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Emigration and immigration

Bali Orders Foreign Visitors to Carry Passports at All Times Due to Visa Violations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Foreign tourists visiting Bali, one of Indonesia's most popular tourist destinations, have been told to carry their passports with them at all times after a rise in visa violations was reported earlier this year. The Indonesian authorities have deployed a new Bali Immigration Patrol Task Force, known as Satgas, to conduct random spot checks across the island. The task force has been stationed in ten of the island's busiest tourist areas, including Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Kuta, and is equipped with body cameras to verify the immigration status of foreign nationals. The move is aimed at ensuring stability and security in Bali, as ordered by President Prabowo Subianto. Tourists who fail to carry their passports may be fined or face other penalties under Indonesia's Immigration Law No 6 of 2011.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indonesian authorities have ordered foreign visitors to Bali to carry their passports at all times to prevent visa violations.
  • The deployment of the Bali Immigration Patrol Task Force, known as Satgas, has been stationed in ten of the island's busiest tourist areas to conduct random spot checks.
  • The task force is equipped with body cameras to verify the immigration status of foreign nationals and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
  • The move is aimed at preventing visa misuse and maintaining stability and security in Bali, as ordered by President Prabowo Subianto.
  • Tourists who fail to carry their passports may be fined or face other penalties under Indonesia's Immigration Law No 6 of 2011.
  • The Indonesian authorities will continue to conduct random spot checks and verify the immigration status of foreign nationals.
  • Tourists are advised to carry their passports and stay permits (KITAS) at all times to avoid legal trouble.

Statistics:

  • 100-officer task force (Satgas) has been stationed in ten of Bali's busiest tourist areas.
  • IDR 150,000 (about £7.40) foreign tourist levy is currently being collected by the Bali Tourism Office.
  • 99% of tourists may not carry their passports due to safety concerns, according to one social media comment.

Sources:

  • South China Morning Post
  • Bali Times
  • Ngurah Rai Immigration Office (Instagram)
  • Indonesian Immigration Law No 6 of 2011

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