Tourists and long-term visitors in Bali’s Canggu area are being reminded to keep their passports and valid visas on hand, as immigration task forces have begun conducting regular spot checks across the island’s busiest resort zones.
The Directorate General of Immigration has deployed officers to popular destinations including Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Ubud to ensure that foreign visitors are complying with visa regulations and not engaging in illegal activities.
Canggu Under the Spotlight
Canggu, one of Bali’s most in-demand tourism areas, has also become a hotspot for visa violations and occasional unlawful behavior. Over the years, authorities have uncovered cases involving illegal business operations, unauthorized work under tourist visas, property scams, theft, and even international drug networks.
Following a rise in such incidents earlier this year, Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman announced the deployment of a specialist team of 100 officers to patrol Bali’s top resort areas.
Since then, patrol teams have been seen in Sanur, Legian, Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu, and they are expected to conduct additional rounds in Nusa Dua, Benoa, Kuta, and the Uluwatu-Ungasan area.
Random and Ongoing Patrols
According to Yusman, patrol officers follow set routes through areas known for high tourist activity and potential immigration violations. However, schedules are randomized to avoid predictability.
During the most recent round of checks in Canggu, tourists were approached by uniformed officers on the street and asked to present their passports, visas, or residence permits. Immigration confirmed that these checks are random and aimed at verifying that each visitor’s activities match what their visa allows.
An official post on the Indonesia Immigration Instagram account stated:
“Regular Immigration patrols take place in key areas across Bali, including Canggu. Officers perform random checks to ensure activities follow stay permits. Together we keep Bali safe for all.”
Broader Monitoring Efforts
The recent Canggu patrols came just days after Denpasar Immigration officers conducted inspections in Sayan Village, near Ubud — another area popular among long-term foreign residents. Working with local village authorities, immigration teams checked accommodations as part of a program to monitor and maintain order regarding foreign resident movements.
So far, immigration authorities have not announced any major findings or violations from the latest patrols. However, they continue to remind visitors of the most common reasons foreigners end up in immigration detention centers (Rudenim):
Staying in Indonesia without a valid residence permit
Remaining in the country without valid travel documents, such as a passport
Awaiting deportation after being found guilty of breaking Indonesian law
Having residence permits revoked due to disturbing public order or security
What Visitors Should Know
Tourists and long-stay foreigners in Bali are encouraged to follow Indonesia Immigration’s official channels, which share updates and tips for staying compliant. Carrying identification and valid documentation at all times — especially in tourist hotspots like Canggu — helps avoid unnecessary issues during random checks.