Indonesia tightens management of foreign tourists to Bali

Bali authorities have tightened the screening of foreign nationals entering the Indonesian resort island in response to a surge in tourist arrivals this year.

The island welcomed 3.89 million international visitors during January-July, an increase of almost 1 million from the same time last year.

According to the head of the Bali Regional Office for Law and Human Rights, Pramella Yusnida Pasaribu, the heightened supervision aims to maintain security, order and comfort for the entire community. It has involved a more thorough inspection of travel documents, including passports, visas and residence permits.

Besides, authorities will enhance the integrated immigration information system to support the monitoring of foreign national movements, she said, adding the immigration checks also integrate face recognition technology and border control management.

On March 6, 30 auto immigration autogates were installed at the Ngurah Rai Airport’s international arrivals terminal, and additional 30 will be arranged this month.

The immigration authority also plans to install additional 20 autogates at the international departure terminal, which already has 60 units.

Data from the office showed that 258 foreigners were deported from Bali this year as of July 19. Last year, the figure was 340, an increase from 188 in 2022.