The Bali Provincial Government has introduced new regulations concerning the conduct of foreign tourists visiting the Island of the Gods. These rules, outlining obligations, prohibitions, and sanctions for foreign visitors, are stipulated in Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025.
This regulation has been implemented in response to the numerous incidents of disorder caused by foreign tourists in Bali.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster issued Bali Governor Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025 concerning the New Order for Foreign Tourists while in Bali. This regulation is a refinement of SE Number 4 of 2023, which addressed the same concerns.
“Shortly after SE Number 4 came into effect, my term as Governor of Bali ended, so it was not fully enforced. Now, having been re-elected for a second term, this is the momentum to push forward once again,” Koster stated at the Bali Governor’s Office House, Jayasabha, on Monday, 23rd March 2025, as reported by Detiknews.
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Koster hopes that with the issuance of this new regulation, tourism in Bali will become more orderly and of higher quality. The Bali Provincial Government will coordinate with the consuls of various countries in Bali to ensure that these regulations are adhered to by foreign tourists.
Rules for Foreign Tourists in Bali
Foreign tourists must fulfil the following obligations:
- Respect the sanctity of temples, shrines, and religious symbols.
- Honour customs, traditions, arts, culture, and local wisdom, particularly during ceremonial processions.
- Wear appropriate and respectful attire when visiting shrines, tourist attractions, and public places.
- Behave respectfully in sacred areas, tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping venues, roads, and other public places.
- Pay the foreign tourist levy via the official website https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/.
- Utilise the services of a licensed tour guide when visiting tourist attractions.
- Exchange currency only at official KUPVA providers approved by Bank Indonesia.
- Use the Indonesian Standard QR Code for payment transactions.
- Conduct transactions in Indonesian rupiah.
- Adhere to driving regulations, including holding a valid international or national driving licence, wearing a helmet, and following traffic signs.
- Use official four-wheeled transport services affiliated with a transportation rental association.
- Stay in officially licensed accommodation.
- Comply with specific regulations applicable to each tourist attraction.
Prohibitions for Foreign Tourists
Foreign tourists are prohibited from:
- Entering the sacred areas of temples unless participating in worship while wearing traditional Balinese attire, and not during menstruation.
- Climbing sacred trees.
- Behaving disrespectfully in sacred places, including taking photographs without appropriate clothing.
- Littering and polluting the environment.
- Using single-use plastics.
- Behaving disrespectfully, using offensive language, causing disturbances, or spreading hate speech and false information on social media.
- Working or conducting business without the necessary legal documentation.
- Engaging in illegal activities, including the trade of flora, fauna, cultural artefacts, or sacred objects.
A similar Circular Letter was previously issued by the Bali Provincial Government in 2023. However, over time, refinements were deemed necessary, leading to the introduction of the new regulation.
Sanctions for Violating Foreign Tourists
Foreign tourists who fail to comply with these regulations will face strict sanctions, including legal proceedings in accordance with Indonesian law. Tourists who have not paid the required levy will be prohibited from accessing tourist attractions.
“Foreign tourists who violate these provisions will be dealt with strictly, through sanctions or legal proceedings as per the prevailing laws and regulations in Indonesia,” stated Wayan Koster.
The Bali Provincial Government encourages locals to report misbehaving tourists by contacting 081-287-590-999, ensuring swift action against violations.
