Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — The Bali government has introduced new regulations for foreign tourists visiting the island, aiming to promote more orderly and respectful tourism practices. Bali Governor Wayan Koster emphasized that the new rules will be enforced more strictly compared to the previous version.
The updated guidelines were issued by Governor Wayan Koster through Circular Letter (SE) No. 7 of 2025, refining the previous SE No. 4 of 2023.
“When the previous circular was implemented, my term as governor was coming to an end, so its impact was limited. Now, as I have been re-elected, this is the right time to fully enforce these regulations,” Koster stated at the Governor’s official residence in Jayasabha on Monday (March 24).
He expressed hopes that these measures would help maintain the quality and dignity of Bali’s tourism industry. The provincial government also plans to coordinate with foreign consulates and diplomatic representatives in Bali to ensure compliance.
“We want to establish a tourism industry that is culturally grounded, high-quality, and respectful,” Koster added.
Key Regulations for Foreign Tourists
Under SE No. 7 of 2025, foreign visitors are required to follow specific rules and prohibitions while in Bali.
Tourist Obligations
- Respect the sanctity of temples, religious symbols, and sacred objects.
- Honor local customs, traditions, arts, culture, and rituals.
- Wear modest attire when visiting temples, tourist attractions, and public spaces.
- Behave respectfully in sacred areas, tourist spots, restaurants, shopping centers, roads, and other public places.
- Pay the mandatory foreign tourist levy through the official website Love Bali.
- Use licensed tour guides when visiting tourist attractions.
- Exchange currency only at official money changers licensed by Bank Indonesia.
- Use Indonesia’s standard QR code payment system.
- Conduct all transactions using Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
- Follow traffic regulations, including having a valid national or international driver’s license, wearing a helmet, and obeying traffic signs.
- Rent four-wheeled vehicles only from officially registered transportation providers.
- Stay in licensed accommodations.
- Adhere to specific regulations at tourist sites.
Tourist Prohibitions
- Enter temple areas unless attending a religious ceremony in traditional Balinese attire and not during menstruation.
- Climb sacred trees.
- Act disrespectfully in religious sites, including taking inappropriate photos.
- Litter or pollute the environment.
- Use single-use plastics.
- Engage in offensive behavior, use foul language, or spread false information and hate speech on social media.
- Work or conduct business activities without the necessary permits.
- Participate in illegal activities, such as trading protected wildlife, cultural artifacts, or sacred objects.
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Strict Penalties for Violators
Foreign tourists who fail to comply with these regulations will face strict legal consequences. Those who fail to pay the tourist levy will be denied entry to tourist attractions.
The public is encouraged to report violations via the Siaga WhatsApp hotline at +62 81-287-590-999.
The Bali Provincial Government has tasked Satpol PP (Public Order Agency) with monitoring compliance with the circular. Meanwhile, the Bali Police Department has been instructed to take legal action against any violations.
Local authorities urge all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the regulations and ensure that foreign tourists adhere to the rules during their stay in Bali.
(Raidi/Agung)
