Bali to check on travelers’ financial credentials potentially from March 2026

Bali is preparing to tighten entry requirements for foreign visitors by introducing checks on travelers’ financial credentials, a move local officials say is aimed at curbing problematic tourism and promoting a more sustainable model for the island’s future. The information has been reported by numerous Indonesian media outlets.

Under the proposed rules, which could come into force as early as March 2026, international visitors may be asked to show proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. This could include recent bank statements, evidence of prepaid accommodation, and a confirmed return or onward ticket. While similar requirements exist in many countries, Bali has traditionally applied them only sporadically, particularly for travelers arriving on a Visa on Arrival.

The initiative is part of a broader push by Bali’s provincial government to shift away from mass tourism and toward what officials describe as “quality tourism.”

Controlling undesirable visitors through bank statements

Authorities have grown increasingly concerned about reports of foreign visitors overstaying visas, working illegally, or running out of money and relying on informal or unlawful activities to remain on the island. High-profile incidents involving misbehavior by tourists have also fueled public pressure for stricter controls.

Tourism remains the backbone of Bali’s economy, but the rapid rebound in visitor numbers after the pandemic has strained infrastructure and tested local tolerance. Officials argue that ensuring visitors are financially self-sufficient will reduce the burden on public services and help protect the island’s cultural and social fabric. “We want tourists who respect local laws, contribute positively to the economy, and can responsibly fund their stay,” one local official said in recent comments to Indonesian media.

Details of the policy are still being debated, including whether there will be a fixed minimum amount that travelers must demonstrate, or whether assessments will be made case by case based on length of stay and travel plans. It also remains unclear how rigorously the checks will be enforced at airports or through online visa applications.

For travelers, the change is a reminder that Bali, despite its laid-back image, is becoming more regulated as it grapples with the realities of over-tourism. Last year, the island registered indeed record-breaking tourism numbers. Bali saw 7.05 million foreign tourist arrivals by air throughout 2025.

The figure marks the highest level in the island’s tourism history, with arrivals continuing to climb since the COVID-19 pandemic subsided. Controlling more flows of tourists is turning into a vital necessity if Bali wants to preserve its way of life and not being swallowed by unleashed tourism forces.

Industry groups are now urging visitors to prepare documentation in advance and to follow official guidance as rules are clarified. While the new measures may add an extra step to planning a trip, authorities insist they are necessary to ensure Bali remains welcoming, livable, and sustainable in the long term.

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