GIANYAR, Bali — Bali’s provincial government is preparing tighter regulations for foreign tourists visiting the island, with proof of sufficient funds in a personal bank account set to become a key entry requirement starting in 2026.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the policy is intended to ensure the island attracts higher-quality visitors, both in terms of financial capacity and conduct during their stay.

“One aspect of quality tourism is assessing a visitor’s financial capability, including their bank balance over the past three months,” Koster said in Gianyar on Thursday (Jan 1, 2026), as quoted by Antara.

Beyond checking bank balances, the Pemerintah Provinsi Bali will also carry out more detailed verification of foreign tourists’ travel plans, including the length of stay and the activities planned while in Bali.

Koster said the policy reflects reciprocal treatment, noting that many countries impose strict requirements on Indonesian citizens seeking to travel abroad.

“So everything is under control. When we travel to other countries, they apply strict rules. We are doing the same,” he said.

The plan comes amid a surge in tourist arrivals following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, Bali recorded its highest-ever figures, with 7.05 million visitors arriving by air and around 71,000 by sea.

The influx has prompted closer scrutiny. Since borders were widely reopened in 2022, the flow of tourists has been seen as difficult to filter, contributing to problems ranging from violations of local norms to environmental and socio-cultural pressures.

“Everything was mobilised to get people to come to Bali. Now some foreign tourists have become too comfortable. This has to be addressed, and it won’t be solved in a day or two. It requires patience,” Koster said.

Looking ahead, the provincial government said it will no longer focus solely on visitor numbers. Instead, the emphasis will be on sustainable economic benefits, protection of local culture, and preventing behaviour that could damage Bali’s image.

The tighter measures will be formalised in a regional regulation on tourism governance.

“Going forward, Bali’s tourism will prioritise quality over quantity. Everything will be clearly regulated under the tourism governance bylaw,” Koster said.