Travelers heading to Bali are being warned about a "express service" scam targeting visitors at Ngurah Rai International Airport, after a New Zealand tourist reported being solicited for 300,000 IDR (approximately $20 USD) by immigration staff.
The traveler, who had already paid the legitimate $85 Visa on Arrival fee, was approached by an immigration officer after their passport failed to scan at the e-gate. The officer quietly offered to expedite their processing for an additional payment — a clear indication of corrupt practices that have long plagued the airport.
"It left a bit of a bad first impression," the traveler wrote in a recent post on r/travel, noting that despite the incident, most people in Bali had been "super friendly and nice."
What's legitimate vs. what's a scam?
The confusion around what fees are required at Bali's airport stems from the layered entry process. As of recent policy changes, tourists from eligible countries must pay a Visa on Arrival (VoA) fee of 500,000 IDR (approximately $32 USD) for a 30-day stay. This is paid at official counters or online before arrival.
However, any requests for additional payments — especially from individual officers offering "faster" service — should be considered suspicious. Immigration processing should be included in your visa fee, and no additional charges should apply for standard entry.
A growing concern as tourism rebounds
Indonesia welcomed over 11 million international visitors in 2025, with Bali accounting for the majority of arrivals. As tourism continues to rebound post-pandemic, reports of petty corruption and scams targeting first-time visitors appear to be increasing.
Travel experts recommend staying firm if approached for unofficial payments. If an officer requests additional fees, ask for official documentation and receipts. Most importantly, travelers should know that e-gate failures are common technical issues and do not require payment to resolve.
