15-3-2024 (JAKARTA) Travellers from Singapore can now enjoy a quicker entry into Bali, as 30 automated gates have been installed at the main airport of the popular tourist destination.
The automated gates at Ngurah Rai International Airport, which were officially inaugurated on March 6, significantly reduce the immigration process to just 15 to 25 seconds per visitor, according to Indonesia’s Immigration Directorate-General.
Foreign visitors who wish to utilize the automated lanes must possess biometric passports and have registered their visit online, the Directorate-General added.
In an Instagram post on March 7, the Ngurah Rai immigration office highlighted that the automated gates streamline immigration checks, making them faster, more convenient, and equally secure.
To access the gates, travellers are required to submit their personal details, a photo of their passport, and a photo of themselves on an immigration website, as stated by the office in another post.
Singaporeans and other ASEAN nationals visiting for up to 30 days are exempt from obtaining a visa. Additionally, since February 14, all foreign visitors are mandated to pay 150,000 rupiah (approximately S$13) in tourism tax, which contributes to cultural preservation efforts.
During the inauguration ceremony on March 6, Indonesia’s director-general of immigration, Silmy Karim, expressed optimism that these innovations in immigration services would bolster tourism, foster economic growth, and advance national development.
Karim further revealed that the airport typically welcomes between 14,000 and 16,000 visitors daily during off-peak periods, with numbers surging to 20,000 during peak seasons.
According to Indonesia’s statistics agency BPS, the number of Singaporean visitors to Bali surged to 236,203 in 2023, up from 129,089 in 2022.
Singaporean travellers shared their anticipation for a smoother entry into the island. Fionn Yeo, 23, recounted spending approximately 15 minutes at the manned immigration counter during her visit on March 15, as she had not pre-registered.
“There were no queues at the electronic gates, and there were more of them compared to the manual counters,” remarked the financial adviser, noting her intent to use the gates on her next trip.
Similarly, Esther Lim, 30, revealed waiting for an hour at a manned counter during her January visit to Bali. She highlighted the misleading signs and the inconvenience of having to switch lanes, with only three counters operational.
