Bali Proposes Draft Regulation Requiring Tourists to Show Three Months of Bank Statements Before Entry
In an effort to attract what it calls “quality tourism,” the governor of Bali has introduced a draft regulation that would require incoming tourists to provide proof of sufficient funds by presenting bank statements from the previous three months. This proposed regulation, formally titled the “Regional Regulation on the Implementation of Quality Tourism,” is nearing completion and is scheduled to be presented to the Bali regional legislature for possible enactment during 2026. Under these new rules, visitors would not only need to declare their intended length of stay, planned activities, and show a return ticket but also provide bank records as evidence of adequate financial means to support their visit. Unlike existing Indonesian visa requirements that specify fixed minimum funds (such as US$2,000 for some visa categories), this draft does not establish a fixed minimum balance. Instead, financial sufficiency would be assessed on a case-by-case basis relative to the duration of the trip and planned expenditures.
The draft rule is yet to be finalized and is not currently enforced. Some analysts have cautioned that the lack of clear minimum financial thresholds may lead to arbitrary or discretionary enforcement. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for discrimination, corruption, and the risk of tourists having to share sensitive personal financial data, which may pose privacy and security challenges, particularly given differing standards of data protection.
Indonesia’s existing visa policy already demands proof of funds in specific cases, but extending such requirements to visa-on-arrival entrants marks a significant shift. Critics argue that this could disadvantage budget travelers, those supported by family or employers, and others whose travel funding may not be strictly reflected in bank statements. Additionally, the measure has sparked debate on social media and travel forums, with many travelers expressing reluctance to share detailed financial information just to visit Bali.
Supporters of the proposal suggest that it aims to manage the volume and quality of tourism, ensuring that visitors can contribute positively to Bali’s economy without overstaying or engaging in unauthorized work. Detractors worry that overly stringent entry requirements could reduce visitor numbers drastically, potentially harming the large tourism-dependent economy of the island.
The Bali governor has emphasized the intent to bring this regulation into force during 2026, but given the ongoing legislative review and possible challenges with national immigration policies, the final outcome remains uncertain. Travelers planning to visit Bali are advised to monitor developments and prepare for changes in entry requirements if the regulation takes effect.
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