Bali cracks down on visa violations ahead of peak tourist season

Indonesian authorities have issued a new warning to Australian travellers as peak holiday season approaches.

As Bali’s peak tourist season kicks off, authorities are intensifying efforts to enforce immigration laws, issuing stern warnings to Australians and other visitors about potential visa violations.

Local news service The Bali Sun reported that a recent round of deportations of foreign nationals from the province was just the beginning.

Among them was a 75-year-old German tourist had been expelled after overstaying his visa by 72 days, after a public tip-off led to his identification.

Hendra Setiawan, head of Singaraja Immigration, said officials would be vigilant in their bid to catch out the overstayers.

“We routinely carry out immigration patrols at points vulnerable to the presence of illegal foreigners,” he told The Bali Sun.

People walking on the ocean beach at sunset. Bali island, Indonesia.

Bali’s Denpasar Immigration Office is also collaborating with local authorities in popular tourist areas like Ubud to monitor and enforce visa compliance. The team is working with village leaders and local accommodation providers to maximise their surveillance.

“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,” Denpasar Immigration’s head Haryo Sakti, told reporters.

This initiative aims to ensure that visitors adhere to regulations, particularly as the island anticipates over 1.67 million arrivals by mid-July.

On May 29, 2025, a new hybrid application system for visa extensions came into effect in Indonesia for visitors looking to stay longer. This process requires tourists to register their extension requests online before attending an in-person appointment at a local immigration office for document verification and biometric data collection.

Authorities are also urging tourists to respect local customs and laws. Recent measures include a mandatory tourist tax and stricter enforcement of behaviour codes.

Seminyak beach in Bali.

Violations, such as disrespecting religious sites or engaging in unauthorised employment, could result in fines or deportation.

According to the Federal Government’s latest Smart Traveller update, Australians travelling to Indonesia should ensure they understand visa conditions and entry and exit requirements before entering the country.

“Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport. Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged,” it said on the Smart Traveller website.

“If you’re travelling to Bali, read the Bali Provincial Government’s ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ advice for foreign tourists before you travel.

“Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.”

Ubud is an area where immigration authorities will be targeting for visa checks.

As part of the latest advice, tourists are also warned to be aware of the potential for drink spiking in Indonesia.

“Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,” Smart Traveller said.

“Don’t leave food or drinks unattended. Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok.”

Six young travellers, including Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones died in 2024 from a mass methanol poisoning at a Laos backpacker hostel.

Originally published as Bali cracks down on visa violations ahead of peak tourist season