Bali is considering introducing financial checks for international visitors as part of a broader effort to reshape the island’s tourism model, but the proposal is already raising questions about how it would work in practice.
Under the plan, which is expected to be debated further in 2026, foreign tourists could be asked to show proof that they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. This may include providing recent bank statements, as well as evidence of accommodation bookings and a return or onward ticket.
Bali’s provincial government has framed the proposal as a way to encourage what it describes as “quality tourism”, shifting the focus away from sheer visitor numbers and towards travellers who are financially prepared and more likely to respect local laws and cultural norms.
Officials say the move is intended to address ongoing issues linked to mass tourism, including visa overstays, illegal work and visitors running out of funds while on the island. Bali has experienced a sharp rise in foreign arrivals over the past year, placing pressure on infrastructure, public services and popular cultural sites.
However, the proposal has sparked debate among local lawmakers and industry figures. Some have questioned whether a provincial government has the authority to impose financial screening measures, noting that immigration policy is typically handled at a national level in Indonesia.
There are also concerns about how such checks would be enforced. Critics point to the practical challenges of verifying bank statements from travellers arriving from different countries, banking systems and currencies, as well as the risk of inconsistent application at ports of entry.
Sceptics of the proposal have pointed to Bali’s existing compliance challenges. Despite being mandatory, the Bali tourism tax is currently paid by an estimated average of just 34 per cent of visitors, raising doubts about whether new entry requirements could be effectively monitored or enforced.
Others argue the island may be better served by improving compliance with existing measures, such as visa regulations and the tourism levy, rather than introducing additional layers of bureaucracy that could complicate the arrival process.
Reaction among travellers and tourism operators has been mixed. While some support efforts to promote more sustainable and responsible tourism, others worry the proposal could deter budget conscious visitors who still contribute significantly to local businesses and communities.
For now, the financial screening plan remains in draft form and has not been implemented. Travellers planning trips to Bali are not currently required to provide bank statements, but those looking ahead to 2026 are being advised to keep an eye on official announcements as the policy continues to evolve.
