Foreign travelers heading to Bali may soon face more than the usual passport checks. Starting in 2026, the island’s provincial government plans to introduce stricter screening for international visitors, including proof of financial stability, intended length of stay, and planned activities.
Officials say the move is part of a broader effort to shift Bali’s tourism model from sheer numbers to sustainability and order.
Governor Wayan Koster announced that one proposed requirement will involve verifying tourists’ financial capacity, which could include reviewing savings account balances from the past three months.
“One aspect of quality tourism is ensuring visitors have sufficient funds,” Koster said during a tourism event in Gianyar. “Similar checks exist in other countries, and we will adopt the same approach.”
Plan comes as Bali struggles with record-breaking number of tourists
The plan comes as Bali grapples with record-breaking arrivals, 7.05 million foreign visitors by air in 2025, alongside concerns over unruly behavior, visa misuse, and environmental strain. Recent incidents include the deportation of an OnlyFans creator for attempting to film adult content, as well as cases of tourists flouting local laws and customs.
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Authorities argue that stricter entry checks will help filter out problematic visitors without imposing hard caps on arrivals. The provincial government has also faced pressure over worsening infrastructure and waste management issues, which officials say require better governance rather than limiting tourism outright.
“It’s important to determine which foreign tourists are allowed to enter and which are not, so they contribute positively to the tourism sector,” Koster said. “Going forward, we will focus on quality tourism, not just numbers.”
What do you think of the proposal? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Indonesia Reveals Malaysian & Singaporean Tourists Are Most ‘Kedekut’ While in the Country
