Bali Unveils Stricter Guidelines for Foreign Tourists to Preserve Culture and Enhance Safety

Bali Introduces New Guidelines to Regulate Foreign Visitors and Preserve Cultural Integrity

Denpasar, Bali – October 2, 2025
In a decisive move to maintain order and uphold Bali’s rich cultural heritage, Governor Wayan Koster has officially issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025, detailing new guidelines that foreign tourists must adhere to when visiting the island. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Governor’s Jayaabha Office on March 24, 2025, with Bali’s Tourism Office Head, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, present to support the new policy.

Addressing Tourism Challenges
The updated regulations respond to growing concerns over inappropriate conduct among visitors and aim to ensure that Bali’s tourism sector operates harmoniously within local laws and customs. Governor Koster explained that the new circular builds upon a prior regulation, SE Number 4 of 2023, adapting to recent developments in order to sustain a respectful, sustainable, and culturally sensitive tourism environment.

“Tourism must reflect and respect our local values. This circular is an immediate measure ahead of forthcoming Regional Regulations, ensuring all stakeholders uphold a high standard of culture-based tourism,” emphasized Governor Koster.

Key Guidelines for Foreign Tourists

The circular mandates several requirements for foreign visitors to foster respectful behavior and preserve Bali’s sacred traditions:

1. Respect Sacred Sites and Symbols
   Tourists must respect temples, religious statues (pratima), and holy places by observing local customs, especially during ceremonies and rituals.

2. Dress Modestly
   Visitors are required to wear modest attire when entering temples, tourist sites, or public spaces.

3. Exhibit Respectful Behavior
   Courteous and considerate conduct is expected in all public and cultural settings, including restaurants, shopping areas, and roads.

4. Pay the Tourist Levy
   A mandatory tourist fee must be paid electronically via the official portal https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ either before or during the stay.

5. Use Licensed Tour Guides
   When exploring cultural or natural attractions, tourists must be accompanied by certified guides knowledgeable about local customs and environments.

6. Exchange Currency Legally
   All currency exchanges are to be conducted through authorized money changers equipped with official QR codes issued by Bank Indonesia.

7. Adhere to Traffic Laws
   Tourists driving in Bali must possess a valid driver’s license, wear helmets when riding motorcycles, comply with traffic signs, avoid overloading vehicles, and abstain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

8. Use Legal Transport Services
   Only licensed car rentals and transport providers are permitted.

9. Stay at Licensed Accommodations
   Visitors must choose legally certified hotels, villas, or homestays meeting Bali’s accommodation standards.

Prohibited Actions for Visitors

To safeguard Bali’s cultural and environmental integrity, tourists are prohibited from:

• Entering the most sacred temple zones (Utamaning Mandala & Madyaning Mandala) unless participating as worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire, noting that menstruating women are excluded from these areas.
• Climbing sacred trees or monuments, or taking inappropriate or nude photographs at religious sites.
• Littering or polluting natural environments such as lakes, rivers, or oceans.
• Using single-use plastics including plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws, and plastic-packaged beverages.
• Displaying aggressive or disrespectful behavior, including swearing, causing disturbances, disrespecting locals or officials, or sharing hate speech and misinformation on social media.
• Engaging in unauthorized work or business activities without proper permits.
• Participating in illegal activities, including trafficking drugs, endangered animals, or sacred artifacts.

Enforcement and Reporting

Governor Koster stressed that compliance with these regulations will be strictly enforced. Tourists who fail to pay the mandatory tourist levy will be denied access to attractions, and those violating the rules face legal penalties under Indonesian law.

The public is encouraged to report violations through an official WhatsApp hotline: +62 81-287-590-999. Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) will monitor adherence to the guidelines, while the Bali Police will pursue legal action against serious offenders.

“All participants in Bali’s tourism industry must understand these rules thoroughly and communicate them clearly to foreign visitors,” urged Governor Koster. “Bali is a sacred and beautiful island. We expect our guests to honor it with the respect we extend to them.”

Looking Ahead

These new guidelines serve as an interim framework pending the introduction of formal Regional and Governor’s Regulations later in the year. The move reflects the Balinese government’s dedication to cultivating tourism that is culturally respectful, eco-friendly, and beneficial for the local community.

Visitors planning trips to Bali are advised to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to ensure a safe and rewarding experience on the island.

For further information on Bali’s tourism policies and updates, travelers can consult official provincial websites and authorized tourism offices.