Australian traveller reportedly scammed at Bali airport over passport detail
Bright lights are shining on a possible scam at Bali airport
Summary
Monique, an Australian traveller, was forced to pay an extra $1500 upon arrival in Bali due to a passport detail.
She was made to sign a blue form at an Australia airport before departure by Batik Air, because her seven-year-old passport was slightly dirty.
When she showed this blue form at Bali Immigration, she was taken into an interrogation room where officials claimed she was breaking the law and needed to be deported unless she paid US$1000 (AUD$1500) to resolve the issue.
The traveller claims that on her return, Australian Border Force officials said it was likely a scam.
Australian Traveller Scammed at Bali Airport Over Passport Detail
An Australian woman named Monique has issued a warning to fellow travellers after falling victim to what Australian officials reportedly say was a scam at the Bali airport.
Monique and her 60-year-old mother were looking forward to their holiday in Bali when they encountered trouble upon arrival. At the Batik Air counter in Melbourne, Monique was made to sign a blue form due to her slightly dirty passport, which was seven years old. Unbeknownst to her, this would lead to a series of events that would cost her an additional $1,500.
Upon presenting the blue form at immigration in Bali, Monique found herself taken into a small interrogation room where officials questioned her for over an hour. Feeling hysterical and petrified, she became increasingly confused as they laughed and spoke in Indonesian. The officials claimed that because her passport was damaged, she had broken the law by attempting to enter the country and needed deportation.
To resolve the situation, they offered Monique an option: pay US1000 (AUD1500). However, it became apparent that her passport had already been accepted and stamped for visa entry before handing them the blue form.
Refusing to pay due to being unemployed at the time, Monique watched as officials turned their attention towards her scared mother. They convinced her mother that if she didn't pay, Monique wouldn't get her passport back.
After paying the fee, Monique and her mother were escorted out of the airport without any further issues. However, the entire ordeal cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a relaxing getaway. Monique described the experience as "terrible" and "very traumatic," spending her holiday stressed and researching whether her passport was acceptable.
Upon returning home, Monique contacted border security officials in Melbourne, who informed her that they believed the ordeal was likely a set-up. She stated,
"My passport was never the real issue. It was an easy way to get some money from inexperienced tourists."
The incident left her shocked and traumatized.
Update: 14 July 2023
According to Coconuts Bali, Putu Suhendra Tresnadita, a representative of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, has confirmed that authorities are actively probing the incident.
"We are currently investigating to substantiate the occurrence," stated Tresnadita.
We will continue to update this story as further news comes to hand.
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