(Bali, 4th) Indonesia's popular tourist destination Bali is planning to implement stricter screening measures for international tourists entering the island starting this year. In addition to checking passports and luggage, authorities will also assess the financial capacity, duration of stay, and activity itinerary of incoming travelers.
The Jakarta Globe reported that Bali Governor Wayan said on Thursday (January 1) that under the new policy, one of the entry requirements for tourists is to prove they possess sufficient financial means, including reviewing their bank account records for the past three months. Authorities will also require tourists to declare the length of their stay and the activities they plan to undertake on the island.
Wayan said: "This is to ensure that everything remains under control. When we travel to other countries, we are also subject to similar screening. We will implement the same policy to align ourselves with other places."
After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of foreign tourists arriving in Bali has continued to rise. Last year, the number of foreign tourists entering the island by air reached 7.05 million, a record high. However, in recent years, there have been repeated incidents involving tourists breaking the law and public order, violating local laws and customs, and even committing violent crimes. These incidents not only strain law enforcement resources but also cause anxiety and dissatisfaction among locals.
Last month, Bali immigration authorities deported British adult film star Bonnie Blue, alleging she misused her entry visa and attempted to shoot pornographic films on the island. Indonesia enforces strict anti-pornography laws; Bonnie Blue and her crew were detained before filming began and later expelled. She was not charged under anti-pornography laws but was fined 200,000 rupiah (about RM48.4) for violating traffic regulations.
Wayan pointed out that after Bali fully reopened to international tourists post-COVID-19 in 2022, it revitalized the local tourism industry but also posed challenges to governance. Popular tourist areas now face issues like low waste management efficiency, traffic congestion, and flooding. However, he admitted this cannot be attributed solely to the sudden increase in foreign visitors, with poor regulation and governance being the core problems.
To address these issues, the Bali provincial government believes that instead of limiting tourist numbers, it is better to impose stricter screening standards and clearer regulations to filter out inappropriate or disruptive behavior, prevent overstays and illegal work, while still retaining the economic benefits brought by tourism.
The Bali authorities have not yet released details of the new screening measures, but this plan signals a tougher stance towards foreign tourists; for international travelers, this means undergoing more stringent screening either before departure or upon arrival in the future.
Bali Governor: Will Develop High-Quality Tourism
The Indonesian central government has not yet set a target for the number of inbound tourists for 2026, but Bali province has indicated that it will focus on developing high-quality tourism in the future, not just pursuing growth in visitor numbers.
Wayan said: "It is important to determine which tourists can enter and which cannot. This is to prevent tourists from causing trouble and to ensure that they have a positive impact, especially in regard to tourism. Looking ahead, we will strengthen high-quality tourism development not only through regional regulations but also through improved tourism governance, focusing on quality rather than just an increase in numbers."