The Bali provincial government is considering stricter entry requirements for international visitors, including proof of financial capacity and verification of travel plans, as part of efforts to reposition the island as a quality tourism destination.
Bali governor Wayan Koster said the measures are intended to ensure visitors can support themselves and travel responsibly. “One aspect of a quality tourist is the amount of money in their account over the past three months,” he explained.
The proposed rules would also include a review of travel plans, such as length of stay and intended activities, to help visitors have meaningful experiences while benefiting the island.
The move comes after Bali recorded a record 7.05 million international arrivals in 2025, an 11.3 per cent increase from 2024. While the rebound has boosted the local economy, Koster observed that rapid growth is creating new challenges for local services and communities.
“We now need to manage tourism more strategically under the new proposed regulations, and the province will prioritise high-value and sustainable visitors,” he said.
TTG Asia contacted Indonesia’s immigration communications office to clarify whether the checks could be implemented. The office said no technical guidance has been issued, and any formal position would await a statement from the director general of immigration. Under current rules, visitors are not required to present bank statements on arrival, though officers may request proof of sufficient funds and onward travel if necessary.
Putu Winastra, chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Chapter, described the proposal as a positive step, while underlining that Bali itself requires careful planning.
“If the objective is quality tourism, the first thing that needs fixing is the destination itself. This is less about filtering tourists and more about whether Bali is prepared to confront overdevelopment,” he said.
He added that the government must clarify its stance on long term planning. “Are they really willing to pause or impose a moratorium on tourism development, reorganise zoning, and commit to a consistent plan? Without that, financial screening may end up becoming symbolic.”
For Jongki Adiyasa, executive director of Ina Leisure Tour and Travel, enforcing existing rules could achieve more immediate results than financial checks at entry. “Behaviour would change quickly if rules were applied consistently, regardless of how much money visitors have in their accounts,” he said.
He noted: “Visitors come to Bali in different ways, so any new checks would need to be practical and consistent, and visitors might choose other destinations instead.”
