Airport guide: Dealing with Customs and Immigration at Soekarno-Hatta

Picturesque, colorful Indonesia is tempting for travelers.

Unfortunately, first-time visitors’ rosy image of their archipelagic adventures often turn sour upon arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, one of the main transit hubs before embarking on further expeditions, due to the tricky task of dealing with visas, customs and tax matters there.

Seven things you need to know about Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Preparation is the key, so check out our list concerning the airport’s visa, customs and tax requirements to ensure a hassle-free arrival.

1. Visa-on-arrival

• The maximum stay for the visa-on-arrival is 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you must declare so and show relevant documents to support your stay.

• The visa-on-arrival fee is US$ 25 for visits no longer than 30 days. Another $ 25 will be charged for an extension.

• Your passport’s expiration date must not be less than six months from the date of your entry to Indonesia

• You must possess a return ticket.

• The visa-on-arrival counter can be found before the passport check desks at Terminal 2 and 3.

2. Customs

• According to the 2010 Finance Ministry Regulation No. 188/PMK/04/2010, passenger’s belongings are divided into two categories: Personal belongings and commercial belongings. Customs officials will screen passengers’ belongings at the arrivals area.

• You must fill the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) before landing. Please fill the form in carefully, as you have to declare your belongings once you arrive.

• If you have anything to declare, it is best to separate the items in question so that the officer will not have to open your luggage for a complete check. Indecisive acts can induce suspicion, so it would be better to prepare everything first before entering the arrivals area.

• Duty-free items: a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco and one liter of liquor.

• Boxes are likely to undergo inspection, so try to avoid using them to store your belongings.

• Keep all the receipts from all of the items purchased during your trip. The customs officer might ask you to clarify whether you have contraband items in your bags.

• If you are forced to pay, you can make the payment through a bank transfer to prevent the customs officer trying to extract a bribe from you.

Read also: Airport guide: Six things to do if you lose your luggage at Soekarno-Hatta