Bali has long been a favourite holiday spot for Indian travellers and the numbers clearly show why. In May 2025 alone, nearly 68,000 Indians visited Bali, a sharp rise of almost 37% compared to April. Beautiful beaches, a rich cultural vibe, lush green landscapes, wellness retreats, exciting nightlife, and flavourful food make the island hard to resist.

Another major reason behind Bali’s popularity is the easy visa process. Indian passport holders can currently enter Bali with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an electronic VoA, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. But this convenience may not remain the same for long.

Bali Plans New Entry Rules for Tourists

According to recent updates, the Bali provincial government is preparing to introduce new entry requirements for international visitors. From 2026, travellers may need to show proof of sufficient funds, not just a passport and visa to enter the island.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has explained that the goal is to promote quality tourism, ensuring visitors can comfortably support themselves during their stay. As reported by Indonesian media outlets, authorities want to assess whether tourists have the financial ability to cover their travel plans responsibly.

No Fixed Minimum Balance, But Financial Checks Will Apply

Unlike some countries that set a fixed bank balance requirement, Bali is taking a more flexible approach. There will be no universal minimum amount that every traveller must show.

Instead, officials will review :

  • The length of stay
  • The planned activities
  • The overall travel itinerary

    • Based on these details, a custom financial threshold will be decided for each traveller. This means visitors should be prepared to share return flight tickets, hotel bookings, and a detailed itinerary during the verification process.

    Another key factor will be the bank balance history of the past three months. Travellers are advised to keep recent bank statements ready along with other essential travel documents.

    Proof of Funds Is Not New – but This Is a Big Change

    Providing financial proof to enter Indonesia isn’t entirely new. Certain visa categories already require applicants to submit three months of bank statements and show a minimum balance of around $2,000.

    What makes this update significant is that Visa on Arrival travellers, who previously enjoyed a smoother entry process, may now also face these checks.

    Why Bali Is Introducing These Rules

    Tourism in Bali has grown rapidly since the pandemic. In 2025, over 7 million tourists arrived by air, with thousands more entering by sea making it the highest tourist influx in the island’s history.

    While tourism boosts the local economy, it has also created challenges. Increased traffic, waste management issues, flooding, and pressure on infrastructure have become growing concerns.

    Governor Koster has stated that stronger regulations are necessary to maintain balance. He pointed out that many countries already apply similar checks, and Bali is simply aligning itself with global travel practices.

    The aim is clear: to manage tourism responsibly, protect the island’s environment, and ensure that visitors contribute positively rather than adding strain to local systems.

    What This Means for Travellers

    If you’re planning a Bali trip in the future, especially from 2026 onward, be ready for one extra step in the travel process. Along with your visa and passport, financial preparedness and proper documentation will become just as important.

    Bali will still welcome visitors but with a stronger focus on sustainable and well-managed tourism.

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