Tourism leaders in Bali are urging the government to reassess its visa-on-arrival policy amid concerns over increasing incidents involving foreign tourists. Currently, the visa-on-arrival and e-visa-on-arrival allow visitors from more than 90 countries, including Bali, to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days for a fee of IDR 500,000.
Recent reports have highlighted instances of misconduct among tourists, including theft, disorderly behavior, mistreatment of staff, unauthorized employment, and reckless driving. In response, the Bali Tourism Industry Association is calling for a review of the current visa policies.
Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association in Bali, emphasized the need for stricter measures to ensure the quality of tourist arrivals. Speaking in Nusa Dua on Wednesday, Adnyana stated, “Previously, we were overly welcoming; now we are more stringent in filtering tourist arrivals.”
He expressed readiness within the industry to endure the impact of stricter visa regulations, underscoring a shift towards promoting higher-quality tourism that respects local culture.
Efforts are underway to enhance communication of Indonesia’s expectations for tourists and foreign business operators, including better dissemination of rules and cultural norms. This initiative aims to clarify expectations and prevent misunderstandings that could lead to disrespectful behavior.
In the current year, the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights has deported 135 foreigners from 41 countries for various violations, including visa overstays, theft, and breaches of visa conditions. Australians accounted for the highest number of deportees, followed by Russians, Americans, and British nationals.
As tourists now bear the cost of both visa fees and tourism taxes, stakeholders are increasingly advocating for responsible behavior among visitors to safeguard investments in Bali’s tourism sector.