Bali Governor Wayan Koster has issued Circular Letter (SE) No. 7 of 2025, outlining new rules for foreign tourists in Bali.
The regulation refines a similar 2023 directive and aims to ensure that tourism aligns with Bali’s cultural values and maintains order.
What’s New in SE No. 7 of 2025?
Compared to SE No. 4 of 2023, the updated regulations introduce an enforcement mechanism and an obligation statement for tourists to pay a foreign visitor levy before accessing tourist sites. The new guideline also outlines penalties for non-compliance.
Additionally, the Bali government has tasked specific agencies, including Satpol PP and the police, with ensuring enforcement—steps that were not explicitly detailed in the previous directive.
Key Provisions of SE No. 7 of 2025
The new regulations introduce obligations and restrictions for foreign visitors.
Foreign Tourists Must:
- Respect the sanctity of temples, religious symbols, and ceremonies.
- Dress appropriately when visiting sacred sites, tourist attractions, and public spaces.
- Conduct themselves politely in sacred areas, tourist spots, restaurants, shopping centers, roads, and other public spaces.
- Pay the foreign tourist levy via Love Bali.
- Use licensed tour guides when visiting attractions.
- Exchange money only at Bank Indonesia-authorized currency exchangers.
- Use the Indonesian QR code payment system and transact in rupiah.
- Follow traffic regulations, including possessing a valid international or national driver’s license and wearing helmets.
- Rent vehicles only from registered transport providers.
- Stay in licensed accommodations.
- Follow specific rules at each tourist site.
Foreign Tourists Are Prohibited From:
- Entering temple sanctuaries unless worshipping in traditional Balinese attire and not menstruating.
- Climbing sacred trees.
- Taking inappropriate photos at sacred sites.
- Littering or polluting the environment.
- Using single-use plastics.
- Engaging in rude behavior, causing disturbances, or spreading misinformation on social media.
- Working or running a business without proper documentation.
- Engaging in illegal activities, including trading protected flora and fauna, cultural artifacts, or sacred objects.
Enforcement and Sanctions
Foreign tourists who violate these rules face strict penalties, including legal action.
The public is encouraged to report violations via the Siaga WhatsApp hotline at +62 81 287 590 999.
The Bali Provincial Government has tasked the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) with overseeing enforcement, while the Bali Police will take legal action against violators. Authorities are calling for awareness and compliance to ensure a respectful and orderly tourism environment in Bali.
“Dignified” Tourism Model
Koster, who recently secured a second term as governor, said the updated regulations would be strictly enforced.
“The previous SE had only just come into effect when my term ended, so it didn’t fully take hold. Now that I’ve been re-elected, it’s time to step on the gas,” Koster said at the governor’s official residence in Jayasabha on 24 March.
The Bali administration plans to coordinate with foreign consulates to ensure compliance.
“We want to establish a tourism model that is cultural, high-quality, and dignified,” Koster added.
