The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Indonesia, cautioning Canadian travellers about a rising visa scam that could lead to fines, deportation, or even bans on re-entry.
Indonesia, already listed under Canada’s “exercise a high degree of caution” category due to political tensions, terrorism threats, and ongoing violence in the Papua region, is now being flagged for widespread fraudulent visa extension schemes, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Bali.
The Government of Canada has emphasized that Indonesia’s visa requirements are strictly enforced, and violations such as overstays or improper documentation can result in heavy fines, detention in immigration centres, deportation, or re-entry bans. A roundtrip or onward airline ticket is also mandatory when applying for all types of visas.
The advisory specifically warns against unofficial or unsolicited offers of visa extensions. Travellers who fall victim to such scams may unknowingly overstay their visas, facing serious legal consequences. Canadian officials have also underscored that under no circumstances should travellers hand over their passports to individuals or agencies claiming to provide visa services.
Instead, Canadians are urged to use only official government channels for visa applications and renewals. Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections manages the country’s official e-Visa website, which should be the sole platform for such services.
The updated advisory serves as a reminder to all Canadians visiting Indonesia to remain vigilant, protect their documents, and avoid shortcuts that could compromise their safety or travel status.
For more detailed information on visa rules, security risks, and regional advisories, Canadians are encouraged to consult the official Government of Canada travel website before and during their trip.