A Ukrainian woman and a Russian man working as hair stylists at a salon in Tibubeneng, Badung, have been deported from Bali after immigration authorities found they were working outside the scope of their residence permits. The Russian man was also working as a freelance DJ. Both have been proposed for a five-year entry ban.
Things to Consider: Remote Worker visas (ITAS Remote Worker) are strictly for remote work on behalf of an overseas employer and do not permit direct paid work at local businesses such as salons, bars, or event venues in Bali. Employment-based ITAS holders must also ensure their actual job duties match what was declared by their sponsoring company. Anyone considering side jobs or freelance work (e.g., DJing, styling) should verify in advance with immigration authorities or a licensed visa agent whether such activity is permitted under their current visa category, as violations can result in deportation and a five-year entry ban.
Bali's Special Rental Transport (ASK) regulation, governing tourism transport vehicles like private drivers and rental cars, has received its registration number from Indonesia's Ministry of Home Affairs and now awaits the Governor's signature, according to DPRD Commission III Chairman I Nyoman Suyasa.
The Bali chapter of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO) has called on the Bali Provincial Legislative Council and the central government to improve road and transport infrastructure along the Gilimanuk route ahead of the 2027 Christmas and New Year holidays, citing risks of severe congestion. Foreign tourist arrivals reached about 7.05 million in 2025 and are projected to rise to 7.1–7.2 million in 2026.
Bali's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office deported 12 foreign nationals between October 13-23, 2026, for violations including illegal work and overstaying. One Ukrainian national had overstayed for 2,973 days (over 8 years). Several cases involved unauthorized work in the tourism sector.
A Bali Provincial Council committee chair has proposed legalizing casinos as a new revenue source, prompting strong opposition from the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) chairman, who warns it would damage Bali's culture-based tourism reputation. The proposal remains at the discussion stage and has not resulted in any policy change.
On October 29, 2026, Bali Police and the Bali Provincial Government held a Digital Literacy Seminar in Denpasar to raise awareness about increasingly sophisticated online scams. The Bali Police Chief urged the public to be skeptical of fake prizes, bogus investments, and fraudulent links, and to report suspicious activity to police or the 110 hotline.
On Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, construction of an expanded international airport, a convention center, and a light rail line is proceeding at a rapid pace ahead of APEC 2027. The developer behind the project has stated its goal is to make Phu Quoc an international destination comparable to Bali and Phuket, with large-scale infrastructure being built following land acquisitions and resettlement of local fishing families.
At the 2026 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in Bali, Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah drew capacity crowds across three sessions, despite facing calls for censorship back in Australia. A festival moderator reported her talks were measured and free of threats or offensive rhetoric, reigniting debate over free speech at literary events.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali in Nusa Dua will host a series of Christmas and New Year celebrations from December 1, 2026 to January 5, 2027, featuring special dining, family activities, and spa treatments. A countdown event and a stay-and-dine package are also available for guests.
A trial has begun at the Denpasar District Court for a New Zealand national, identified as Kieran, accused of throwing an object at a television at Sense Sport Bar, causing approximately Rp5.8 million in damages. The incident reportedly occurred after a heated phone argument, and he is charged under Article 521(1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
PT Pudjiadi & Sons Tbk (PNSE), operator of Jayakarta Hotel & Resorts, has sold a 18,693 square meter land plot (Block B) in Benoa, Bali, for IDR 70.1 billion through its subsidiary. The remaining payment was completed on October 26, 2026, and the company plans to use the proceeds for new investments and business diversification.
Indonesia's government has activated an integrated data system called SIZE across Java and Bali to detect zoonotic diseases like anthrax early, before they spread to densely populated areas. The system merges health, agriculture, and environment ministry data to track livestock movement across regions. While there is no immediate impact on tourists, this reflects strengthened public health monitoring in the region.
Automaker Daihatsu held its 'Daihatsu Kumpul Sahabat' consumer event in Denpasar on October 28, 2026, following previous stops in Pontianak, Depok, and Batam. The company cited Bali's nearly 7 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 (up about 10% year-on-year) and the island's 5.8% economic growth as reasons for choosing Denpasar.
The Bali Tourism Board (GIPI Bali) has publicly opposed proposals to legalize casinos and gambling in Bali, arguing the island's tourism strategy should remain centered on culture and sustainability rather than gambling, which it says offers limited broad economic benefit.
According to data from Volcano Discovery, the Bali region continues to experience frequent seismic activity, with a magnitude 5.1 quake recorded on October 13 off the southwest coast. No significant damage has been reported, and activity remains within the area's typical range.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has expressed hope that three Balinese bartenders, who previously placed second at a world championship in Las Vegas, will achieve similar success at an upcoming competition in Poland in November 2026. The effort is part of a broader push to promote the local spirit Arak Bali internationally.
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, head of Indonesia's National Economic Council, said foreign investors—including major Middle Eastern funds eyeing Bali—remain hesitant due to concerns over legal certainty. The outcome of anti-corruption law revisions and a proposed Bali 'family office' scheme could affect future investment flows into the island's property and hospitality sectors.
FL Technics Indonesia's maintenance facility at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, has received EASA Part-145 certification, enabling maintenance of EU-registered Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 aircraft. The certification is expected to strengthen maintenance support for European airlines operating flights to Bali.
FL Technics Indonesia, an aircraft maintenance facility located at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, has received EASA Part-145 certification, allowing it to service EU-registered aircraft. This makes it one of the few EASA-certified MRO facilities in Indonesia.
Bali's immigration office has added two French nationals—a woman and a man—to its Subject of Interest (SOI) database over suspected production of sexually explicit videos during their stay in Bali in January 2026. The videos are believed to have been filmed at accommodation in Karangasem District, eastern Bali, and the pair had already left Indonesia before the footage went viral.
Bali immigration authorities have placed two French nationals under a national monitoring system after identifying them in an adult video reportedly filmed at accommodation in Karangasem. Both individuals have already left Indonesia, and the system will flag them if they attempt to re-enter the country.