As 2026 gets underway, Bali’s provincial government is planning a new entry requirement aimed at attracting more high-spending and respectful visitors. Governor Wayan Koster has announced that, starting this year, authorities want to check the financial status of all foreign visitors arriving on the island — including short-stay holidaymakers.
Defining the "Quality Tourist"
During a press briefing in Ubud, Governor Koster explained that one factor in defining a “quality tourist” is the amount of money in a visitor’s savings over the previous three months. In addition to financial documentation, tourists may also be asked to provide a detailed travel itinerary and planned activities for their stay in Bali.
The governor emphasized that this approach mirrors procedures other countries have for incoming travelers, where proof of funds and trip plans are standard. Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Wardhana has supported the idea, highlighting the goal of encouraging tourism that brings greater economic benefits to the island.
Balancing Growth and Sustainability
While Bali welcomed more than 7 million tourists in 2025, officials want to build on that success by promoting visitors who spend more and treat the island respectfully. However, the proposed policy has raised practical questions, including:
How the policy would be implemented on a daily basis.
Whether it fits within existing national immigration laws.
The specific minimum balance requirements travelers would need to demonstrate.
Market Reactions and Concerns
Critics of the plan worry that such requirements might discourage some visitors from coming to Bali and instead divert them to other competing destinations. Despite this, officials maintain that the intention is to support sustainable tourism and ensure high standards for guests arriving in the province.