DENPASAR, Bali — Bali is targeting 6.63 million international tourist arrivals in 2026, as authorities tighten controls on foreign visitors through stricter immigration enforcement, including the launch of a 24-hour public complaint hotline.
The target, set by Bali’s Tourism Office, follows a strong performance in 2025, when the island welcomed approximately 6.94 million foreign visitors—an increase of 9.72 percent compared to the previous year.
Head of Marketing at Bali’s Tourism Office, Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, said the 2026 goal forms part of a broader strategic plan through 2030, as the province begins shifting its focus beyond sheer visitor numbers.
Bali Shifts Toward Quality Tourism
Rather than prioritizing volume alone, Bali is moving toward what officials describe as “quality tourism,” focusing on higher-value visitors and more sustainable travel patterns.
The strategy includes diversifying source markets, with increased attention on Asia-Pacific regions such as China, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The shift comes amid global uncertainties that may affect travel demand from traditional markets in Europe and the United States.
Domestic tourism also remains a key pillar, reflecting lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic when local travelers played a critical role in sustaining the island’s economy.
Authorities Tighten Oversight on Foreign Visitors
As tourist arrivals continue to rise, authorities are also strengthening oversight of foreign nationals amid increasing public scrutiny over visitor behavior on the island.
The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration in Bali has introduced a 24-hour hotline service, enabling the public to report suspected immigration violations by foreign nationals.
Head of the Bali Immigration Office, Felucia Sengky Ratna, said the initiative is aimed at increasing community participation in monitoring foreign presence across the island.
Hotline Launched to Report Immigration Violations
The hotline is accessible through multiple official numbers operated by immigration offices across Bali, including Ngurah Rai, Denpasar, and Singaraja, and is available around the clock.
Most immigration violations in Bali involve overstaying or failure to comply with local regulations. Authorities noted that foreign nationals from Russia, Australia, and the United States account for the highest number of violations.
In 2025, a total of 331 foreign nationals were deported through Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, while 28 others were deported via Singaraja.
To further support monitoring and services, two new immigration offices in Tabanan and Klungkung are scheduled to be officially opened on April 6, 2026.
Authorities say the dual approach—boosting tourist arrivals while tightening supervision—highlights Bali’s balancing act between sustaining tourism growth and responding to rising concerns over foreign misconduct.
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