Foreign National Arrivals to Bali Increase by 22.6% Until Mid-2024

Sep 13, 2024

JAKARTA - Data from the Immigration Border Control at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali shows a significant rise in the number of foreign nationals arriving at the airport from January to August 2023 compared to the same period in 2024. In 2023, the number of foreign arrivals was 3,641,896. In 2024, that number rose to 4,465,685, increasing 823,789 foreign nationals, or 22.62%.

A similar trend is observed in departures. In 2023, 3,666,540 passengers departed through Ngurah Rai Airport, while in 2024, this number increased to 4,481,939, marking a rise of 22.24%. The total flow of passengers (both arrivals and departures) at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport from January to August 2024 reached 8,148,479 people.

"The increase in foreign national arrivals to Bali is more than 20% compared to last year. One contributing factor is the optimization of foreign national services we have implemented, including online visa services available at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. This website enables foreign nationals to apply for all types of Indonesian visas, including visas on arrival and allows for the extension of stay permits. Applications can be submitted anytime and anywhere, with payments made via credit cards, similar to online shopping," said Director General of Immigration Silmy Karim on Thursday, 12 September 2024.

He added that, in addition to improving visa services, Immigration had deployed 60 auto gates at the Ngurah Rai Airport International Arrival Terminal since March 2024. These auto gates streamline the immigration process, allowing foreign nationals to pass through quickly. The immigration inspection process at the auto gates takes only 15 to 25 seconds per passenger.

The rise in foreign arrivals reflects increased flight activity and passenger movement in the post-pandemic period. Silmy emphasized that ongoing enhancements in digital services must support the high number of crossings.

"Currently, the Indonesian government has implemented a more selective visa policy compared to the pre-pandemic period. Most countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry to Indonesia now need to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA). However, arrivals have increased because we have made the process easier, from applying for VoA online to streamlining immigration inspections at the airport with auto gates. We aim to ensure visitors have the best experience possible," Silmy stated.

Last updated 25 November 2024