Bali Immigration Authorities Reinforce Passport-Carrying Requirement for Tourists
Bali immigration officials have officially confirmed that all foreign tourists visiting the island are required to carry their passports and stay permits whenever they leave their accommodation. This announcement comes as part of a strengthened enforcement effort led by a newly formed immigration task force actively patrolling Bali’s most popular tourist destinations.
Increased Patrols and Random Checks
Indonesia’s Minister for Immigration, Agus Andrianto, revealed earlier this month that a dedicated Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force, consisting of 100 officers, has been deployed to monitor busy hubs including Canggu, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Sanur, Benoa, Uluwatu, Bingin, Mertasari, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud, and Legian. These officers are conducting random field checks to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and to address the rising number of visa violations on the island.
Recent video footage released by the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, which oversees Bali’s main airport area, shows teams of officers performing surprise document inspections in locations such as Nusa Dua. In one official post, the office emphasized that one of the key roles of immigration officers “is to conduct a random check on foreign nationals in Bali to ensure compliance with immigration laws.”
Tourist Reactions and Enforcement Approach
During these random spot checks, some tourists admitted that they had not been carrying their passports or stay permits on them at the time, often leaving the documents behind at their hotels. While these visitors were duly informed of the mandatory requirement to carry identification at all times, officers have so far refrained from issuing fines or penalties for first-time oversights.
The patrols involve well-equipped officers with uniforms, body cameras, and patrol vehicles working in teams across various tourist hotspots to maintain a visible and persistent presence. This initiative aims to provide stronger control over immigration compliance while ensuring visitor safety and adherence to regulations.
Broader Context and Future Plans
These enforcement measures come amid a surge in visa violations reported across Bali, prompting authorities to take decisive action. Additionally, officials have indicated that future checks might include verification of the Bali Tourism Tax Levy payments, a responsibility currently managed by the Tourism Task Force under the provincial government.
The reinforced passport-carrying rule is part of a broader strategy to maintain Bali as a safe and legally compliant destination for international tourists. Authorities stress that carrying valid passports and relevant stay permits while traveling around the island is now mandatory to avoid legal complications.
Foreign visitors are encouraged to stay informed about Bali’s immigration requirements and ensure they carry their identification documents consistently during their stay.
For visitors planning to travel to Bali, compliance with these immigration measures will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience on the island.
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