New Regulations for Tourists Visiting Bali: What You Need to Know

Bali, Indonesia – As one of India’s most beloved travel hotspots, Bali captivates visitors with its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant natural landscapes. However, those planning to visit the island are advised to familiarize themselves with new regulations recently introduced by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, aimed at promoting respectful tourism and safeguarding the island’s cultural integrity.

Overview of New Tourist Regulations

On March 24, 2025, just days before the Nyepi festival – a sacred Day of Silence on March 29, when the island comes to a halt for 24 hours and all must remain indoors – Governor Koster unveiled a set of rules designed to enhance the island’s tourism experience while addressing past issues of inappropriate behavior and cultural disrespect among visitors.

Key Guidelines for Tourists

The new rules emphasize proper conduct while visiting sacred sites. Tourists are required to wear modest clothing, and specific behaviors are mandated to ensure respect for local customs and traditions. Here are some critical points outlined in the regulations:

• Dress Code: Visitors must adhere to a modest dress code when entering temples and religious complexes. Notably, the new guidelines prohibit menstruating women from accessing these sites.

• Conduct at Public Places: Tourists are advised against swearing, causing disturbances, or engaging in disrespectful behavior toward locals and fellow visitors.

• Social Media Conduct: The sharing of hate speech or misinformation on social media platforms is expressly forbidden.

• Cultural Respect: International visitors are encouraged to observe Balinese customs, particularly during religious ceremonies. The new regulations dictate that tourists should enter sacred temple areas dressed in traditional Balinese attire only when participating in worship.

• Miscellaneous Restrictions: Tourists are prohibited from climbing sacred trees and monuments, taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites, and are required to utilize licensed guides and stay in approved accommodations.

Environmental and Safety Measures

To protect Bali’s environment and ensure a sustainable tourism future, additional rules have been implemented:

• Tourist Levy: A one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approx. €9) was introduced in February 2025, intended to support conservation efforts. Tourists failing to pay this fee will be barred from accessing attractions.

• Banned Items: The regulations also address the rampant use of single-use plastics; items such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws, and other plastic-packing drinks have been banned.

Governor Koster emphasized the importance of adapting these regulations to ensure that Bali’s tourism remains sustainable and in harmony with local values. He stated, "We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt… Foreign tourists who are naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly."

Comparable Actions in Other Tourist Destinations

Bali’s latest measures reflect a broader trend among global tourist destinations responding to the challenges of overtourism and maintaining local cultural integrity:

• In Prague, the city introduced a ban on organized nighttime pub crawls in October 2024 to address disturbances from rowdy tourists.

• Italy has implemented regulations restricting traffic and controlling the number of visitors at popular tourist spots to better manage the surge in tourism.

• In September 2024, Indonesia temporarily halted the construction of new hotels and nightlife venues in certain areas of Bali to preserve the island’s environmental and cultural richness.

Conclusion

As tourist influx continues to grow, Bali’s new regulations represent essential steps toward fostering a respectful and sustainable tourism environment. Visitors planning their trips to this picturesque island are encouraged to stay informed and comply with the new guidelines to ensure a safe and enriching experience. As Bali prepares for another wave of travelers, these regulations demonstrate a commitment to preserving the island’s unique cultural identity while welcoming the world.