Tourists in Bali will now have to be mindful of an extra set of behavioural rules just announced by the Indonesian island and province. The Bali Provincial government has released new and updated guidelines, published in Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025, which are both a request and a warning: Bali welcomes visitors, but not at the expense of its traditions, laws, or natural spaces.
Governor Wayan Koster, who is leading the effort to manage the effects of mass tourism in the region, has stressed that this circular will codify visitors’ obligations, prohibitions, and penalties, leaving little room for ambiguity. Bali’s new tourist rules are a serious effort by the government to ensure safe, respectful, and enjoyable tourism.
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Respect local customs or face the consequences – is the main theme of updated guidelines for international visitors issued by Bali’s governor.
Entering sacred temple areas is only allowed for religious purposes, and… pic.twitter.com/ul0ftZYnkP
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The Bali Provincial government has introduced a mandatory tourism levy of IDR 150,000 (INR 775.17), payable before arrival or during a visitor’s stay via the Love Bali website. Hiring licensed tour guides is also now compulsory when visiting Bali’s heritage and natural sites. These guides, certified by local authorities, are trained in the island’s customs, ensuring that tourists engage with Bali’s culture in a respectful and informed manner.
According to Bali’s new tourist rules, visitors must exchange currency exclusively at licensed money changers — banks or government-authorised non-bank institutions — and conduct all Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) transactions using Bank Indonesia’s official QR code system.
Bali’s new regulations list
The updated road, traffic and transportation guidelines will now mandate tourists to:
- Hold a valid international or Indonesian driver’s license.
- Tourists should obey traffic rules and wear helmets when riding motorbikes in Bali.
- Obey traffic laws, including speed limits and passenger capacity rules.
- Refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Use only registered rental vehicles.
The circular also imposes restrictions on disruptive behaviour:
- Entering temple sanctuaries (except for religious purposes with proper attire)
- Climbing sacred trees or taking inappropriate photographs at religious sites
- Littering or polluting natural spaces, including Bali’s beaches, forests, and rivers
- Bali’s new rules for tourists restrict the use of single-use plastics, such as straws and plastic bags.
- Engaging in aggressive or offensive behaviour, including public swearing and disrespect toward locals
- Working or conducting business without the necessary permits
- Participating in illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the sale of protected cultural artefacts
The government will also increase the number of eyes on the situation to ensure proper implementation. Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and law enforcement agencies will actively monitor tourists in Bali, ensuring that the rules are not treated as suggestions but enforceable laws. To ensure compliance, they also encourage residents and tourists to report misconduct via a WhatsApp hotline (+62 81-287-590-999).
(Feature image credit: bckfwd/Unsplash)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read More
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