Bali to Introduce Proof-of-Funds Screening for Foreign Tourists Starting 2026
Gianyar, Bali – The provincial government of Bali has announced plans to implement a new screening policy for foreign tourists beginning in 2026. This policy will require international visitors to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity, including verification of their savings history over the previous three months, before being allowed entry to the island. The initiative aims to promote orderly, sustainable tourism and address public concerns over tourist behavior and infrastructure strain following a surge in arrivals.
Governor Wayan Koster explained that in addition to financial checks, authorities will assess tourists’ intended length of stay and planned activities while visiting Bali. He highlighted that such requirements are standard practice in many countries and will help ensure that visitors contribute positively to the local community rather than causing disruptions.
Record Tourism Numbers and Emerging Challenges
In 2025, Bali recorded a historic high of 7.05 million foreign tourists arriving by air, marking a steady increase since the COVID-19 pandemic began to subside. Although the tourism boom has revitalized the economy, it has also led to heightened concerns over incidents involving foreign visitors. Cases of public disorder, legal violations, and even violent crimes tied to tourists have placed increasing pressure on local law enforcement.
For example, in late 2025, Bali Immigration deported OnlyFans creator and adult film performer Bonnie Blue for visa violations related to plans to film adult content on the island, which is prohibited under her entry permit. Authorities intervened before filming took place, underscoring the need for stricter visitor screening.
Sustainable Tourism Focus
The provincial administration is seeking to move beyond focusing solely on tourist numbers by prioritizing “quality tourism.” Governor Koster acknowledged the complexity of the challenge, noting that managing environmental impacts—such as waste, traffic congestion, and flooding—as well as governance issues requires patience and comprehensive regulation.
Rather than imposing visitor caps, the new approach is designed to preempt problems by filtering visitors based on financial capability and intent, thereby helping maintain Bali’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. While the precise regulations are still under development, the policy signals a shift towards tougher entry conditions for foreign tourists to safeguard the island’s social stability and ecological health.
Governor Koster concluded, “Going forward, we will focus on quality tourism, not merely on numbers, through regional regulations and improved tourism governance. It is important to determine which foreign tourists are allowed to enter and which are not, so that visitors do not cause problems and instead contribute positively, particularly to the tourism sector.”
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