Tourists in Bali with expired visas can be jailed for up to 10 years

Recently, the Indonesian island of Bali has been attracting more and more tourists from all over the world due to its picturesque beaches, unique culture and affordable pricing. However, with increasing popularity, the number of visa violations is also increasing, which cause serious concern to local authorities. In this regard, the Indonesian Government has decided to toughen penalties for foreigners who stay in the country with expired visas.

One of the significant measures was the introduction of imprisonment for up to 10 years for those who did not leave the country on time. In addition, violators may face serious fines, and in some cases, deportation and a ban on re-entry to Indonesia. Previously, for such a violation, one could be imprisoned for a period of six months to a year.

The opinion of the authorities

Silmi Karim, Director General of the Indonesian Migration Service, noted that in 2024, law enforcement agencies expelled more than 400 tourists for expired visas. In his opinion, the problem cannot be solved without tougher penalties, so the authorities decided to take stricter measures.

There will also be more patrols on the island checking the documents of visitors. In addition, police officers will be allowed to carry pistols to ensure their own safety and reduce the number of conflict situations with relocators.

Attention!

The Department of Supervision and Law Enforcement has decided to establish immigration offices throughout Indonesia. Officers who have identified alleged violations can immediately take action against foreigners in accordance with current regulations.

Some of the tourists continue to live on the island, working without proper permits, which negatively affects the local economy. They take jobs that could belong to local residents, and at the same time do not pay taxes.

For many travelers, Bali is becoming a real paradise on earth, full of impressions and discoveries, and in order to preserve this reputation, it is important to respect local laws and traditions. If you have a tourist visa, even working on a computer can be considered a violation. It is recommended to always have an identity card and a copy of the entry permit with you.