Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

“I got new rules, I count ’em,” sang Dua Lipa. Now, it’s time to count Bali’s strict new rules for foreign visitors.

On May 24, Bali’s governor, I Wayan Koster, announced new guidelines to curb unruly tourist behaviour and protect the island’s culture and natural landscapes. Issued in a document titled “Circular Letter (SE) No. 07 of 2025 Concerning New Regulations for Foreign Tourists During their Stay in Bali”, the new rules are an update of a similar list of dos and don’ts that was released in 2023. 

These new rules have some sting, too. The government has assembled a special task force to enforce them and promises to deal firmly with “naughty” tourists. We’re guessing that you don’t want to be slapped with a fine or risk a trip to jail while on your tropical getaway, so here are all the rules to take note of the next time you visit Bali.  

What are Bali’s new rules for tourists?

Just like the 2023 circular letter, this year’s update is presented as a list of dos and don’ts.

According to the letter, tourists are encouraged to:

• Respect the sanctity of temples, religious symbols, and sacred objects
• Honour local customs, traditions, arts, and culture
• Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites, tourist attractions, and public spaces
• Pay the foreign tourist levy online at Love Bali
• Engage licensed tour guides when visiting tourist attractions
• Exchange foreign currency only at authorised money changers with permission from Bank Indonesia
• Use the Indonesian Standard QR Code and Indonesian rupiah for transactions
• Comply with traffic regulations, which include the possession of a valid international or national driver’s license
• Stay in licensed accommodations and use official transportation services

On the flip side, do not:

• Enter sacred areas, unless for religious purposes and only while wearing traditional Balinese attire
• Climb sacred trees or behave disrespectfully in sacred places
• Litter or use single-use plastics
• Use offensive language, behave aggressively, or spread hate speech on social media
• Work or conduct business without official permits
• Engage in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking

What about Bali’s tourism levy?

Foreign tourists must pay 150,000 rupiah before or during their stay in Bali. This is easily done at Love Bali and works out to less than 10 USD – a reasonable price to pay for enjoying all the sun, sand, and sea that Bali has to offer. You may apply for an exemption, but only if you’re visiting for official duties, to contribute to Bali’s or Indonesia’s development, or have a specific citizenship status. 

If you’re wondering where all that tax money is going, it’s meant to protect the island’s traditional culture and natural environment and to improve its tourism services. 

How is Bali enforcing these rules?

You know the government is serious when they’ve put together a special task force to enforce the rules. Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and law enforcement agencies will work together to monitor tourists and ensure everyone toes the line. See anyone misbehaving? Residents and tourists can make a report via a WhatsApp hotline at +62 81-287-590-999. 

What are the consequences of breaking these rules?

Broken one of the rules? You risk a fine or even jail time, according to Indonesian laws. Didn’t pay the foreign tourist levy? You might also be denied services at tourist attractions on the island. 

Why is Bali implementing these rules?

These provisions may seem draconian, but as they say, one bad apple spoils the bunch—and Bali has had its fair share of bad apples. The island has seen tourists crash traditional dance shows in the nude, pose naked on a sacred 700-year-old banyan tree, and behave inappropriately on the sacred Mount Agung. That’s not to mention those who ride motorcycles recklessly and without valid paperwork. 

The island is also struggling with overtourism. Tourism numbers have soared since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to issues with overdevelopment, waste management, and the erosion of local culture and the environment. While the tourist levy may not deter visitors, it could at least provide some funds to manage these effects. 

Should I still go to Bali?

Absolutely, yes. There’s no need to worry about the new rules raining on your Bali parade – as long as you’re not that asshole tourist. 

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