Lifestyle Trend: Do tourists need to show proof of funds to visit Bali? All about the new tourism plan You Should Know

Bali is reportedly gearing up to implement a new rule for international arrivals – a policy that would require foreign tourists to demonstrate they have adequate financial resources before entering the island. The proposal, still in draft stage, has sparked widespread debate over how it could reshape travel to Indonesia’s most popular holiday destination.

The measure forms part of the Regional Regulation on the Implementation of Quality Tourism, an initiative pushed by Bali’s provincial government to lift tourism standards, curb irresponsible behaviour, and ensure visitors contribute meaningfully to the local economy. With mounting concerns about overstays, illegal work, and financially distressed travellers turning to unlawful activities, officials say the rule aims to create a safer and more sustainable tourism environment. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of what the proposed regulation entails – and what it could mean for visitors.

Why Bali is drafting a proof-of-funds requirement

The policy, championed by Bali Governor Wayan Koster, seeks to verify whether incoming foreign tourists have enough money to reasonably support their stay. Instead of setting a mandatory minimum balance, authorities plan to assess the last three months of a traveller’s bank statements to determine if their financial situation aligns with their itinerary.

Officials say the rule is meant to prevent cases in which tourists arrive with minimal funds, run out of money, and then violate immigration rules or local laws. Bali has recorded several such incidents in recent years, prompting calls for a more responsible and accountability-centred tourism model.

How the assessment will work

Under the draft, visitors may be required to present bank records when entering Bali.

Rather than imposing a fixed financial threshold, the government intends to tailor requirements based on each traveller’s length of stay and planned activities.

A short holiday involving modest spending may require far less proof of funds than a long-term stay involving costly excursions. The flexible approach, the provincial government says, allows authorities to ensure tourists can realistically afford their stay without applying rigid or punitive financial benchmarks.

Return tickets and itinerary details may also be reviewed as part of the verification process once the regulation is formally enacted.

Preventing overstays and illegal activities

Authorities say one of the main motivations behind the proposal is a rise in cases involving tourists who overstay their visas or engage in illegal work after exhausting their finances.

Officials have reported instances of visitors resorting to petty crime or unauthorised business activities due to lack of money – episodes that have drawn negative global attention.

The government argues that the new rule is a preventive tool aimed at maintaining Bali’s reputation as a safe and well-regulated destination.

Boosting Bali’s local economy

The policy also aligns with Bali’s efforts to pivot toward higher-spending, “quality” tourism.

MSMEs – micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises – form the backbone of the island’s tourism economy, but their earnings have fluctuated with shifts in the traveller demographic.

Officials hope that by ensuring tourists are financially capable, spending within local communities will rise. More stable income for local businesses, they argue, will support cultural preservation, community welfare and sustainable economic growth.

Impact on budget travellers and digital nomads

While short-term tourists with comfortable budgets may find the new rule relatively easy to meet, the proposal raises questions for backpackers and long-stay digital nomads – groups that often rely on budget travel and inconsistent income.

If implemented, these travellers may need to show substantially higher bank balances to justify long-term stays, potentially altering Bali’s appeal among low-budget visitors.

Reinforcing respect for culture and local laws

Government officials stress that the proposal is not solely a financial safeguard. It forms part of a broader movement to promote respect for Balinese traditions, laws and social norms.

With concerns growing over cultural insensitivity and unruly behaviour by foreign tourists, authorities say clear expectations – both financial and behavioural – will help improve harmony between visitors and residents.

What happens next?

The regulation is still under review and will take effect once it receives formal approval.

Tourists planning upcoming trips to Bali may soon need to be prepared with documented proof of funds, travel itineraries and return tickets.

If enacted, the rule would mark one of Bali’s most significant tourism policy shifts in recent years, setting a precedent for destinations seeking to balance economic benefits with cultural integrity and sustainable development.

Bali officials say the goal is straightforward: ensure visitors can enjoy the island responsibly, safely and in a way that supports the community that hosts them.