Tourists misbehaving is nothing new in the province of Bali in Indonesia. It’s been an ongoing issue for both the locals and authorities for years, and it’s gone so far that in 2023, after one too many visitors engaged in disrespectful and dangerous behaviors, Bali’s governor at the time, Wayan Koster, banned tourist activities on the island’s mountains and threatened to prohibit foreigners from renting motorbikes. Today, it’s the Indonesian Immigration department that’s stepping up its game by toughening its penalties for tourists who violate visa regulations.
Photo: Daniel Hoz/Shutterstock
Badly Behaved Tourists in Bali Can Now Be Deported or Face 20 Years in Prison
The Indonesian Immigration department has recently launched Operation Jagratara, whose mission is to find foreigners who are in Bali in breach of their visa conditions, whether by overstaying, working illegally, or participating in criminal activities. Operation Jagratara involves hundreds of officers patrolling the island in brand new vehicles in search of offenders. The Indonesian Immigration department also ask that locals report any suspicious activities by foreigners.
Once found, foreigners overstaying or engaging in illegal activities will risk a maximum of 20 years or life in prison, deportation, and a ban from the island. Overstayers might also be asked to pay fines of IDR 1,000,000 ($64) per day.
According to a post by Indonesia Immigration on Instagram, this new crack-down is meant to “maintain Indonesia’s positive image as an attractive tourist and investment destination.”
Visitors visa can be obtained online via Indonesia Immigration’s website, after a straightforward application and a payment of IDR 500,000 ($35). Obtaining a visa on arrival at the airport is also possible for citizens of eligible countries. Visitor visas for Indonesia are valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days.
As well as trying to get of rid misbehaving tourists, overstayers, and foreigners engaging in illegal and criminal activities, Bali is attempting to remedy its overtourism problem. Earlier this year, the province of Bali introduced a tourist levy of 150,000 Rupiah (around $10) payable upon arrival at the airport. 