Indonesian authorities are increasing random checks at popular tourist spots in Bali, requiring foreign visitors to always have their passports with them amid a rise in visa violations.
International visitors to Bali are reminded to carry their passports whenever they go out, as the island tightens impromptu checks. This move is part of a campaign to crack down on visa violations, following an increase in such cases recorded in Indonesia since the beginning of the year. The government has implemented additional surveillance measures to ensure foreigners comply with immigration regulations.
In early August, the Immigration Patrol Task Force launched a mission to “prevent legal violations and handle immigration offenses” in Bali. The task force was established under the directive of President Prabowo Subianto to ensure stability and security for Bali, a leading tourist destination in Indonesia.
About 100 uniformed officers, equipped with body cameras and reflective vests, were deployed to 10 popular areas, including Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Jimbaran. Last weekend, a video posted by the Ngurah Rai Airport Immigration Office showed tourists having their documents checked at Nusa Dua beach.
During one check, three tourists—one Chinese and two Australians—could not present their passports or residency permits. They were only reminded to carry their documents while traveling and were not yet fined. However, The Bali Sun reported that future checks will require tourists to present full documentation.
Reactions on social media have been mixed. Some people support the checks, calling for them to be expanded to co-working spaces, convenience stores, and yoga studios, where many visa abuse cases are suspected. Conversely, some feel that the sudden checks are inconvenient and affect the vacation experience. “Passports should be checked at the airport, not on the beach,” one user commented.
Bali is currently on Expedia’s list of “Most Relaxing Resort Islands” for 2025, attracting not only tourists but also a large number of foreigners living and working remotely. Last year, the island welcomed 6.3 million visitors—higher than its population of 4.3 million. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has set a target of 6.5 million arrivals this year.
The increase in visitors has brought many challenges. Reports of misconduct and overstaying are on the rise. From January to September of last year, 378 foreigners were deported from Bali, an increase from 335 cases for the entirety of 2023. Reasons for deportation include visa overstay, illegal work on a tourist visa, abusing an investor visa without making an investment, and even involvement in transnational crime.
Indonesia’s official e-visa portal warns that those who overstay their visas will be fined 1 million rupiah ($61) per day and face the risk of detention, deportation, or a ban on re-entry for a specific period.
