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Glimpse of Future Travel: Ngurah Rai Airport's Autogate System Explained

Ngurah Rai International Airport has implemented a state-of-the-art autogate system, transforming the arrival experience for millions of international tourists visiting Bali. Fully operational since October 2024, these autogates significantly reduce immigration processing times, allowing eligible travelers to complete arrival checks in seconds. This technological advancement is part of Indonesia's broader initiative to enhance immigration services for both residents and foreign visitors.

Fully operational since October 2024, these autogates significantly reduce immigration processing times, allowing eligible travelers to complete arrival checks in seconds.

Efficient Immigration Checks 

Over four million tourists have utilized the autogate system at Ngurah Rai International Airport in 2024, accounting for approximately 57% of the total 6,994,903 international arrivals during the year. Designed to streamline the immigration process, the system reduces waiting times and enhances overall efficiency. The installation includes 90 autogates across the airport’s arrival and departure terminals, providing seamless service for travelers.

Ngurah Rai Airport Autogate
IMG Credit: Kemenkumham RI

A Step Forward in Digitalization

The autogate system aligns with Indonesia’s push for digital transformation in immigration services. Key improvements include the digitization of visa applications and the introduction of the e-Visa on Arrival. This e-Visa option enables travelers to apply for their visa online up to 90 days before their trip and as late as 48 hours prior to arrival. The process is straightforward, allowing applicants to register multiple travelers under a single application, making it particularly convenient for families and groups.

The e-Visa on Arrival costs IDR 500,000 and grants a 30-day stay in Indonesia, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days. Tourists holding an e-Visa on Arrival can utilize the autogates, bypassing the queues traditionally associated with manual visa processing and payment.

Simplified Arrival Process

The autogates and e-Visa system collectively simplify the arrival process, reducing congestion and waiting times at immigration counters. Travelers who opt for the e-Visa can expect to complete immigration checks in less than 30 seconds. This enhancement not only improves the travel experience but also helps manage the growing influx of tourists to Bali.

Ngurah Rai Airport Signages

Key Tourist Demographics

Bali’s tourism statistics for 2024 highlight the growing appeal of the island. Australian visitors continue to dominate the arrivals list, with over 1.5 million arrivals, followed by tourists from India (563,000) and China (466,000). The efficiency of the autogate system has been instrumental in accommodating these high volumes of visitors while maintaining service quality.

A Glimpse of Future Convenience

As Bali prepares to welcome over 6.5 million international tourists in 2025, the Directorate General of Immigration remains committed to enhancing its services. The ongoing digitalization efforts include plans to streamline visa applications further, as the management of visa operations transitions to VFS Global. While specific changes to the visa process have yet to be announced, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and utilize available online services to minimize their time spent at the airport.

Tourist Airport Digital Check Process Illustration

Additional Recommendations

To ensure a smooth arrival experience at Ngurah Rai International Airport, tourists are advised to take advantage of available pre-arrival services. In addition to applying for the e-Visa on Arrival, visitors should complete the online customs declaration form, contribute to the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, and download the Satusehat One Health App—a requirement by the Indonesian government.

Tourists who prefer not to use the e-Visa system can still apply for a Visa on Arrival upon reaching the airport. However, opting for the e-Visa in advance is highly recommended to save time and simplify the process.