Digital Arrival Card (DAC) 2025 – Indonesia Immigration: Full Guide

Planning your ferry trip to Indonesia from Singapore this month? Ensure you apply for the Digital Arrival Card (DAC) before your arrival. Travelling to Indonesia got easier with the introduction of the All Indonesia Digital Arrival Card. Effective from 1st October 2025, it is a free, electronic document that consolidates immigration, customs, health, and quarantine declarations in one. Immigration officers can quickly access the information digitally upon arrival, thereby speeding up the entry process and reducing delays. If you are planning a trip to Batam or Bintan from Singapore, it is now mandatory to have the DAC. 

However, please note that the Digital Arrival Card is not a substitute for a VISA. Travellers who require a Visa on Arrival or e-Visa will still need to apply separately. 

Key Ferry Routes where DAC is mandatory 

• Singapore to Batam
• Johor to Batam
• Pasir Gudang to Batam
• Singapore to Bintan
• Johor to Bintan

Things to Note about DAC before applying 

• DAC is a consolidated document for immigration, customs, health and quarantine declaration. 
• It takes only a few minutes to apply for the Digital Arrival Card. 
• Complete the DAC process at least 72 hours before arrival. 
• You will get a QR code via email that you must present to the immigration and customs officials upon arrival. 
• You can visit the All Indonesia mobile app (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store) or the official government portal to apply for the DAC. 

DAC vs Visa 

The following are the differences between DAC and Visa: 

Aspect	Digital Arrival Card	VISA
Purpose	Unified document for immigration, customs, health and quarantine declaration.	The official document to enter and stay in Indonesia.
Cost	Free	Paid (Visa on Arrival or e-Visa fees apply)
Requirement	Mandatory for all visitors to Indonesia.	Required for travellers from countries that do not have visa-free entry.
Validity	Valid only for the entry process upon arrival.	Grants permission to stay in Indonesia for a defined period (30 days in the case of a Visa on Arrival).
Application	Completed the application at least 72 hours before arrival.	Applied online (e-Visa) or on arrival at Indonesian entry points.

Conclusion

The Indonesian Digital Arrival Card (DAC) is a simple yet essential step for all international travellers heading to Batam, Bintan and other Indonesian destinations. By consolidating the immigration, customs, health and quarantine declaration into one free online form, it streamlines the entry process. However, you need to remember that a DAC is not a Visa – those who are not Visa-exempt still require a visa on arrival. Completing the DAC before the trip ensures a smoother immigration process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in Indonesia. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to retrieve the Arrival Card?

To re-download the Arrival Card, you can retrieve it from here. Enter your personal data, including country/region, date of birth, passport number, and passport expiration date. 

2. Is a Digital Arrival Card the same as a visa?

No, the DAC is not the same as a visa. Travellers from non-visa-exempt countries still need to apply for a Visa on Arrival or an e-Visa. 

3. Who needs to fill out the Digital Arrival Card?

All international travellers entering Indonesia must complete the DAC. 

4. When should I complete the DAC?

Travellers should complete the DAC at least 72 hours before arrival to ensure a smooth entry. 

5. Where to present the DAC? 

The traveller needs to present the DAC to the Indonesian Immigration officer upon arrival. 

6. Does the DAC replace the paper forms?

Yes, the DAC replaces the paper forms of the immigration process.