Bali Airport Boosts Upgrades with More Automated Gates

Bali Airport is focused on improving the airport experience for travelers from within the country and abroad. In late 2023, the airport introduced automated gates to streamline the immigration process and has announced plans to expand this feature.

The airport recently apologized for inconveniences caused by the installation of an additional 30 automated gates in the international arrivals section. Senior management has instructed that the installation be expedited to prepare for the upcoming high season, which sees a large influx of Australian tourists.

Pramella Y Pasaribu, head of Bali’s Regional Office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, informed the press, "Our goal is to complete this enhancement project ahead of schedule.”

After the Eid festival, the airport plans to add another 20 automated gates to the international departures area, bringing the total to 80 at Bali Airport. These additions have already made the immigration process smoother for many travelers.

The management at Bali Airport is keen on enhancing the flow of passengers, especially during high-traffic periods which previously saw significant delays at immigration. Prior to the pandemic, many travelers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the majority of European countries, and the USA enjoyed visa exemptions. Now, nationals from over 90 countries need to obtain a visa upon arrival, which costs IDR 500,000 for a 30-day period.

The automated gates are designed to speed up both entry and immigration formalities. They are available to Indonesian nationals, foreign nationals with electronic passports, and those with electronic visas, including the e-Visa on Arrival. Residents in Bali holding a KITAS, KITAP, or BVK who are registered on the Indonesian E-Visa platform can also use these gates at Bali Airport and Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

These gates feature facial recognition technology and sophisticated border control systems, which ensure a quick and efficient entry process. Travelers planning to visit Bali during the peak season, generally from late May to early September, are advised to secure their electronic visas in advance.

The electronic Visa on Arrival fee remains the same as the regular visa fee and is available online. Families or groups up to five, including children, can apply for this visa. Each visa costs IDR 500,000 and payments can be made using debit or credit cards in Indonesian Rupiah.

As Bali Airport continues to upgrade its infrastructure with more automated gates, the expected rise in tourist numbers highlights potential investment opportunities in Bali’s rental property market.

The enhanced processing capabilities at the airport are a strong indication of Bali's readiness to handle a surge in international visitors. This increase, especially during the peak season, is likely to boost the demand for various types of accommodations, making investments in Bali's property market more appealing.

The new facilities at the airport are designed to ensure a smooth and efficient arrival process for tourists, thus improving Bali’s attractiveness as a vacation spot. This ease of access plays a crucial role in vacation planning and can influence decisions for repeat visits and extended stays.

Given the diverse range of tourists that visit Bali, including families, solo travelers, and groups, there's a broad market for different types of rental properties, from high-end villas to budget apartments. The rental market in Bali is poised for growth to accommodate these varied needs.

Additionally, with the peak travel season coinciding with Australian holiday periods, there’s a specific opportunity for property investors to target Australian tourists, who make up a large portion of visitors to Bali.

Investors should also pay attention to changing traveler preferences, which increasingly favor accommodations that offer both comfort and authentic local experiences. Properties that capture Bali's distinctive culture and environment or offer special amenities and services are likely to attract modern travelers.