Kompas.com reports that the Provincial Government of Bali is imposing new rules governing the behavior of foreign tourists.
Among the new rules are requirements to dress “politely” and present a QR Standard Indonesia or QRIS when making online payments in Bali.
The new rules are included in Circular Memorandum Number 7 of 2025, ordering the behavior of foreign tourists during their visits to Bali that take effect from 24 March 2025.
The Governor declared, issuing the new rules: “Note – The Bali Provincial Government’s policy is to inculcate Bali Tourism based on culture, quality, and dignity.”
Listed here in summary form are the new rules for foreign tourists that must be obeyed while in Bali:
1. Foreign tourists must honor the sanctity of the Temples, Pratima (religious paraphernalia), and sacred religious symbols.
2. Foreign tourists must respectfully honor the customs, traditions, arts and culture, and the local wisdom of the Balinese people while undertaking ceremonies and processions.
3. Foreign tourists must wear “polite, reasonable, and appropriate clothing” when visiting sacred areas, tourist attractions, public places, and undertaking other activities in Bali.
4. Foreign tourists must behave politely in sacred sites, restaurants, shopping areas, highways, and other public places.
5. Foreign tourists must pay the foreign tourist tax levy electronically while in Bali or, at the latest, before departing Bali at the end of their holiday. Payment can be made online via the official website https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/.
6. Foreign tourists on tour in Bali must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide certified as understanding the natural conditions, customs, traditions, and local wisdom of the Balinese people.
7. Overseas tourists in Bali must perform foreign exchange transactions only at licensed money changers and banks. Authorized money changers must possess and hold a license number and QR code issued by Bank Indonesia.
8. Foreign tourists must use the QR Standard Indonesia Code when making payments.
9. Foreign tourists are required to make payments only using Indonesian currency.
10. Foreign tourists must hold a valid Indonesian Driver’s License or International Driver’s License when operating a motor vehicle in Indonesia. When driving in Indonesia, foreign tourists must dress politely, use helmets while driving a motorcycle, follow and obey all traffic rules, not exceed stated passenger capacities, and not operate vehicles when under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
11. Foreign tourists must rent and use only safe four-wheeled vehicles operated by officially authorized companies and associations.
12. Foreign tourists visiting Bali can only stay at accommodation addresses officially licensed as accommodation providers by the Provincial Government.
13. Foreign tourists are required to obey all special rules and regulations in effect at all tourism sites and attractions
Prohibitions for Foreign Tourists
Also announced by the Bali Provincial Government are specific prohibitions that all foreign tourists must observe:
1. Foreign tourists are prohibited from entering Utamaning Mandala and Madyaning Mandala, central holy sanctified places such as Pura and Pelinggih. Exceptions are made for those seeking to pray. All entering these sacred places must dress in traditional Balinese costumes. Menstruating females are not allowed to enter sacred holy areas,
2. Foreigners are prohibited from climbing sacred trees.
3. Foreign tourists must not exhibit behavior that could be seen to defile holy and sanctified places. Pictures depicting temples, religious places, religious paraphernalia, and sacred Hindu symbols cannot include tourists who are nude or in states of disrespectful undress.
4. Foreign tourists are prohibited from littering and/or polluting lakes, springs, rivers, seas, and public places.
5. Foreign tourists are prohibited from using single-use plastics such as plastic bags, polystyrene (styrofoam), plastic straws, and plastic beverage packaging. `
6. Foreign tourists are prohibited from using foul language, behaving impolitely, causing public disturbances, and acting aggressively toward state officials, government officers, local community members, or fellow tourists directly or via social media, such as spreading hate speech and false information.
7. Foreign tourists are prohibited from working and/or conducting business without having official documents issued by authorized agencies.
8. Foreign tourists are prohibited from engaging in illegal activities, such as trading in flora and fauna and trading cultural artifacts and sacred objects. Selling contraband items, including illicit narcotics, is strictly forbidden.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster warns that foreign tourists who violate these rules and prohibitions can expect strict action in the form of sanctions or legal processes provided for under the laws of Indonesia. “Foreign tourists who have not paid the foreign tourist levy will be subject to sanctions in the form of not receiving services at tourist attractions,” said Koster.
Separately, the Governor has warned that departing tourists unable to present a receipt proving payment of the Foreign Tourist Tax may be denied boarding passes at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport.
The Governor is also appealing to the public to play an active role in reporting any foreigner found to be violating the law. A special telephone number is now in operation at the Provincial Government to handle reports of misbehaving visitors at WhatsApp Siapa 081287590999.
The Governor also instructed the Bali Provincial Civil Service Police (SATPOL) to carry out strict supervision to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the Circular Memorandum. Moreover, the Bali Regional Police have also been advised to impose sanctions or legal processes under laws and regulations against any perpetrators of violations. “All parties must seriously understand, implement, and share this Circular Letter to all their staff and foreign tourists visiting Bali,” the Governor concluded.
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