Bali’s Patience Wears Thin as Russians and Ukrainians Fleeing War Cause Disruption in Paradise

As Bali becomes a popular destination for Russians and Ukrainians fleeing the war-torn regions, with 58,000 Russians having visited the island post-Covid, the Indonesian government has faced pressure from Balinese authorities to end the visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of Russia and Ukraine. This is due to allegations of misbehaviour and unauthorised working; many Ukrainians have claimed that most of the incidents involving misbehaviour involve Russians and that they are being unfairly targeted. The Ukrainian population on the island has been surprised by the proposed changes and large numbers have left the country when the war began, they have been living on savings and leaving and reentering every 60 days to avoid flouting the rules. The central Indonesian government is yet to decide on whether to grant the request by Balinese authorities a visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of Russia and Ukraine.