IDAC mistakes at the airport: what travellers should know

Overview

IDAC Mistakes at the Airport: What Travellers Should Know The All Indonesia Arrival Card (IDAC) is a mandatory travel document for most visitors entering Indonesia. While the process is straightforward, mistakes can lead to delays, fines, or even denied entry. This guide highlights common IDAC errors travellers make at Indonesian airports and how to avoid them.

Why IDAC Mistakes Matter

Indonesian immigration officials strictly enforce IDAC requirements. Even minor errors can result in:

• Being pulled aside for additional questioning
• Processing delays that make you miss connecting flights
• Fines for incorrect information
• In rare cases, denied entry if mistakes appear fraudulent

1. Submitting Too Early or Too Late

The IDAC must be submitted 2-3 days before arrival. Travellers who submit earlier risk their application expiring, while last-minute submissions might not process in time. Airport officials will check your submission timestamp.

2. Passport Data Errors

Your IDAC must match your passport exactly. Common passport-related mistakes include:

• Typos in your name (even one letter difference matters)
• Wrong passport number or expiration date
• Using an expired or damaged passport at arrival

3. Flight Information Mismatches

Immigration officers verify your declared flight details against airline manifests. Problems occur when travellers:

• List an old flight number after changing airlines
• Forget to update their IDAC after a flight reschedule
• Enter incorrect arrival dates or airports

4. Address Confusion

You must provide your first night's accommodation address in Indonesia. Mistakes include:

• Listing only a city without a hotel name or street address
• Using outdated hotel names that don't match booking records
• Forgetting to update the address after changing reservations

5. Health Declaration Errors

The health questionnaire is legally binding. Travellers get in trouble for:

• Falsely claiming no recent exposure to contagious diseases
• Incorrect vaccination dates or certificate numbers
• Forgetting to declare prescription medications

What Happens If You Make an IDAC Mistake?

Indonesian airport procedures vary based on the error's severity:

Minor Errors

Small mistakes like typos may be corrected on the spot, but this:

• Requires queueing at a special immigration counter
• Takes 20-60 minutes depending on airport crowds
• May involve a small administrative fee

Major Discrepancies

Serious issues like mismatched flight details or health misinformation can lead to:

• Secondary inspection interviews
• Document verification delays (several hours)
• Potential fines up to 5 million IDR (~$320 USD)

Double-Check Before Submission

Verify every field against your physical documents. Pay special attention to:

• Passport numbers (check digit by digit)
• Flight numbers and dates (compare with airline confirmations)
• Vaccination certificate details if required

Carry Printed Copies

While digital copies are accepted, printed versions help when:

• Airport WiFi is unreliable
• Your phone battery dies
• Officials request physical proof

Review Before Landing

Recheck your approved IDAC during your flight to:

• Confirm all data remains accurate
• Note your application reference number
• Spot any last-minute changes

Our Paid IDAC Application Service

Indonesiaarrivalcard.com is an independent service that helps travellers complete their IDAC applications accurately. For $15 per traveller, we:

Important: We are not affiliated with the Indonesian government. The official portal is allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id.

• Verify all data against common error patterns
• Ensure timely submission within the 2-3 day window
• Provide downloadable application copies

What if I notice an IDAC error after submission?

You must submit a new application through the official portal. Previous submissions cannot be edited.

Do children need separate IDAC applications?

Yes, every traveller regardless of age requires their own IDAC with accurate details.

Can I be denied boarding for IDAC issues?

Airlines may refuse boarding if you can't show IDAC approval, as they face fines for bringing non-compliant passengers.

Final Checklist Before Arrival

To prevent airport issues, verify you have:

Remember: Indonesian immigration officers have full discretion to assess your entry eligibility. While most IDAC mistakes are resolvable, they waste precious vacation time. Careful preparation ensures your Indonesian adventure starts smoothly.

• Printed or digital IDAC approval with QR code
• Matching passport (same one used in the application)
• Supporting documents like hotel bookings and return tickets