Bali authorities are tightening controls on foreigners by stepping up checks on compliance with visa regulations, residency rules, and employment laws on the island. The decision stems from a rise in violations by foreigners and the province’s shift toward a “quality tourism” model, under which authorities aim to attract affluent and law-abiding visitors rather than simply increasing overall tourist numbers.
Among the recorded violations, 2,026 cases led to the immediate revocation of residence permits and forced deportation. Another 1,323 foreign nationals were officially barred from entry and added to Indonesia’s long-term national blacklist. The remaining violators were sent to temporary detention centers or received substantial fines.
Bali’s immigration authorities have also launched a 24-hour hotline through which residents and businesses can report possible violations of immigration rules by foreigners. This includes, in particular, visa overstays, illegal employment, violations of stay conditions, and other activities not permitted under the type of visa.
Authorities are paying particular attention to foreigners who work or conduct commercial activities on tourist visas. The Indonesian Immigration Service has warned that even unpaid advertising or promotional activities may be considered a violation of visa regulations if they are effectively related to work or business promotion. Bloggers, influencers, and content creators have come under increased scrutiny.
Bali authorities are also preparing additional entry rules for foreigners. Starting in 2026, tourists may be screened for financial solvency, length of stay, and stated travel plans. Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated that one element of “quality tourism” could involve verifying tourists’ savings from the previous three months.
Bali remains one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, but mass tourism is straining the island’s infrastructure, housing market, transportation, and cultural sites. In recent years, local authorities have increasingly emphasized the need to protect traditions, public order, and the economic interests of local residents.
For foreigners, this means that travel to Bali is becoming more regulated. Tourists need to pay closer attention to their visa validity periods, refrain from working without the appropriate permit, observe local rules of conduct, and be prepared for stricter checks of documents and the purpose of their stay.
Tighter controls are also significant for the real estate and relocation markets. Bali remains a popular destination for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and long-term renters; however, the authorities are sending a clear signal: residency on the island must correspond to visa status, and attempts to use a tourist visa for actual work or business may result in fines, deportation, and a ban on entry.
Bali authorities have asked the Indonesian government to cancel visas on arrival for Russians and Ukrainians as they try to seek work in the country by entering on tourist visas, The Jakarta Post newspaper reported, citing provincial governor Wayan Koster.
“I have written a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice asking them to cancel visa privileges for Russians and Ukrainians,” the newspaper quoted him as saying.
In Indonesia, it is forbidden to work and create businesses for foreign nationals visiting the country as tourists.
As the newspaper notes, citizens of Russia and Ukraine abuse tourist visas and try to find a job or start a business in the country. In March, at least four Russian citizens were deported for visa violations, and immigration authorities repeatedly warned foreigners in Bali against working on tourist visas.
Ukraine is introducing a visa regime for Russian citizens, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky told the Telegram channel on Friday.
“As part of countering unprecedented threats to national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state, I proposed to the Cabinet of Ministers to work out the issue of revising the regime of entry of Russian citizens into the territory of Ukraine,” he wrote.
“And today the Cabinet of Ministers must adopt this important resolution ‘On the termination of the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Russian Federation on visa-free travel of citizens of Ukraine and the Russian Federation and the application of certain international treaties of Ukraine with the Russian Federation,’” the president also wrote.
According to him, “according to the planned decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, from July 1, 2022, Ukraine will introduce a visa regime for entry for citizens of the Russian Federation.”
