New figures from the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office reveal a surprising trend: between January and October 2024, a total of 942 foreigners were denied entry to Bali.

Bali’s Tourism Boom Amid Entry Denials

Bali is witnessing a surge in international visitors, with a remarkable 5.3 million arrivals recorded at Denpasar. As we approach the end of the year, Bali is poised for a record-breaking tourism season, which is exciting news for the island that’s often referred to as the “Island of the Gods.”

The Surprising Stats of 2024

So, what’s the scoop? The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, the body governing all immigration matters at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, has confirmed that out of over 11 million processed travelers so far in 2024, 942 have faced entry denial.

Additionally, there were 355 cases where departures were postponed, including both foreign and Indonesian passport holders. Imagine packing your bags, heading to the airport, and then hearing that you can’t board your flight! That’s a scenario many wouldn’t want to experience.

Common Reasons for Denied Entry

What could lead to such unfortunate situations? The most common reasons for being denied entry included:

  • Being blacklisted
  • Having the wrong visa
  • Being on Interpol’s red notice list

Understanding the Immigration Landscape

At a recent press conference, I Nyoman Asta, Head of the Information and Communication Section at the Class I Immigration Office Special TPI Ngurah Rai, shed some light on these statistics. “This year, we’ve seen a 22% increase in processed travelers compared to 2023,” he mentioned.

Top Foreign Nationalities Arriving in Bali

Curious about where these travelers are coming from? The latest data indicates that most international travelers hail from:

  • Australia: 1,323,369 visitors
  • India: 460,887 visitors
  • China: 404,045 visitors

Increasing Deportations: Statistics and Insights

The trend of denied entries is coupled with a rise in deportations in 2024. Between January and October, 159 deportations took place, along with 293 immigration supervisions. Asta clarified that a significant number of these deportations stemmed from violations of local laws, with Nigeria, Russia, and China leading the charts.

A Commitment to Strict Immigration Policies

Indonesia’s government is not taking immigration violations lightly. Pramela Yunidar Pasaribu, Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, emphasized that deportations are enforced without exception, particularly for those not respecting local laws or overstaying their visas.

Ensure a Smooth Entry to Bali

However, it’s not only about visa regulations. Did you know that your passport condition could hinder your entry? Minor damages like tears, bends, or even water stains could lead to your travel documents being deemed unacceptable. As a traveler, the last thing you want is to be turned away from your dream vacation over a damaged passport. So, before you fly, double-check your passport and ensure it’s in pristine condition!

Bali’s Peak Travel Season Approaches

With the festive season almost upon us, Bali Airport is gearing up to welcome over a million international visitors in just a single month. Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, has confirmed that additional operational support will ensure seamless travel for everyone.

Let’s make this holiday season memorable and safe while enjoying all that beautiful Bali has to offer!