Indonesia Arrival Card Guide 2025 – How to Fill Out the ECD Online for Smooth Entry

Planning your next adventure to Indonesia? Whether you're craving street food in Jakarta 🍢, chasing waterfalls in Bali 💦, or diving into Raja Ampat’s coral reefs 🐠, there’s a quick step you’ll need to take before you land — filling out Indonesia’s Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) arrival card. 🛂

I just got back from a short trip to Yogyakarta, and I wanted to share everything I learned about this arrival process to help fellow travellers glide through Indonesian immigration like a pro. Let’s break it down 👇

What's the Indonesia Arrival Card?

It’s officially called the Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD), and it’s required for all travelers entering Indonesia, regardless of nationality. You need to submit this online customs form before entering the country — it's basically the digital version of the old paper form they used to hand out on the plane.

🔍 In simple terms, it’s a form that asks you to declare:

• What items you’re bringing into Indonesia (e.g. electronics, cash, food)
• Your personal and flight details
• Whether you're carrying anything that needs customs clearance

Once submitted, you'll get a QR code that must be shown during customs clearance at the airport.

🧾 Is the ECD a visa?

Nope! Indonesia’s ECD is not a visa. Malaysians (and citizens from many other countries) don’t need a visa for short-term stays (up to 30 days for tourism). But even if you're visa-exempt, you still need to fill out the ECD before or upon arrival.

🛃 Why It Matters

Completing the ECD:

• Speeds up your arrival process
• Reduces paperwork (no more paper forms!)
• Is mandatory for everyone, even kids

✅ Key Takeaways

• Required for all international arrivals
• Free and can be done online
• Saves you time at the airport

👥 Who Needs to Submit It?

Literally everyone — tourists, business travellers, students, returning residents. If you’re flying into Indonesia (or entering by sea or land), you’ll need to submit the ECD.

Even if you're just bringing a carry-on bag and nothing to declare, the form still needs to be filled out. ✈️

📝 How to Fill Out the Indonesia ECD

💻 Option 1: Online

This is the way I did it — super fast and easy. Just head to the official portal:
🔗 ecd.beacukai.go.id

You’ll need:

• Passport information
• Flight number and arrival airport
• Basic customs declarations (just answer a few yes/no questions)

After submission, you’ll receive a QR code. Take a screenshot! You’ll show it at customs after baggage claim.

🛬 Option 2: At the Airport

Didn’t fill it out in advance? You can do it at the airport using kiosks or via mobile (with free Wi-Fi available). But fair warning — you might hit a queue, especially during peak hours. 😅

🕐 When to Submit

The form can be filled out within 2 days (48 hours) before arrival in Indonesia. I submitted mine on the night before my flight, and it took me about 5 minutes max.

🧳 Tips for a Smooth Arrival

📸 Screenshot your QR code and save it offline — airport Wi-Fi isn't always reliable

🛬 Have your flight number and passport handy when filling the form

📱 You can fill the form directly from your mobile — it’s mobile-friendly

⏰ Don’t delay! Do it at least a few hours before flying

💼 Arriving by ferry (e.g. from Batam to Singapore)? Still need the form!

💡Bonus Tip: Buy a prepaid eSIM before your trip so you’re connected as soon as you land!

Indonesia is modernising its entry process, and this little step makes a big difference — less stress, less waiting, and more time to explore temples, beaches, and nasi goreng stalls. 😍

Hope this guide helps you breeze through the airport — and now you can focus on the fun stuff, like whether your first stop will be Bintang beer by the beach or hiking a volcano at sunrise. 🌋

Safe travels, and selamat datang ke Indonesia!