Bali moves to suspend visa-on-arrival for Russians and Ukrainians
The Bali governor has requested a suspension of visa-on-arrival issuance for Russians and Ukrainians after repeated misconduct by travelers from both countries, amid ongoing concerns about overstays and unauthorized employment.
The governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has taken a firm stance. Due to repeated misconduct by Russian and Ukrainian nationals in the province, he has written to Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights requesting the suspension of visa-on-arrival issuance for both nationalities.
Local media has documented numerous incidents involving travelers from these countries, who are increasingly choosing Indonesia as a destination amid the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, while continuing to disregard local laws. Reports also indicate that visitors from these nationalities often attempt to seek employment despite holding a visitor visa or overstay their permitted 30 or 60-day stay.
Russia and Ukraine are among the 87 nationalities currently eligible for visa-on-arrival in Indonesia.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Indonesia, Vasyl Hamianin, who has served in the ASEAN region for less than two years, stated that he was "offended" by what he called an "unfriendly act". He rejected any implication that Ukrainians should be treated "as a single group" with Russians and urged the governor to "clarify the number and nature of violations committed by Ukrainians on the ground", noting that only around 5,000 Ukrainians are present in Indonesia, compared with approximately 60,000 Russians, most of whom are in Bali.
