20 years to life. That’s what could await tourists in Bali who flout its new immigration laws. Indonesia’s government is taking a hard line, imposing severe penalties on travellers who overstay their visas or break the law more broadly.
Indonesia’s Department of Immigration has taken a zero-tolerance stance on visa violations, with significant penalties for tourists who overstay or fail to meet visa requirements. Previously, overstaying by a few days would typically result in fines or a temporary ban, but under new laws, violators face much harsher consequences, including potential prison sentences.
According to the Bali Sun, crimes that once warranted a maximum sentence of one year could now lead to up to 20 years in prison or even a life sentence. Tourists who break visa conditions — whether overstaying or engaging in activities not covered by their visa — could be detained for extensive periods. These changes are part of a broader crackdown aimed at ensuring foreign tourists comply with all immigration rules and respect local customs.
The rules will not apply to tourists who obtain temporary visas upon arrival and either depart within 30 days or legally extend their visas and then depart within 60 days.
Tourists behaving badly will pay the price
With tourism numbers surging, the island has experienced an uptick in incidents where foreign visitors have behaved inappropriately at sacred sites or disrespected local customs.
Last year, island officials rolled out a good behaviour guide to all travellers arriving at Denpasar International Airport. Violating these guidelines will face strict sanctions or legal processes according to Indonesian laws and regulations, Bali This Week reported. Bali has also banned tourists from entering certain parts of temples altogether unless they are participating in religious activities.
“Indonesia is a country that upholds the tourism sector, but comfort must be accompanied by order. We want foreign nationals who come to Indonesia to understand and follow the rules and norms that apply in this country,” Director General of Immigration Law and Human Rights Silmy Karim said, local newspaper Nusa Bali reported.
“We also try to ensure that those who come are quality tourists, through strengthening intelligence co-operation and information exchange with other countries.”
In line with the new rules, immigration checkpoint officers, patrol officers and investigators, and mobile taskforces will increase.
The role of travel agents
For travel professionals, the key takeaway from Bali’s latest crackdown is clear: educate your clients. Make sure they understand the visa requirements and the importance of respecting local customs. No tourist wants their dream holiday to end in legal trouble, and with Bali’s new rules, the risks are very real.
- Educate clients on cultural etiquette: Make it clear that Bali’s temples, sacred sites, and religious festivals should be treated with the utmost respect. Provide them with guidelines on appropriate dress codes and behaviour, especially when visiting holy sites.
- Remind them of visa regulations: Ensure clients are fully aware of the visa rules before they travel. Overstaying their visa—even by a day—could result in deportation under the new regulations.
- Highlight the importance of local customs: Respect for local traditions isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about contributing to a positive travel experience for everyone involved. Consider creating a short cultural guide that outlines the do’s and don’ts for visitors, helping to protect both your clients and Bali’s cherished heritage.
- Set realistic expectations: Some clients might see Bali as a carefree party destination, but this mindset can get them into trouble. Make sure they understand that Bali’s government is serious about enforcing the new rules, and the consequences for disrespectful behaviour are real.
