News of tourists being deported from Bali has been front and center in international travel news headlines over the last few weeks, but data shows that over 300 people have been denied entry to the island during the same period.
The Head of the Immigration Office at Ngurah Rai Bali, Sugito, revealed to reporters that 302 foreign nationals were refused entry to the Island of the Gods between January and mid-May this year.
He explained, “The 302 foreigners are in the top ten from Australia, India, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, England, Fiji, France, Germany and Venezuela.”
This varied demographic of travelers who were denied a visit to Indonesia has an equally varied reason behind their refusal of entry.
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Sugito said that of those denied entry to Bali, many “do not have valid travel documents. Then, [some] have fake immigration documents and or visas, [others] do not have a correct visa [even] who are exempt from the obligation to have a visa.”
Although there are rumors circulating online that immigration in Bali is not checking Covid-19 certificates (for those over-18 and not medically exempt), insurance documents, customs declarations, return flights, or onward travel plans, it remains the case that these are all documents required by law.
Even if travelers are not requested to present them on arrival in Indonesia, the documents should be ready to be shown to officials at any time.
Failure to do so can result in denied or delayed entry to Indonesia and, in some cases, legal action.
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Simple spelling errors or mistakes on visa applications can also result in denial of entry to Indonesia. Tourists are reminded to practice extra care when filling out visa forms and customs declarations.
Sugito noted that one of the most common reasons why tourists were denied entry to Bali was because they had provided incorrect information while applying for their visas. He also revealed that some travelers were turned away due to infectious diseases that could endanger public health.
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Stories regularly circulate online about travelers to Bali experiencing issues at immigration due to small and superficial damage to passports which is another technicality travelers should be aware of.
In the last few weeks, their alarm has been raised about the rise in illegible electronic visa-on-arrival services for Indonesia.
Immigration officials issued formal statements to confirm that there is only one official website for applying for the e-VOA in Indonesia.
While some fake sites are operating scams, others are surreptitiously offering visa agent services for high prices.
Some travelers have been left high and dry, having spent hundreds of dollars on e-VOA services from websites posing as the official immigration department of Indonesia.
In the statement, immigration officials announced, “Foreigners are asked to be cautious…We remind you, the only official website for e-VOA application is molina.imigrasi.go.id.”
The e-VOA can be applied online no later than 48 hours before traveling to Indonesia. It is still possible for the 92 countries on the visa-on-arrival list to pay for and receive their visa upon arrival at Bali airport or if landing in Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Lombok, Batam, Medan, Manado, Tanjung Pinang, or Yogyakarta.
The e-VOA service is a relatively new service offered by Indonesian immigration as part of a department-wide mission to ensure that immigration services are of the ‘gold standard’ and in keeping with global trends.
Sugito also shared with reporters that within the 302 international arrivals denied entry, some were flagged on arrival as wanted by Interpol.
Sugito said, “There are also those who are involved in international crimes and organized transnational crimes. They are included in the list of people wanted to be arrested from one country.”
The Head of Ngurah Rai Immigration revealed that on Sunday, 14th May, a man from South Korea with the initials KH was denied entry to Bali.
Sugito was able to announce the successful detainment of 45-year-old KH, who was wanted by Interpol for “acts of violence against women.”
He claimed he was coming to Bali for a holiday from Thailand. KH was detained, and according to Interpol, South Korea’s request was sent back to Thailand and has been blacklisted from Indonesia.
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Wayan Bo
Friday 19th of May 2023
Anyway, if not red carpet, I’m not coming
Randy
Friday 19th of May 2023
Having a certain type of visa allows to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border, and request permission to enter. The permission depends solely of the immigration, customs and border inspector. A visa is a privilege and not a right. While having a visa does NOT guarantee entry to the Republic of Indonesia. Sovereign nations around the world apply the same mentality to visitors of any nationality. Why would it be any different here...
Many factors are taken in consideration such as people on a Interpol Watch list, wrong names on visa application, insufficient funds, lying to the immigration officials, and over stayers trying their luck to return to Indonesia. One of those factors could be considered inadmissible into the country no matter how strong your passport may hold.
Immigration can still carry out deportation in accordance with the principle of ignorantia legis neminem excusat (ignorance of the law excuses no one). Therefore no sympathy for those foreign visitors who feel strongly entitled and may misrepresent themselves at point of entry.
Why do you think that ESTA (entering the US on a visa waiver program) or ETIAS (entering the Schengen zone without visas) exist....it is a way to prevent fraudulent visitors without visas to enter. Furthermore airlines now require advance passenger information to travel to a number of countries including Indonesia.
Firechef
Monday 22nd of May 2023
@Randy, Very true!
Randy
Saturday 20th of May 2023
@Raymond, a law abiding frequent business or leisure traveler travel smart. Respecting the country you are visiting, the do's and don'ts. Is it too much to ask??
Raymond
Friday 19th of May 2023
@Randy, Do you work for the us embassy?
Exp
Thursday 18th of May 2023
Quote "He also revealed that some travelers were turned away due to infectious diseases that could endanger public health."
More details! What "infectious diseases" are we talking about? Apart from covid vaccine certifications I have never been asked to show evidence of any other "mandatory" vaccinations.
Sarah
Monday 22nd of May 2023
@Andrew, I’ve been wondering about this, as an unvaxxed and healthy person wondered if it was worth the risk as really want to return to Bali!
Andrew
Saturday 20th of May 2023
@Exp,
Yeah their line that the vaccine is required is a joke, they do not check anyone at the airport.
Randy
Saturday 20th of May 2023
@Exp, there are a few countries in the VoA with emerging infectious diseases. Why would you be worried if they do not ask to show other "mandatory" vaccinations? Your passport may say otherwise.