Bali Issues Urgent Passport Guidance for All Foreign Visitors Amid Increased Immigration Patrols
Bali authorities have issued an urgent reminder for all foreign visitors to carry their passports at all times while on the island. This directive comes as Indonesian immigration officials have intensified random spot checks across popular tourist areas, aiming to curb a recent rise in visa violations.
New Immigration Task Force Deployed Across Bali
The move follows the formation of a 100-officer Bali Immigration Patrol Task Force, locally known as Satgas, which was announced in early August by Indonesia’s Minister for Immigration, Agus Andrianto. The task force has been strategically stationed across ten of Bali’s busiest tourist hubs including Canggu, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Benoa, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and the renowned surf beaches of Uluwatu and Bingin.
Minister Andrianto emphasized that the increased patrols were implemented on orders from President Prabowo Subianto, asserting the need “to ensure stability and security in Bali as one of Indonesia’s top tourist destinations.” Officers wear navy and black uniforms labeled “Immigration” and are equipped with body cameras to conduct quick-response patrols and immigration status verifications.
Spot Checks Conducted Across Tourist Areas
Video footage shared by the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office on Instagram reveals officers approaching tourists on bicycles and beaches in Nusa Dua, asking about their length of stay and whether they had their passports with them. While several tourists admitted to leaving their documents at their hotels, none were fined during these patrols. Instead, immigration officers reminded visitors they must carry their passports or stay permits, locally called KITAS, when traveling around the island.
The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office stated, “One of the important roles of immigration officers in the field is to conduct a random check on WNA in Bali, especially in the working area of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office. This check aims to ensure that each WNA complies with the rules and regulations of the immigration administration.” WNA stands for warga negara asing, the Indonesian term for foreign citizens.
Legal Requirements and Enforcement
According to Indonesia’s Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, Article 71 mandates all foreigners to present immigration documents when requested by officials. Article 116 prescribes penalties for non-compliance, but so far, recent patrols have focused on issuing warnings rather than fines.
The heightened immigration enforcement coincides with the implementation of a newly introduced foreign tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately £7.40). Currently collected by the Bali Tourism Office, officials have indicated that immigration officers might assist in verifying tourists’ payment in the future.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Measures
Social media reactions to the increased spot checks have been mixed. Some Indonesian users have praised the stricter enforcement, calling for patrols to be extended to locations such as co-working spaces and yoga studios, where visa misuse by some long-term foreign residents is suspected. However, some tourists and commentators have expressed concerns, arguing that carrying a passport physically at all times may pose safety risks and that a digital copy could be a more reasonable alternative.
Despite differing opinions, Bali immigration authorities have confirmed that patrols and random checks will continue. Tourists visiting Bali are strongly advised to adhere to the guidance and carry their passports or valid stay permits at all times to avoid potential legal issues.
As Bali remains one of Indonesia’s premier travel destinations, the government is emphasizing compliance with immigration laws to ensure both security and a smooth experience for visitors.
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