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Bali is weighing a significant shift in its border policy that could require international tourists to provide proof of their financial status before entering the Island of Gods
Under a draft regulation currently being finalised by the provincial government, visitors may soon be asked to present three months of bank statements to demonstrate their ability to self-fund their stay, according to Antara News.
The proposal, championed by Bali Governor Wayan Koster, marks a decisive move towards "quality tourism" following a record-breaking 2025, which saw 7.05 million foreign arrivals by air.
While the surge has bolstered the local economy, it has also exacerbated infrastructure strain, traffic congestion, and a rise in incidents involving "stranded" tourists who run out of funds and engage in illegal activities.
The draft, titled the "Regional Regulation on the Implementation of Quality Tourism", aims to ensure that every visitor's spending power aligns with their intended itinerary
Key requirements under the proposed framework include submitting bank statements covering the previous three months, assessing planned activities and duration of stay to determine if funds are sufficient, and presenting a confirmed return ticket and accommodation bookings.
If the regulation is passed, local authorities would be able to deny entry to travellers who are deemed financially unprepared.
"If their funds are only enough for one week, they should stay for one week," Koster said during a tourism forum earlier this month.
"They should not end up staying for three weeks, becoming stranded, and eventually causing problems for our social and legal systems," he added.
The move has sent ripples through the Southeast Asian travel industry
Tourism analysts warn that the requirement could alienate budget travellers and the traditional "backpacker" segment, potentially driving them towards regional competitors like Thailand and Vietnam.
However, supporters of the plan argue that it mirrors the strict visa requirements Indonesians often face when travelling to the West and is a necessary step to protect Bali's cultural and environmental integrity.
For now, the policy remains in the draft stage
Travellers are advised to continue following existing Visa on Arrival (VoA) protocols but should maintain digital copies of their financial records and travel plans as a precaution while the regional parliament deliberates the new mandate.
