Governor Koster Issues New Regulations: Foreign Tourists in Bali Can No Longer Act Carelessly!

The Provincial Government of Bali, through Governor I Wayan Koster, has deemed it necessary to establish new regulations for foreign tourists in response to the rising number of norm and legal violations committed by international visitors in recent years.

Several incidents that drew public attention include:

• Foreign tourists posing inappropriately at temples and sacred sites.

• Tourists driving without a valid license, sometimes even while intoxicated.

• Visa misuse cases, where foreigners work or run businesses illegally.

• Disrespectful or provocative behavior that went viral on social media, tarnishing Bali’s image as a sacred cultural destination.

  
  

Bali is known as an island rich in culture and tradition. However, the increasing number of foreign tourists disregarding local values is considered a threat to the preservation of culture and social order.

Therefore, the local government felt it necessary to restructure tourism policies to be more culturally rooted, sustainable, and dignified. These new rules are part of Bali’s commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of traditional lands, the environment, and local wisdom—while also promoting a more quality-driven tourism model. Now, foreign tourists can no longer act recklessly in Bali!

Foreign Tourists in Bali Can No Longer Act Carelessly so Bali Governor Wayan Koster has issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 7 of 2025, which outlines a new code of conduct for foreign tourists while in Bali. This regulation is an enhancement of the previous circular and aims to elevate the quality of tourism in Bali by emphasizing respect for culture, customs, and environmental conservation.

Obligations for Foreign Tourists:

• Respect the sanctity of temples, sacred statues (pratima), and religious symbols.

• Respect customs, traditions, arts, culture, and local wisdom during ceremonies.

• Wear appropriate attire when visiting sacred places, tourist sites, and public spaces.

• Behave respectfully in sacred areas, tourist spots, restaurants, shops, roads, and other public areas.

• Pay the foreign tourist levy through the official website.

  
  

Prohibitions for Foreign Tourists:

• Entering temple sanctums unless for worship, wearing Balinese traditional attire, and not menstruating.

• Climbing sacred trees.

• Acting indecently at sacred sites, including posing for photos without proper attire.

• Littering or polluting the environment.

• Using single-use plastics.

• Acting rudely, using vulgar language, creating disturbances, or spreading hate speech and hoaxes on social media.

• Working or conducting business without legal documentation.

  
  

Foreign Tourists in Bali Can No Longer Act Carelessly

In addition, foreign tourists are required to pay a levy of IDR 150,000 either before or during their stay in Bali. This contribution will be used to support the preservation of Bali's culture and environment.

The Provincial Government of Bali will coordinate with foreign consulates in Bali to ensure compliance with these regulations. Governor Koster emphasized that these rules were established to foster a culturally rooted, high-quality, and dignified tourism experience in Bali.