Customs Declaration for Bali: A U.S. Traveler’s Guide

All U.S. travelers entering Bali are legally required to fill out Bali’s e-CD customs declaration. This must be completed on Bali’s online e-CD website, and you can begin up to two days before entering Bali and up to one day after arrival. There is no cost.

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Are you a U.S. citizen heading to Bali soon wanting to make sense of their customs declaration process? Not sure what you’ll need to declare or how you’ll do it?

This article is designed specifically for you. In a simple, straightforward article we will teach you the nine easy steps to filling out your Bali customs declaration, explain what you’ll need to declare, and link you to the official Indonesian website where you’ll complete this process.

We highly recommend you also take the time to learn how Bali’s healthcare system works so in case you have a medical emergency while abroad, you’ll know how to seek emergency medical care in Bali and how to pay for it.

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How U.S. Travelers Fill Out Bali’s Customs Declaration

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Indonesia uses a single national Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) for all international arrivals, including Bali (DPS – Ngurah Rai). This form can be filled out online before entering Bali’s airport or seaports, or it can be filled out at Customs before leaving your port of entrance.

We will walk you through the simple steps all U.S. travelers are required to take before they can enter Bali. The e-CD customs declaration is only for imports entering Indonesia.

Step 1: Confirm if You Have to File (You Do)

Every arriving traveler (Indonesian or foreign) must submit a Customs declaration in Indonesia. One member may file one declaration for the whole family traveling together. You can fill it out up to two days before arrival until one day after arrival—but do it before you leave the airport.

Step 2: Gather What You’ll Need

Gather the following documents and information so you are fully prepared to file your declaration:

Passport details
Arrival flight number (as shown on your boarding pass)
Your contact info and address in Indonesia (hotel/villa)

What you need to declare (see Step 5): cash, alcohol/tobacco, food/plant/animal products, electronics bought abroad you’ll use in Indonesia (IMEI), and any restricted items.

Step 3: Go to the Official Online Bali e-CD Form

Open the Indonesian Customs Declaration e-CD site or use the “Mobile Bea Cukai” app. Beware of look-alike sites; the real one is run by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Bea Cukai).

Step 4: Start Your Declaration

U.S. travelers must select their arrival airport (Denpasar/Ngurah Rai – DPS), enter their r flight number and traveler details, and choose family if filing for accompanying family members. You’ll also be asked for the number of checked bags and whether any unaccompanied baggage will arrive later.

Step 5: Declare What Applies to You

On the form, you’ll answer yes/no questions and, when needed, add item details for items you are bringing into Bali that you are legally required to declare. Be honest and thorough. This is essential. When in doubt, declare it.

Step 6: Understand Possible Duty/Taxes

If your goods exceed the allowance, a Bali Customs officer will assess charges at the airport. As of 2025, for passenger personal goods, amounts above the USD $500 allowance are generally subject to a 10% import duty tariff plus 11% VAT. PPh is not applied to passenger personal goods.

Step 7: Submit and Save Your QR Code

After submitting, you’ll receive a QR code on-screen and by email. Screenshot or save it. You’ll scan this at Customs in Bali. If you lose it, you can retrieve the QR from your email; no need to re-file.

Step 8: Follow Directions on Arrival in Bali

When U.S. travelers arrive in Bali, they should follow the signs to Customs/Bea Cukai. You’ll enter a green or red channel according to your declarations:

Green channel: For if you have nothing to declare within the allowances. You’ll scan your QR code and proceed if directed.
Red channel: For if you declared items or were directed for inspection. You’ll present your QR code, goods, and receipts. Pay any assessed charges and keep your receipt. Over-limit tobacco/alcohol may be destroyed per regulation.

Step 9: Register a Phone’s IMEI, if Necessary

Before exiting the terminal, visit the IMEI registration counter (or use the official online form if instructed) to register a phone’s IMEI. Registration is time-limited and tied to your arrival. Bring your device and passport.

Items to Declare in Bali’s Customs Form

U.S. travelers entering Bali, Indonesia, will need to declare at Customs items such as alcohol, cigarettes, large amounts of cash, food, animals, plants, phones, tablets, firearms, ammunition, narcotics, and most U.S. medications. Below is a more detailed list of required declarations.

Think of Bali’s Customs like a bouncer at a club—anything “too much,” “off-limits,” or “needs a special ticket” must be declared. Key thresholds (per passenger) include:

Personal Goods Allowance: Duty-free value up to USD $500 per passenger (goods bought abroad and not taken back out).
Alcohol and Tobacco (age limits apply): Up to one liter of alcohol; 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 100g loose tobacco. Over-allowance tobacco/alcohol can be destroyed by Customs.
Cash and Currency: Declare if you’re carrying cash ≥ IDR 100,000,000 (or equivalent). Foreign banknotes totaling IDR 1,000,000,000 or more require a Bank Indonesia permit.
Food/Animal/Plant Items: Many require quarantine clearance, so declare them. (Indonesia’s quarantine authority explains the rules.)
Phones/Tablets Bought Abroad: If you plan to use a local SIM in Indonesia, report/ register IMEI with Customs on arrival.
Restricted or Prohibited Items: You must declare if you have any firearms, ammunition, explosives, sharp weapons (unless approved for sporting use), pornographic material, narcotics, cannabis (including CBD oil), and other controlled substances and many medications.

