Bali Immigration Authorities Mandate Tourists to Carry Passports at All Times
In a recent move to tighten immigration control, Bali’s immigration authorities have confirmed that all foreign visitors are required to carry their passports and stay permits whenever they leave their accommodations. This announcement follows the deployment of a dedicated immigration task force conducting increased patrols in the island’s major tourist areas.
Enhanced Immigration Patrols Across Popular Tourist Spots
The Indonesian Minister for Immigration, Agus Andrianto, had earlier revealed plans to station 100 officers from the Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force in key locations such as Canggu, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Sanur, Benoa, Uluwatu, Bingin, Mertasari, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud, and Legian. These officers are actively performing random passport checks and monitoring visitors’ compliance with immigration rules.
Recent footage shared by the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office displays teams of officials carrying out on-the-spot verifications in busy areas like Nusa Dua. The office emphasized the importance of these checks, stating they aim to ensure that foreign nationals (referred to locally as WNA) adhere to immigration laws and possess necessary documentation while in Bali.
Compliance and Public Awareness
During inspections, some tourists were found unaware of the requirement to carry their passports, often leaving them secured at hotels. Officers took the opportunity to inform these visitors about the regulation but did not issue fines or penalties at this stage. The authorities stress that while this is a warning phase, persistent non-compliance could result in more serious consequences.
Equipped with uniforms, body cameras, and patrolling vehicles, the task force is systematically covering popular tourist destinations to address the growing concerns related to visa violations. Their presence seeks to deter illegal stays and other infractions that might affect Bali’s revered tourism sector.
Potential Future Measures
Officials also noted that immigration authorities might extend their role to verify payments related to the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, although currently, enforcement of this tax remains managed by the provincial Tourism Task Force. This could represent a further step in ensuring legal compliance and supporting local governance.
What Tourists Should Know
Visitors to Bali must carry their passports and valid stay permits at all times when outside their hotels or accommodations. This regulation is an essential part of Bali’s enhanced security and immigration monitoring efforts aimed at maintaining order, preventing overstays, and supporting the island’s robust tourism industry.
Tourists planning trips to Bali are advised to remain informed about immigration requirements and cooperate with authorities during spot checks. Carrying identification documents at all times will help avoid inconveniences during outings and ensure a smooth travel experience on the island.
For continuous updates on Bali’s immigration policies and tourism regulations, visitors should stay connected with official channels and local authorities.
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