Bali Unveils Stricter Guidelines for Foreign Tourists: Respect, Regulations, and Consequences!

Bali Implements New Guidelines for Foreign Visitors to Preserve Culture and Order

In a decisive move to maintain the island’s cultural integrity and regulate tourism conduct, Bali Governor Wayan Koster has issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025, introducing comprehensive new guidelines for foreign tourists visiting the resort island. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Governor’s Jayaabha Office on Monday, March 24, 2025, with the presence of Bali Tourism Office Head Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun.

Addressing Tourism Challenges with Updated Regulations

Governor Koster emphasized that the new circular builds upon a previous regulation, Circular Memorandum SE Number 4 of 2023, reflecting the need to adapt to ongoing challenges and developments within Bali’s tourism sector over the past eighteen months. The guidelines serve as an immediate measure ahead of upcoming formal Regional and Governor’s Regulations expected later this year.

“The new circular is designed to ensure Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with local values,” Governor Koster stated. He underscored the commitment to fostering high-quality, culture-based tourism that holds all industry players accountable to clear standards.

Key Requirements for Foreign Tourists

The newly introduced guidelines set forth clear expectations for visitors to the island, including:

1. Respect for Sacred Sites: Visitors must honor Balinese temples, religious statues (pratima), and other holy places by observing customs, especially during ceremonies and rituals.

2. Appropriate Dress Code: Modest and respectful clothing is required at temples, tourist attractions, and public spaces.

3. Respectful Behavior: Tourists are expected to maintain polite and considerate conduct in all locations including religious sites, restaurants, and public areas.

4. Mandatory Tourist Levy: A tourist fee must be paid electronically via the official website https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ prior to or during their stay.

5. Use of Licensed Tour Guides: Visitors exploring cultural or natural attractions must be accompanied by certified guides knowledgeable about local traditions and the environment.

6. Currency Exchange Rules: Tourists are mandated to exchange money only at authorized money changers bearing official Bank Indonesia QR codes.

7. Traffic Compliance: Those driving must hold a valid international or national license, wear helmets on motorcycles, obey traffic laws, avoid overloading, and never operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

8. Legal Transportation & Accommodation: Only licensed car rentals or transport services should be used, and visitors must stay at accommodations that comply with legal standards.

Activities and Behaviors Prohibited for Tourists

To protect Bali’s sacred traditions and environment, the guidelines explicitly forbid certain actions:

• Entering restricted sacred temple areas (Utamaning Mandala & Madyaning Mandala) without proper worshipper status and attire; menstruating women are also prohibited from these zones.

• Climbing sacred trees or monuments and taking inappropriate or nude photographs at religious sites.

• Littering or polluting natural environments including lakes, rivers, and oceans.

• Using single-use plastics such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws, or pre-packaged plastic drinks.

• Engaging in aggressive, disrespectful, or disruptive behavior including swearing, causing disturbances, or sharing hate speech and misinformation on social media.

• Working or conducting business without official permits from Indonesian authorities.

• Participating in illegal activities including trading drugs, endangered animals, or sacred artifacts.

Enforcement and Reporting

Governor Koster made it clear that enforcement of these rules will be rigorous. Tourists who fail to pay the mandatory levy will be denied entry to tourist attractions. Offenders of the regulations face legal consequences under Indonesian law.

The public is encouraged to report violations via the official WhatsApp hotline at +62 81-287-590-999. Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) will actively monitor compliance, with support from Bali Police who will prosecute serious cases.

“All stakeholders must fully understand and implement this circular, ensuring our guests respect the beauty and sanctity of Bali as we respect theirs,” Governor Koster concluded.

Looking Forward

This circular marks a significant step in reinforcing Bali’s dedication to sustainable tourism that honors local culture and natural resources. Visitors are urged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements ahead of their trips and ensure full compliance to contribute positively to the island’s future.

For ongoing updates related to Bali’s tourism and local news, stay connected with official sources and tourism offices.