U.S. Traveler-Specific Tips for Bali’s Customs Form

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U.S. travelers filling out their Bali e-CD Customs declaration should list any medications they are bringing into Indonesia, declare food products, avoid any CBD or THC, and remember that the e-CD form and the visa application are not the same thing but both are required.

Here are some tips specific to U.S. travelers entering Bali, Indonesia:

Prescription Medications: Some meds legal in the U.S. are illegal or tightly controlled in Indonesia (including all THC/CBD products). Hand-carry meds in original packaging with a doctor’s letter/prescription, and declare them if asked. Don’t mail medications to Indonesia.
Cash in USD: If you’re carrying significant USD cash, remember Indonesia’s cash declaration (≥ IDR 100,000,000 equivalent) and Bank Indonesia permit requirement for foreign banknotes equal to or greater than IDR 1,000,000,000. When in doubt, declare.
Food and Souvenirs: Declare any meat, dairy, plants, seeds, or fresh foods to avoid seizure and fines; quarantine rules are enforced.
Don’t Confuse Processes: Bali’s tourist levy and visa/immigration steps are separate from the Customs e-CD. You still need to complete the e-CD.
CBD and THC Products: Even trace amounts in oils, gummies, or vapes are illegal, so do not bring them; penalties are severe.
Food and Souvenirs: Declare meat, dairy, seeds, plants, and fresh foods—even packaged snacks with meat/egg ingredients—to avoid seizure.
Family Filing: One declaration can cover your whole family traveling together, which is helpful for streamlining the process if multiple U.S. travelers are on the same booking.

Additional Preparations Before Traveling to Bali

U.S. travelers will also need to apply for a visa, verify their passport validity, secure travel insurance, and receive the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Bali. Don’t forget these additional essential preparations.

Apply for a Visa: Most U.S. travelers need a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA. Apply online through the official Indonesian Immigration site if you want to skip the VOA payment line.
Check Passport Validity: U.S. travelers must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond arrival date and have at least two blank pages.
Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended for U.S. travelers to have travel coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip disruptions.
Vaccinations: Travelers should ensure routine vaccines are up to date, and they should consider the risks of typhoid fever, hepatitis A/B, and rabies in Indonesia.
Medication Prep: United States foreigners should bring prescriptions in their original packaging with a doctor’s note to verify legality of meds in Indonesia.
Currency: Travelers should bring small denominations of Indonesian rupiah or exchange upon arrival because USD is not widely accepted for purchases.
SIM Card Plan: You should decide whether to buy a local SIM or eSIM card. If you’re using an Indonesian SIM on a foreign phone, be ready to register IMEI at arrival.
Dress and Etiquette: All foreigners should pack respectful clothing for temples and rural areas.

Applying for a Bali Visa

There are over 80 types of visas in Bali available for U.S. citizens, and the most commonly used ones include the Visa on Arrival, the Tourist Visa (requested before entering the country), and one of the Golden Visas designed for long-term residency in Indonesia.

Learn how to apply for a Bali visa as a U.S. citizen so you know all the steps and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory to fill out a Customs declaration form in Bali?

It is mandatory for every individual, foreign or Indonesian, who enters Bali to fill out a Customs declaration on their e-CD online form.

When should I fill out Bali’s Customs declaration form?

It is best for U.S. travelers to fill out the Bali Customs declaration form online up to two days before they travel, though it can be filled out up to one day after they arrive in Indonesia. The Customs check process will be smoother and faster if you declare before travelling.

Can I fill out a Customs form for Bali online?

All Bali Customs declarations are required to be done online through Indonesia’s official e-CD website.

How can I get through Bali’s Customs line faster?

U.S. travelers can get through Bali’s Customs line faster if they fill out the e-CD in advance, have their QR code saved/printed and ready before they arrive at the scanner, know what they’ll declare, and have those items handy for easy checking. They can also avoid restricted items altogether.

What kinds of items need to be declared in Bali’s Customs?

In Bali’s Customs e-CD, declare goods over USD $500 in value, alcohol over one liter, excess tobacco, cash equal to or over IDR 100,000,000 (~USD $6,500), food, plants, animals, restricted/prohibited items, unaccompanied baggage, and foreign-bought electronics needing IMEI registration.

How much does a Customs declaration form cost in Bali?

There is no fee for Bali’s electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD). It’s completely free when completed via the official government portal or at airport kiosks.

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Conclusion

This article has reviewed a detailed step-by-step process of how U.S. travelers can fill out Indonesia’s e-CD Customs Declaration form. It’s essential that you don’t forget to also secure the proper travel and/or health insurance coverage for your travels.

Learn about the best travel insurance plans in Bali and get free quotes today!

If you’re looking for a health insurance plan for a longer stay in Bali, contact our insurance experts, or begin comparing plans now with our database of over 50,000 insurance plans.

You won’t want to miss our article on the tourist tax in Bali and our complete guide about moving to Bali from the USA.

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Serena Fung

Head of Content at Pacific Prime

Serena Fung is the Head of Content at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 6+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.