As 2026 enters its first work week, the Bali provincial government has proposed a new policy direction that could impact global travelers, setting a different tone for the new year.
For a long time, Bali has been committed to attracting ‘high-quality tourists.’ Recently, Bali Governor Wayan Koster publicly stated that in the future, stricter review mechanisms will be implemented to ensure that foreign tourists entering Bali have sufficient financial means and also respect local culture and regulations.
Provincial Government Confirms Financial Screening for Foreign Tourists
The Bali provincial government has confirmed that it is planning to conduct financial status checks (proof of financial means) for all foreign nationals entering the island, targeting not only long-term stayers but also short-term tourists and vacationers.
At a press conference held in Ubud, Governor Koster stated, ‘One important indicator of high-quality tourists is their deposit status over the past three months.‘
Not Just Deposits - Travel Itineraries Will Also Be Reviewed
In addition to proof of financial means, the provincial government is also considering requiring tourists to provide clear travel itineraries and activity details.
Koster further explained, ‘This is to ensure that the overall situation can be effectively managed, just as Indonesians must comply with the regulations of other countries when traveling abroad.’
This policy direction has also gained support from Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Wardhana. According to official data, Bali welcomed 7.05 million tourists in 2025, and the provincial government hopes to maintain or even surpass this number in 2026.
National Tourism Target Yet to Be Announced, Growth Expected
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has not yet announced the national tourism target for 2026, but it is widely expected that international tourist arrivals will exceed those of 2025.
In fact, during his first term, Governor Koster proposed several tourism control ideas, including minimum spending thresholds, tourist quotas, and financial review systems. However, as immigration affairs fall under the jurisdiction of the central government, these policies were not fully implemented.
Local Legislation Not Impossible, Precedents Exist
Although implementation is challenging, the Bali provincial government is not entirely without legislative space. The ‘Bali Tourism Tax’ officially implemented in 2024 proves that local governments can still influence tourism management through specific regulations.
Currently, the governor has not disclosed the specific amount that future tourists will need to prove.
Tourism Industry Worries About Impact on Travel Intentions
However, the announcement of the policy has raised concerns among some tourism industry players. They believe that prematurely signaling financial reviews may reduce tourists’ willingness to visit Bali, or even Indonesia as a whole.
The industry has already noted that tourism data for the first quarter of 2026 may be lower than in previous years, due to multiple factors including traffic congestion in Bali, floods in Sumatra, and international instability.
Is the Root Cause Really ‘Budget Travelers’?
Some observers point out that while the policy’s intent is reasonable and aligns with the regulations faced by Indonesian citizens traveling abroad, the main issues in Bali may not necessarily stem from low-spending tourists.
On the contrary, foreign investors with substantial funds are one of the key factors driving the rapid conversion of agricultural land into tourism and residential properties, causing long-term impacts on the local environment and social structure.
Governor Emphasizes Long-Term Planning, Focusing on ‘High-Quality Tourism’
In response, Governor Koster concluded: ‘We are mobilizing all forces to attract people to Bali, and tourists are indeed enjoying it here. But long-term issues must be addressed—this is not something that can be achieved in a day or two; it requires patience.’
He emphasized that in the future, Bali will not just focus on tourist numbers but will truly implement a tourism development direction centered on high quality through regional regulations and comprehensive tourism governance.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q1: Is Bali Really Going to Check Tourists’ Bank Balances?
Yes. The Bali provincial government has publicly stated plans to review the financial status of all foreign tourists entering the island, including short-term visitors. However, this is still in the policy planning stage and has not yet been formally legislated or fully implemented.
Q2: How Much Savings Do Tourists Need to Enter Bali?
The official amount has not yet been announced. The governor only mentioned that they may refer to travelers’ ‘bank deposit status over the past three months.’ If there are clear regulations in the future, they will be announced separately.
Q3: Besides proof of funds, what other documents need to be prepared?
The provincial government is also considering requiring travelers to provide a clear travel itinerary and activity plan to ensure that the purpose of the trip is clear and behavior can be managed, similar to the entry review process for foreign travelers in most countries.
Q4: When will this policy take effect?
There is currently no specific timeline. Since immigration and entry review fall under the jurisdiction of the Indonesian central government, related policies still require inter-ministerial coordination and legislative procedures, making it unlikely to be fully implemented suddenly in the short term.
Q5: Should I be concerned about traveling to Bali now?
Not for the time being. Under current regulations, travelers applying for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) may already be required to prove they have sufficient travel funds during random checks. As long as basic funds and travel documents are prepared, general travel should not be affected.
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