Bali Immigration Spot Checks: What You Need to Know As a Tourist or Expat in Bali

Tourists and foreigners living in Bali, be prepared and keep your visa at the ready. Immigration spot checks are on the rise across the island, with officers being seen checking people in cafes, on streets, at beaches or even turning up to tourist accommodation unannounced. 

A public reminder campaign on Jl. Raya Canggu from Indonesian Immigration highlights that foreigners staying in Indonesia must comply with all stay permit regulations.

A task force of 100 immigration officers has been conducting random document checks throughout Bali's most popular areas across Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua and beyond. These officers are usually identifiable by their distinctive black uniforms labeled “Immigration.” However, they may also operate in plain clothes. In such cases, they should be able to present their official badge and have the authority to request passports and visas at any time. This is in accordance with Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, Article 71, which states that foreign nationals must present their passport or residence permit whenever requested by immigration officers. 

As such, if you are checked, officers will expect to see your passport, visa or residence permit (KITAS/KITAP) immediately. They will also want to verify your immigration status, ask about your activities on the island and make sure you’re staying in line with the conditions of your visa. 

Why Are They Checking Now?

In recent years, the number of visa violations in Bali has increased considerably. To try and combat this issue, a task force that is referred to as Satgas has been sent to most common tourist areas. Many officers on duty now carry body cameras for added security. If you are approached for a check, it’s best to remain calm and polite, as the interaction may be recorded. Even when not being filmed, it’s always important to stay respectful toward government officers.

Where Could You Be Checked? 

Generally speaking, immigration officers are likely to check co-working spaces and cafes, effectively, in places where many tourists and expats are often found working. They may also check beaches, tourist hotspots, hotels or guesthouses and private villas. 

Immigration officers are conducting random checks in Bali, especially in Canggu and Ubud, to ensure foreigners comply with their visa conditions. (Source: Instagram @ditjen_imigrasi)

Can You Use Copies Instead of Originals?

Whilst some immigration officers might accept photocopies at their discretion, this can’t necessarily be relied on. If you’re able to safely carry your passport with you, then it’s a good idea to do so. However, if you’re planning on doing any activities where your passport may get damaged, having a colour photocopy and remaining calm and cooperative may be passable if you are checked.  

A Checklist to Avoid Any Issues:

Before you arrive to Indonesia:

• Make sure you have at least 6 months of validity on your passport 

• Choose a visa that matches with your plans in Indonesia 

During your stay in Indonesia : 

• Keep your passport and visa accessible at all times 

• Upload a copy of your passport and visa to a cloud storage service, so that you always have it available if needed 

• Check your visa expiration date and set a calendar reminder to warn you beforehand 

• Remember: if you’re on a tourist visa, you can’t take on work of any kind, including unpaid volunteering

How to Interact With Officers 

If you are approached by officers, make sure you give them your documents as quickly as possible and answer questions about your stay truthfully. Most importantly, avoid confrontation and be respectful during the process. If you happen not to have an original copy of your passport to hand, give over any copies or photos you have and offer to go and get the original. 

Please make sure you hold the correct visa for your activities and keep your documents ready, as violations may lead to legal consequences.

Potential Issues 

If you are caught doing any of the following, you could face more serious problems: 

• Being employed whilst on a tourist permit. If you’re found to be working even though you’re on a tourist visa, it could result in being deported, permanently banned from Indonesia or being prosecuted. ‘Working’ includes being employed in a remote job in Indonesia, earning money as a freelancer or even volunteering. If you plan to work or volunteer, make sure you have the right permit, otherwise it’s better not to risk it. 

• Overstaying: If you have overstayed, you could end up paying a fine of 1,000,000 IDR per day if it's been less than 60 days. However, if you overstay for a longer time, then you could potentially be deported or put in a detention center. 

• If you are found to be in the country without a visa, it can be very problematic. The consequences can range from fines to imprisonment. 

• If you refuse to show your documents to the officers, you can also face fines or even imprisonment. Make sure you remain calm and cooperative throughout the whole experience and everything should be fine. However, if you simply don’t have your passport on you but are willing to share more information, then you may only receive a warning. Currently, there are no specific penalties in place for those who don’t have their passports, but Immigration may try to follow up with you or ask you to visit the Immigration office in person. 

Need Advice?

Ultimately, as long as you’re not doing anything prohibited by Indonesian law, these checks are simply routine and nothing to worry about. Immigration checks are, after all, carried out for everyone’s safety. The most important steps you can take are to be prepared with your documents and ensure that you always act in accordance with your visa’s limitations.

If you have any worries about the conditions of your visa, or want friendly advice on getting the right permits to match your intended activities in Indonesia, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have an expert team on hand ready to help with visa related inquiries and getting your visa for Bali. We’ve helped thousands of tourists and expats to find suitable visas, and we can help you, too. If you’re in Bali, come and visit us in our visa office in Pererenan, near Canggu. Otherwise, you can call us on Whatsapp to arrange a call or appointment. Let’s find the right visa for your Bali stay, so you can enjoy your time in Bali without any risks and with complete peace of mind.


Written by Bali Solve Team
November 8th 2025