The media has been focused on the deportation of tourists from Bali recently, but it appears that an even larger number of people, over 300 individuals, have been denied entry to the island during the same period.
Sugito, the Head of the Immigration Office at Ngurah Rai Bali, provided this information to reporters, stating that between January and mid-May of this year, 302 foreign nationals were refused entry to Bali.
Sugito revealed that these individuals came from various countries, including Australia, India, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, England, Fiji, France, Germany, and Venezuela. The reasons for their refusal of entry varied among the group. Many of them lacked valid travel documents, while others possessed fake immigration documents, incorrect visas, or failed to meet visa requirements despite being exempted from the obligation to have one.
Although rumors have circulated online suggesting that immigration officials in Bali are not thoroughly checking for Covid-19 certificates, insurance documents, customs declarations, return flights, or onward travel plans, it is important to note that these are all legally required documents. Even if travelers are not specifically asked to present them upon arrival in Indonesia, they should have them readily available for inspection at any time. Failure to do so may result in denied or delayed entry and potential legal consequences.
Simple spelling errors or mistakes on visa applications can also lead to denial of entry. Tourists are reminded to exercise caution when filling out visa forms and customs declarations. Sugito highlighted that one of the most common reasons for tourists being denied entry to Bali was providing incorrect information during the visa application process. Additionally, some travelers were turned away due to infectious diseases that could pose a risk to public health.
There have been recent concerns about the increasing number of illegitimate electronic visa-on-arrival (e-VOA) services for Indonesia. To address this issue, immigration officials issued a statement confirming that there is only one official website for applying for the e-VOA, which is molina.imigrasi.go.id. While some fraudulent websites are operating scams, others offer visa agent services at inflated prices. Travelers have reported being deceived by these unofficial websites, spending significant amounts of money on e-VOA services that are not legitimate.
Immigration officials emphasized the need for caution and reminded foreigners that the e-VOA can only be applied for through the official website. The application should be completed no later than 48 hours before traveling to Indonesia. Alternatively, travelers from the 92 countries on the visa-on-arrival list can still obtain their visa upon arrival at Bali airport or at other designated airports in Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Lombok, Batam, Medan, Manado, Tanjung Pinang, or Yogyakarta.
The e-VOA service is a relatively new offering by the Indonesian immigration department as part of its efforts to provide immigration services that meet global standards. Sugito also informed reporters that within the group of 302 international arrivals denied entry, some individuals were flagged on arrival as being wanted by Interpol. These individuals were found to be involved in international crimes and organized transnational crimes and were listed as wanted individuals in their home countries.
Sugito mentioned a specific case where a 45-year-old man from South Korea, identified as KH, was denied entry to Bali on May 14th. KH, wanted by Interpol for “acts of violence against women,” claimed to be visiting Bali for a holiday from Thailand. He was detained, and South Korea’s request for his arrest was sent back to Thailand. KH has been blacklisted from entering Indonesia.
