Brits issued passport warning as popular beach holiday destination begins 'spot checks'

Brits heading to the sun-soaked shores of Bali in Indonesia are being warned to keep their documentation at hand, after a crackdown from authorities.

Holidaymakers enjoying a cocktail on the beach now face "spot checks" from local authorities, with a demand to produce a passport and prove their right to remain in the country.

This comes as Indonesian officials attempt to deter an apparent rise in visa overstays and illegal migration, with a noticable influx recorded at the beginning of 2025.

Many of these are thought to be remote workers, taking advantage of Bali's laidback lifestyle and beautiful beaches while working from a laptop. In response, the government has deployed the Bali Immigration Patrol Task Force, with a new 100-officer unit to enforce visitor and residency rules on the island.

These officers will be stationed at 10 popular tourist destinations across the island, the Independent reports. This includes surfing hotspots Canggu and Seminyak, as well as Kerobokan, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Benoa, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu and Bingin.

Brits relaxing in the tropical locale will be able to spot these officials by their safety vests and bodyworn cameras. Warning videos posted on social media by these immigration officers shows tourists on famous Nusa Dua beach being questioned over their right to be in Bali.

The officers could be seen stopping tourists walking to the beach, or riding bicycles, and asking them for their passports and questioning them about their plans while staying in Bali. Many did not have the correct documentation on them and were rebuked, but allowed to carry on with their holiday.

Indonesia's immigration authorities are trying to remind tourists that they must carry either their passport or their 'kitas' stay permit while moving around Bali. Any potential overstays face hefty fines of over £50 per day, imprisonment, and deportation.

The video's caption warns: "One of the important roles of immigration officers in the field is to conduct a random check on [foreign citizens] in Bali. This check aims to ensure that each [foreign citizen] complies with the rules and regulations of the immigration administration."

However, the crackdown on tourists has been slammed on social media, with many pointing out how it could put a damper on your holiday. One person said: "It just ruins your vacation. Passport checks should be at the airport, not at the beach."

Another added: "Approaching families in wealthy tourist enclaves is likely to put genuine tourists off coming, unfortunately." While another user pointed out an issue for one of the island's main attractions for its 6.5 million annual tourists: "Are you meant to bring your passport to surf?"