Bali Cracks Down on Visa Violations: Tourists Required to Carry Passports Amid Increased Spot Checks

Foreign Tourists in Bali Urged to Carry Passports Amid Visa Crackdown

In a bid to enforce immigration regulations more strictly, authorities in Bali have issued a clear reminder to foreign visitors to carry their passports at all times while on the Indonesian resort island. This comes as part of an intensified crackdown on visa violations following a noticeable rise in offenses earlier this year.

Local immigration officials have been actively conducting random spot checks across Bali’s popular tourist areas, as shown in videos posted by the Ngurah Rai immigration office. These clips depict officers stopping tourists in locations such as Nusa Dua Beach to verify their travel documents, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the issue.

The government recently deployed an Immigration Patrol Task Force, comprising approximately 100 uniformed officers, to monitor and prevent illegal activities related to immigration. Equipped with body cameras and safety vests, this task force focuses on ten major tourist destinations, including Canggu and Seminyak—known for their vibrant surfing scene—Ubud, recognized for its spiritual and cultural significance, and Jimbaran, famous for its seafood offerings.

Minister of Immigration and Correction Agus Andrianto emphasized that the formation of the task force follows a directive from President Prabowo Subianto aimed at maintaining security and stability in Bali, which remains one of Indonesia’s top tourism hotspots. The increased presence of officers and stringent enforcement measures reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with immigration laws while safeguarding the island’s reputation as a safe travel destination.

Tourists visiting Bali are advised to stay informed about visa policies and to carry valid identification documents to avoid disruptions during their stay. The ongoing patrols and spot checks are expected to continue as part of broader efforts to manage tourism responsibly and uphold the rule of law across Indonesia’s popular islands.