Bali Immigration Officers Conduct Street Checks on Tourists Amid Visa Crackdown
In a recent effort to enforce immigration laws, Indonesian authorities have been stopping tourists on the streets of Bali to verify their visa status. Videos circulated on social media show immigration officers in uniform and reflective vests approaching foreign visitors, particularly in the popular Ubud area, as part of a broader government crackdown on visa overstayers and illegal foreign workers.
A spokesperson for the immigration team was captured on video informing tourists, “We’re on routine patrol and we want to check your passport and your stay permit.” This activity forms part of a coordinated operation involving approximately 100 immigration officers deployed across well-known tourist hotspots in Bali, including Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Bingin, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran.
The officers, some equipped with body cameras, have also been inspecting various businesses frequented by foreign nationals, such as motorbike rental agencies, nightclubs, and beauty salons. These inspections aim to ensure that all foreigners working in Bali possess the correct visas and permits, and that businesses comply with Indonesian regulations.
This increased immigration enforcement follows directives from President Prabowo Subianto to maintain stability and security in Bali, one of Indonesia’s premier tourism destinations. Indonesian Minister for Immigration, Agus Andrianto, emphasized that the newly established Immigration Patrol Task Force is designed to reduce violations and enhance the local community’s sense of safety.
Tourists found overstaying their visas may face substantial fines. Those who exceed their visa duration by less than 60 days are typically fined around IDR 1 million (equivalent to about AUD 92) per day of overstay. For overstays exceeding 60 days, penalties become more severe and can include detention, deportation, and blacklisting from future entry into Indonesia. Under Indonesia’s Immigration Law No 6 of 2011, Article 71, all foreigners are legally obligated to present immigration documents when requested by authorities. However, in many recent cases, travelers who lacked documentation on hand were reportedly given verbal warnings during street inspections.
Additionally, Bali implemented updated entry protocols this year. Since October 1, international visitors are required to complete an “All Indonesia” declaration card within three days before arrival. This digital form collects personal and travel information, health declarations, and customs statements through a unified online portal, streamlining the arrival process. Travelers receive a QR code upon completion, which must be presented upon arrival in Bali.
The ramped-up immigration efforts coincide with Bali’s ongoing efforts to regulate tourism and ensure compliance with visa regulations, aiming to preserve the island’s security and sustainability as a global travel destination. Visitors planning trips to Bali are strongly advised to check their visa status and comply with local immigration requirements to avoid penalties during these intensified inspections.
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