Bali’s immigration authorities have released new data on the number of tourists denied entry and deported from Indonesia, highlighting common pitfalls that travelers should avoid. These statistics, spanning January to June 2024, are crucial for ensuring tourists understand and comply with entry requirements.
The most frequent reason for refusal of entry, according to Suhendra, the Head of Ngurah Rai Immigration, is the absence of a valid visa. Out of 561 foreigners denied entry, 243 lacked a visa and were not eligible for a visa on arrival. Additionally, 52 individuals had passports with less than six months of validity, and 28 were on a banned list. Furthermore, 20 were flagged by Interpol, and 212 were denied entry for various immigration violations.
All tourists entering Indonesia must have passports valid for at least six months and contain two blank pages. Bali’s immigration officials are known for their meticulous inspection of travel documents, with any damage to the passport potentially leading to entry refusal. Tourists are advised to ensure their passports are free from rips, stains, or other damage.
The first half of 2024 saw an influx of 2.94 million foreign visitors through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, a 24% increase from the previous year. Despite the busy period, the scrutiny of immigration officials remained stringent.
Deportations have also seen an uptick. On July 23rd, 24 foreign nationals were detained for immigration violations, including overstaying visas and lacking valid travel documents. The detainees included individuals from Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania, with some already deported, others held at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, and the rest under investigation for potential illegal activities.
These figures underscore the importance of adhering to Indonesian immigration regulations to avoid complications. As Bali continues to attract a growing number of tourists, understanding and complying with these rules is crucial for a smooth travel experience.
