Tourists in Bali Face Increased Passport and Visa Spot Checks in Major Resort Areas
September 5, 2025 – Foreign visitors to Bali are now encountering more frequent passport and visa spot checks as immigration authorities step up enforcement efforts across the island’s top tourist destinations. The initiative aims to curb visa overstays and ensure compliance with Indonesia’s immigration regulations.
Immigration Patrols in Popular Tourist Spots
In recent weeks, teams of immigration officers have been actively conducting random spot checks in well-known areas such as Legian, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Dressed in blue and black uniforms with clearly marked ‘IMMIGRATION’ security vests and equipped with body cameras, officers approach tourists to inspect their travel documents and inquire about their stay.
Tourists are required to present their original passports along with stay permits, if applicable—not photocopies or other forms of identification. During these encounters, officers typically ask about the traveler’s nationality, accommodation details on the island, travel itinerary, and intended duration of stay.
Legal Requirement to Carry Identification
While it has always been a legal obligation in Indonesia for foreign nationals to carry valid identification and stay permits, both immigration officials and foreigners had become somewhat relaxed about this rule over time. However, the renewed enforcement reflects a government-wide commitment to immigration law compliance, especially as overstaying foreigners have been on the rise.
Currently, there are no criminal penalties for tourists caught without their passports on their person, though officers have issued verbal warnings and may in some cases require follow-up at nearest immigration offices or accommodations. This underscores the importance for tourists to remain prepared for such checks.
Government’s Commitment to Immigration Enforcement
This enforcement drive stems from a directive by the Indonesian President focused on maintaining stability and security in Bali, one of the country’s premier tourist hubs. Agus Andrianto, Indonesia’s Minister for Immigration, emphasized the necessity of an Immigration Patrol Task Force to oversee compliance and prevent violations.
At the launch ceremony of this task force, Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that patrol officers will operate along predetermined routes, especially targeting areas predisposed to immigration violations or where international tourists frequently gather. The patrols employ unpredictable, random schedules to minimize evasion.
Distinction from Bali Tourism Tax Inspections
Immigration spot checks are separate from activities carried out by the Bali Tourism Task Force, which focuses on ensuring tourists have paid the mandatory Bali Tourism Tax Levy of IDR 150,000. Introduced in February 2024, this tax has had limited compliance in its initial year, with around 30% of tourists reportedly paying it. Payment can be made conveniently via the LoveBali website or app, with plans to expand payment points through local tour and travel agents.
Tourists who complete the payment receive a QR-code voucher, which they must be able to show during spot checks conducted by tourism authorities.
Concerns Among Tourists Regarding Passport Carrying
Despite these regulations, many visitors express concerns about carrying their original passports while exploring Bali due to fears of theft or damage. Some suggest that electronic versions or digital visas with QR codes would provide a safer and more practical alternative. Comments from travelers highlight worries about the potential difficulties involved in replacing lost passports abroad, including the need to file police reports and visit embassies, often located far from the tourist areas.
Community Reactions and Feedback
The increased immigration enforcement has generated mixed reactions among the local and expatriate community. While some acknowledge the need to uphold immigration laws and prevent exploitation, others feel the measures could discourage tourism by making the visitor experience more cumbersome.
In Summary
For travelers planning a visit to Bali, it is strongly advised to comply with the legal requirements by carrying valid passports and visas at all times while in public areas. Being prepared for occasional immigration spot checks can help avoid complications during your stay and supports Bali’s efforts to maintain a safe and lawful tourism environment.
Visitors are also encouraged to stay updated on local requirements and consider securing travel insurance that covers medical and loss incidents while abroad.
For more up-to-date travel information and news from Bali and Indonesia, visitors should monitor official immigration channels and reliable local news sources.
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