare any items you’re unsure about, and don’t forget to save your QR code and receipts for valuable electronics offline.

Now that customs is out of the way, it’s time to focus on the next step of your Bali trip — finding the right place to stay.

Everyone has different preferences and budgets, so choosing a villa can take time… but you don’t have to do it alone.

Bali Villa Realty can help you find long-term rentals or villas for sale across the island, whether you’re looking for a personal home or an investment asset.

Curious to explore options? Book a free consultation and chat with our expert agents anytime. We’ll help you make the best decision for your Bali lifestyle or investment goals

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