Bali Considers Stricter Entry Requirements to Promote Quality Tourism
Bali, Indonesia – The Bali provincial government is exploring the introduction of tougher entry checks for international visitors as part of a strategy to reposition the island as a quality and sustainable tourism destination. These proposed measures aim to ensure that visitors have the financial means to support themselves and engage in responsible travel during their stay.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced that the new measures could require visitors to provide proof of financial capacity, such as bank statements showing sufficient funds over the past three months, as well as verification of their travel plans, including the length of their stay and intended activities. The initiative is a response to the rapid growth in tourist arrivals, which reached a record 7.05 million international visitors in 2025—an 11.3% increase compared to 2024. While this surge has stimulated the local economy, it has also posed challenges for public services and local communities.
“We now need to manage tourism more strategically under the new proposed regulations, and the province will prioritise high-value and sustainable visitors,” Governor Koster said. The aim is to foster meaningful visitor experiences that benefit both tourists and the island’s environment and residents.
Indonesia’s immigration authorities have indicated that no official technical guidance has yet been issued regarding the proposed entry requirements. Currently, travellers are not routinely required to present bank statements upon arrival, although immigration officers may request proof of sufficient funds and onward travel under certain circumstances.
Industry stakeholders have generally welcomed the discussion on improving tourism quality. Putu Winastra, chairman of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Association (ASITA) Bali Chapter, views the proposals positively but emphasises the need for comprehensive planning and development control on the island. “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 commented. Winastra urged clarity on whether the government intends to pause or impose moratoriums on tourism development and commit to consistent zoning and planning policies.
Meanwhile, Jongki Adiyasa, executive director of Ina Leisure Tour and Travel, believes that enforcing existing regulations more consistently may prove more effective than introducing financial screening. He cautioned that new checks must be practical and uniformly applied; otherwise, tourists might opt for alternative destinations.
As Bali weighs these potential changes, local authorities and tourism stakeholders agree on the importance of balancing visitor growth with sustainability to safeguard the island’s natural and cultural assets for future generations.
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