Monitoring foreigners in Bali will become easier. Authorities are launching a centralized system, compiling passport data, visas, and addresses of all visitors to the island. If a tourist changes residence, the information is automatically updated in a special application.
This has been made possible by tightening control over accommodation facilities. Owners of villas, guesthouses, and hotel managers are required to enter each overnight foreign guest's data into the APOA system (an app for monitoring foreigners). This obligation existed before, but now inspections have become stricter, and violations carry penalties.
The head of the immigration office in Singaraja, Hendra Setiawan, reported that his staff are already conducting random raids in Buleleng, Jembrana, and Karangasem. The new rules apply to both large resorts and private accommodations.
According to Immigration Law No. 6/2011 and its amendments, property owners are obliged to provide information about foreign guests upon request from the immigration service. The aim is to identify violations such as expired visas, illegal stays, etc.
According to Setiawan, the APOA system has been in operation since 2024, but only recently became fully functional, as the transition period for managers ended. The main challenge now is collecting data in remote areas. If data isn't submitted, it is considered a legal violation.
In March 2025, the Director of the Supervision Department, Yuldi Yusman, confirmed that the platform is fully operational. "It's enough to register guests through the app, and immigration officers will have access to the information," he explained.
For the foreigners themselves, nothing changes: all data is entered for them. However, they can now only stay in officially registered accommodations or with a visa sponsor. Upon checking in, they may also be asked for not only a passport but also a residence permit.
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