The Bali Provincial Government plans to introduce stricter entry requirements for foreign tourists beginning in 2026, including checks on visitors’ bank balances and mandatory submission of detailed travel itineraries. The policy is intended to ensure that only officials described as “quality tourists” are permitted to visit the island.
“One of the aspects that is considered for quality tourism is how much money the last three months have been in the savings account,” said Wayan Koster in Gianyar, Bali.
The new measures will apply to all foreign visitors traveling to Bali. Under the planned policy, tourists will no longer be able to enter the province unless they meet specific financial and administrative criteria set by the local government.
Verification of Financial Capacity
One of the key elements of the proposed policy is verifying tourists’ bank balances. The Bali Provincial Government intends to assess whether foreign visitors have sufficient funds to support their activities during their stay on the island. While specific minimum balance requirements have not been publicly disclosed, the policy reflects a broader effort to regulate the profile of incoming tourists.
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster stated that the initiative is designed to ensure that Bali attracts foreign tourists who meet specific standards. According to him, the provincial government is seeking to shift its focus toward welcoming visitors who are prepared, responsible, and aligned with the region’s tourism objectives.
Mandatory Submission of Travel Itineraries
In addition to financial checks, foreign tourists must submit a detailed itinerary as part of the entry process. The itinerary must include the dates of arrival and departure, scheduled activities, and the locations they plan to visit in Bali.
Governor Koster explained that the requirement extends beyond accommodation details. Instead, visitors must provide a clear outline of their planned activities, including timing and destinations for the duration of their stay. This information is intended to give authorities a clearer understanding of tourist movements and planned engagements across the island.
“This is so that everything is controlled, just like if we travel to other countries, with other countries’ policies that we will do the same,” continued Koster.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
The introduction of these measures comes amid a broader discussion about the direction of Bali’s tourism sector. As of early January 2026, the central government has not announced an official target for tourist arrivals to Bali for the year. However, provincial authorities have indicated that the absence of a numerical target aligns with the new policy approach.
“In the future, we will start to lead to quality tourism. So not in quality, but quality designed through regional regulations, tourism governance,” he said.
The Bali Provincial Government has emphasized that it does not intend to prioritize visitor numbers alone. Instead, the new requirements are part of a strategy to encourage higher-quality tourism, placing greater emphasis on visitor conduct, preparedness, and alignment with local regulations.
Coordination With Central Government
While the policy has been announced at the provincial level, its implementation will require coordination with the central government, particularly regarding immigration procedures and entry regulations for foreign nationals. To date, there has been no official announcement on how the bank balance and itinerary checks will be integrated into existing national immigration systems.
Authorities have not yet specified an exact implementation timeline beyond the target year of 2026. Further technical guidelines and procedural details are expected to be released as coordination between provincial and central authorities continues.
