Patricia CaleonTravelling is fun and all — until you get stuck in immigration queues and it totally messes up your itinerary. But, luckily, if you’re travelling to Bali, you can now breeze through immigration by using the newly implemented automated gates in the Bali Airport.
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Who can use the Bali automated gates?
Image credit: Zephyr18 via Canva Pro
For one, Singaporean travellers can utilise the auto gates in Bali Airport. In addition to Singaporeans, tourists from other ASEAN nations will also be allowed to use the auto gates, provided they meet the following criteria:
- They are a citizen of an ASEAN country (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Timor Leste); or
- They have applied for and been granted an Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVoA); and
- They are in possession of an electronic passport (e-passport)
Electronic passport, aka e-passport, is also a requirement; this passport contains an embedded electronic chip that stores the traveller’s biographical information such as name, date of birth, and nationality, combined with a facial recognition template. Most passports issued in recent years are already e-passports and can easily be identified by a small chip embedded within the front cover.
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How to use the Bali automated gates
Image credit: Bali Garden Beach Resort Official Website
Using the new Bali automated gates shouldn’t be a challenge. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Look for the auto gates at the immigration area. Signposts will usually tell you where to go, with the auto gates separate from the manned immigration booths.
- Have your travel documents ready. These include your passport, eVoA approval, and boarding pass.
- Approach an auto gate and scan your passport at the designated reader.
- Look directly into the camera for facial recognition scan.
- If the facial recognition scan is successful, the gate will open, and you can proceed to the baggage claim area.
Benefits of using the auto gates
Some notable benefits of this new Bali automated gate include:
- Faster immigration clearance: Auto gates usually process passengers much quicker than manned immigration booths, which can significantly reduce your waiting time upon arrival in Bali.
- Convenience: Using auto gates is a convenient and hassle-free way to clear immigration.
- Reduced congestion: By encouraging passengers to use the auto gates, immigration queues are shorter, leading to a more seamless arrival process for everyone.
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Just remember that not all travellers are eligible to use the auto gates. Only ASEAN citizens with an e-passport and eVoA can use them, and if you encounter any problems using the auto gates, you can still proceed to the manned immigration booths for assistance. These new Bali automated gates are a welcome addition for travellers looking to expedite the immigration process and we can only hope other airports adopt this in the future for a smoother travel experience.
Featured image credit: Welcome Back to Bali Official Website
