Bali’s New Immigration Rules: Key Points for Tourists
Indonesia recently introduced stricter immigration laws, which could mean serious consequences for tourists in Bali who overstay their visas or break visa conditions. Under the new crackdown called Operation Jagratara, tourists who violate immigration laws could face prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years, depending on the severity of the offense. Previously, these offenses would only result in six months to a year in jail.
This crackdown aims to enforce Indonesia’s visa laws more strictly, with over 400 people already deported this year for breaches. The changes mainly target tourists who overstay their visas by months or years. For most travelers, these new laws won’t be an issue—those who enter Bali with a 30-day visa on arrival or a 60-day extended visa and leave on time are not affected.
To support Operation Jagratara, Indonesia has deployed 125 immigration officers across Bali, with 20 patrol Jeeps and 20 motorcycles. Officers are now allowed to carry firearms for safety, especially when dealing with transnational criminals. Additional immigration checkpoints have been set up to monitor and manage visitor compliance more effectively.
These new measures serve as a clear warning to tourists about the importance of respecting visa requirements when visiting Bali.
