Bali Travel Agency 'The Bali Dream' Operator Deported for Visa Violation Amid Israeli Tourist Tour Controversy
BR, a Lithuanian passport holder born in Israel who managed the travel agency 'The Bali Dream' catering to Israeli tourists, was deported from Bali by Ngurah Rai Immigration on August 13, 2026 for visa misuse. He had entered on a business visit visa but was working as a paid content creator and digital marketer. Bali's governor said he would coordinate with the central government to prevent similar cases.
On August 14, 2026, Indonesian immigration authorities announced the deportation of BR, a Lithuanian passport holder born in Israel who ran the travel agency 'The Bali Dream,' which arranged tours for Israeli tourists in Bali.
The case began after a video posted on the Instagram account '@aelexav' alleged that former Israeli military personnel were involved in operating travel agencies in Bali. Investigators from Ngurah Rai Immigration's Intelligence and Enforcement Team used facial recognition and immigration data to identify two individuals in the video—SG and AC, German passport holders born in Israel—who had already left Indonesia on August 11, 2025.
Continuing their investigation into The Bali Dream itself, immigration officials linked the agency's website (thebalidream.com) and business WhatsApp number to BR, who had entered Indonesia on May 7, 2026 using a business visit visa. Officials found that BR had misused his stay permit to work as a paid content creator and conduct digital marketing—activities not permitted under his visa category. As a result, he was administratively deported on August 13, 2026, and barred from re-entry for five years, with the possibility of extension. He was sent from Denpasar to Bangkok, continuing on to Frankfurt and Vilnius. Immigration officials said they have not yet located any physical office or place of business for The Bali Dream in Indonesia.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko emphasized that while foreign visitors are welcomed, they must respect Indonesian law, stating the agency aims to keep Bali 'safe, comfortable, and conducive' for tourism. Bali Governor Wayan Koster said he only learned of the Israeli national's business activities through media reports, noting that provincial authorities lack the system and authority to monitor foreigners' status directly. He said he would coordinate with the central government to prevent recurrence, while asserting the issue would not affect investor confidence in Bali.
Things to Consider
Foreigners planning to work, create content, or conduct marketing activities in Bali must obtain the appropriate visa category (such as a work visa) matching their actual activities. Working under a business visit or tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and multi-year entry bans. When booking tours or using travel agencies, verify that the operator holds proper business licensing and avoid agencies whose ownership or visa status is unclear.
Source: Head Topics