Bali Tourists Undergo Checks Amid Immigration Crackdown
Recent footage circulating on social media shows immigration officers conducting street checks on tourists in Bali, Indonesia, as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign targeting visa violations. The video, shared on a local community news platform and widely disseminated online, captures uniformed officers in safety vests approaching foreign visitors in the popular cultural area of Ubud, requesting passports and stay permits for inspection.
Taskforce Deployed to Combat Immigration Violations
Earlier this year, Indonesian authorities announced the formation of a specialized taskforce to address the growing issue of immigration violations by foreigners on the resort island. Approximately 100 officers, equipped with body cameras and safety gear, have been assigned to patrol ten prominent tourist destinations including Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Jimbaran.
The operation aims to identify and apprehend tourists and foreign residents who have overstayed their visas or are working illegally. According to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, there were 148 deportations of foreign nationals between January and July 2024, with 66 of these related to visa overstays.
Community Involvement and Business Inspections
The crackdown extends beyond street patrols, involving collaboration with village leaders and local accommodation providers. Denpasar’s chief immigration official, Haryo Sakti, emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “We hope that the active involvement from the village to the regency will be the main force in detecting and cracking down on violations by foreigners.”
In addition to checking individuals’ travel documents, officers are also inspecting business establishments such as motorbike rental services, nightclubs, and beauty salons to ensure foreign workers have the appropriate visas.
New Travel Protocols and Requirements
Visitors to Bali are strongly encouraged to carry their passports or valid stay permits, known locally as KITAS, at all times while on the island. Since September 1, all travelers arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar must complete the “All Indonesia Arrival Card,” a new digital portal that consolidates health declarations, customs, quarantine, and immigration forms.
This portal, which costs approximately $50 (IDR 500,000), must be filled out before arrival in Indonesia. Once completed, travelers receive a QR code that must be presented to immigration and customs officials on entry.
The Australian government’s Smart Traveller website advises that travelers can apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) through the All Indonesia portal at least 48 hours before traveling. This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Prospective visitors should ensure their passports have at least six months’ validity to be eligible for these visas.
Visa Extensions and Additional Fees
Foreign nationals requiring a visa extension in Indonesia are obligated to register their application online first, followed by biometrics and documentation checks at the nearest immigration office before approval can be granted.
Travelers should also be aware of a $15 tourist tax imposed in Bali, payable in addition to visa fees.
Rising Tourism Numbers Call for Heightened Immigration Oversight
Bali remains a favorite destination for Australians, Europeans, and travelers from across Asia, drawing over four million foreign tourists between January and July 2024—an increase from 3.89 million in the same period last year. The authorities’ immigration crackdown reflects efforts to maintain legal compliance and manage the growth in tourism effectively.
As Bali continues to welcome high numbers of visitors, both tourists and local businesses are reminded to adhere strictly to Indonesian immigration regulations to avoid penalties or deportation.
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