Immigration Officers Conduct Street Checks on Tourists Amid Bali Visa Crackdown
In a concerted effort to curb immigration violations, Indonesian immigration officers have been stopping tourists on the streets of Bali to verify their visas and residency permits. Recent footage circulating on local community platforms captures uniformed officers in safety vests approaching foreign visitors in popular areas such as Ubud for routine document checks.
The street patrols form part of a broader crackdown on foreigners overstaying their visas and engaging in illegal work activities. Since August, a dedicated task force of approximately 100 immigration officers has been conducting random inspections across key tourist hotspots, including Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu, Bingin, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran.
Equipped with body cameras, these officers not only question tourists directly on the streets but also conduct compliance checks on local businesses frequented by foreigners. These inspections encompass establishments such as motorbike rental services, nightclubs, and beauty salons to ensure all foreign workers hold appropriate visas.
Agus Andrianto, Indonesia’s Minister for Immigration, emphasized that the establishment of this Immigration Patrol Task Force follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to maintain stability and security in Bali, a premier tourist destination for the country. The initiative aims both to suppress immigration violations effectively and to reassure the local community.
Tourists who overstay their visas in Bali face significant penalties. Overstays of less than 60 days typically incur a fine of approximately IDR 1 million (around AUD 92) for each day of overstay. Those who exceed 60 days may face higher fines, detention, deportation, and blacklisting from re-entry. According to Indonesia’s Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, article 71, foreign nationals are obligated to present valid immigration documents when requested by officials.
While recent practices have generally involved verbal warnings for minor infractions, the authorities remain vigilant. In the video footage, one tourist was even asked to provide a photograph of his documents after admitting he did not carry them on his person.
In addition to the increased street patrols, recent changes to Bali’s entry requirements have introduced a new "All Indonesia" declaration card for international arrivals, effective from October 1. Visitors must complete this online declaration within three days prior to arrival, submitting personal and travel information along with health and customs declarations. Upon completion, travellers receive a QR code to present upon entry, streamlining processes previously handled separately for health and customs.
This intensified enforcement campaign underscores Indonesia’s commitment to upholding immigration laws and protecting Bali’s reputation as a safe and orderly tourist destination. Visitors are advised to ensure their travel documents and visas are always valid and to adhere strictly to all immigration regulations while in Bali.
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