As you prepare for your Bali adventure in 2025, understanding the customs and import regulations is essential for a smooth arrival experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about bringing items into Bali, based on the latest regulations from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise.

Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD)

The Electronic Customs Declaration system, implemented to streamline the arrival process, is a mandatory requirement for all travelers entering Bali.

When to complete it:

  • You can complete the ECD up to 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival
  • It’s highly recommended to complete it before your flight to save time at the airport
  • If you don’t complete it beforehand, you can fill it out at the airport using your smartphone or the computers available near the baggage claim area

How to complete it:

  1. Visit the official website: https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/ (the only official source to avoid scams)
  2. Fill out all required information accurately, including personal details and items you’re bringing
  3. Save the QR code that appears in your email or download it directly to show to customs officers
  4. Present the QR code to customs officials upon arrival

The ECD system has significantly reduced processing times for travelers who complete it in advance. According to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport authorities, pre-completed ECDs can save travelers up to 30 minutes during peak arrival times.

Duty-Free Allowances

Indonesia’s customs regulations provide specific allowances for personal items, alcohol, and tobacco products.

Personal Items Allowance:

  • Each passenger is granted an import duties and taxes exemption of USD 500.00 on personal goods purchased abroad
  • This allowance is per person, not per family or group
  • Any goods exceeding this value must be declared and may be subject to import duties
  • The calculation is based on the total value, not individual item prices

Alcohol Allowance (per adult):

  • Passengers 21 years and older: 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
  • This can be one bottle of spirits, wine, or other alcoholic beverage
  • Exceeding this limit will result in either confiscation or payment of duties
  • Indonesia imposes high import duties on alcohol, sometimes exceeding 150% of the value

Tobacco Allowance:

  • Passengers 18 years and older: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 100 grams of sliced tobacco
  • These allowances are not cumulative – you cannot combine different types
  • Any excess of these allowances for excisable goods may be confiscated
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are legal but subject to the same quantity restrictions

Currency Regulations

Indonesia maintains strict currency control regulations to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes.

You must declare if you are bringing:

  • Currency and/or bearer negotiable instruments (checks, traveler’s checks, etc.) in Rupiah or other currencies equal to 100 million Rupiah (approximately USD 6,500) or more
  • Foreign banknotes equivalent to 1 billion Rupiah (approximately USD 65,000) or more

Failure to declare currency above these thresholds can result in confiscation and potential legal penalties. The declaration process is straightforward and involves completing a separate currency declaration form available at customs.

Prohibited Items

Indonesia maintains strict prohibitions on certain items, with severe penalties for violations. The following items are strictly prohibited from being brought into Bali:

  1. Narcotics and illegal drugs – Indonesia has extremely severe penalties for drug offenses, including the death penalty. Even small amounts of recreational drugs can result in lengthy prison sentences.
  2. Firearms, ammunition, and explosives – These are completely prohibited for tourists and can result in immediate arrest.
  3. Pornographic materials – Indonesia has strict laws against pornography, including digital content on electronic devices.
  4. Certain sharp objects and weapons – While small pocket knives may be permitted, larger blades and obvious weapons are prohibited.
  5. Counterfeit products and currency – Bringing fake designer goods or counterfeit money can result in legal penalties.
  6. Certain fruits, plants, and agricultural products without proper permits – To protect local agriculture, many fresh produce items are restricted.
  7. Wildlife products – Items made from endangered species are strictly prohibited.

Indonesian customs officials routinely conduct thorough inspections, including X-ray scanning of luggage, to detect prohibited items. The consequences for attempting to import prohibited items can be severe, ranging from hefty fines to imprisonment.

Items That Must Be Declared

Certain items, while not prohibited, must be declared upon arrival:

  1. Animals, fish, plants, and their products (with proper permits) – If you’re bringing pets or plant materials, you’ll need appropriate documentation.
  2. Currency exceeding the limits mentioned earlier – Use the specific currency declaration form.
  3. Tobacco and alcohol exceeding the duty-free allowance – Be prepared to pay duties or surrender excess items.
  4. Goods purchased abroad with a total value exceeding USD 500 per person – Keep receipts handy to verify values.
  5. Items not considered personal effects (unreasonable amounts or goods for commercial purposes) – Multiple identical items may be considered commercial imports.
  6. Prescription medications (bring your prescription and doctor’s letter) – See detailed guidance below.
  7. Drones and other remote-controlled devices – These require special permits in Indonesia.

What You Can Bring

Personal belongings are generally permitted without restrictions, including:

  • Clothes (reasonable quantities for personal use)
  • Electronics for personal use (laptops, cameras, smartphones, tablets, etc.)
  • Toiletries and personal care items
  • Jewelry and accessories (in reasonable quantities)
  • Sealed snacks, candies, tea, coffee, and canned goods
  • Sports equipment like surfboards, snorkeling and scuba gear
  • Books, magazines, and other reading materials (subject to content restrictions)

Important note: While personal electronics like laptops and cameras are generally allowed without duties, technically the value allowed per person is USD $500, though this is often not enforced for clearly personal items that are not new or in commercial quantities.

Prescription Medications

Indonesia has strict regulations regarding medications, so if you need to bring prescription medications:

  • Bring a letter from your doctor stating the medication is for personal use, including dosage information
  • Keep medications in their original packaging with pharmacy labels intact
  • Only bring reasonable quantities for personal use during your stay (generally no more than a 30-day supply)
  • Some medications that are legal in your home country may be controlled or prohibited in Indonesia, so check in advance
  • Narcotic painkillers, strong sleeping pills, and ADHD medications may require special documentation

The Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) recommends contacting the nearest Indonesian embassy before traveling if you’re unsure about your medications.

Customs Inspection Process

After collecting your luggage at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you’ll proceed to the customs area where:

  1. You’ll present your completed ECD form (QR code)
  2. Based on your declaration, you’ll be directed either straight to the exit (green lane) or to X-ray screening (red lane)
  3. If selected for screening, your luggage will be scanned, and you may undergo a personal inspection
  4. If duties are owed, you’ll be directed to a payment counter where you can pay using cash or credit card

Practical tip: Stay on the left of the two queues for a better chance of not being selected for X-ray inspection, though this isn’t guaranteed. The selection process also involves profiling by customs officers.

Tips for a Smooth Customs Experience

  1. Declare everything truthfully – Don’t try to hide items, as penalties for false declarations can be severe
  2. Be polite and cooperative with customs officers, especially if selected for inspection
  3. Keep receipts for expensive items in your wallet or separate from your luggage to prove their value if questioned
  4. If asked to pay duty, 10% of the item’s value is generally considered reasonable, though rates vary by product category
  5. Complete all forms before landing to save time at the airport
  6. Pack strategically – Keep declared items easily accessible for inspection
  7. Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases – Simple courtesy can go a long way

Other Entry Requirements for 2025

While not directly related to customs, remember these essential requirements:

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
  • You must have a return or onward ticket
  • Most travelers need a visa to enter Indonesia:
    • Visa Exemption for 13 countries (ASEAN countries plus a few others)
    • Visa on Arrival (VOA) available for 97 countries, costing IDR 500,000 plus service fee
    • E-Visa option available through the official immigration website
  • All international visitors to Bali must pay a tourist tax of IDR 150,000 per person (approximately USD 10)
  • Complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) – a health protocol requirement introduced in 2024

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a smooth entry into Bali and avoid any unnecessary delays or complications at customs. Remember, the key is to be honest, prepared, and respectful throughout the process.