If you’ve been dreaming of a Bali getaway, you might want to pay attention to some big changes coming your way. Bali is shaking things up, and the new rules could affect Aussie travellers in ways you might not expect. No, it’s not another tax or travel ban—but it does involve your bank account.
A Big Shift for Bali’s Tourism
Bali’s government recently announced that, starting in 2026, travellers will need to show proof of financial stability before entering the island. Yes, that means providing bank statements to prove you’ve got enough money to cover your stay. Why? Well, Bali wants to shift its focus from the sheer volume of tourists to “quality tourism” — that is, tourists who can financially contribute to the local economy without overburdening the island’s infrastructure and environment. It’s a move that many believe is necessary, but others are already raising eyebrows about how it will play out, explains Yahoo Finance.
The Financial Screen
So, here’s the deal: you won’t be able to just hop on a plane to Bali and get in without showing the authorities that you’ve got some financial backing. Bali Governor Wayan Koster explained that the new rule will require tourists to submit their bank statements from the past three months, along with information about how long they plan to stay and what they intend to do while on the island. The aim? To reduce the number of low-spending tourists and ensure that visitors have a positive, long-term impact on Bali’s economy and culture.
Bali’s tourism has exploded in recent years, with over 7 million international visitors in 2023 alone. While that’s great for the economy, it’s also led to environmental and infrastructure strain, which the government is keen to address. But there’s a catch—no specific minimum balance has been set yet, so exactly how much money you’ll need to prove is still up in the air.
More Than Just Money: Other Changes to Know About
Along with the financial screening, Bali has introduced other new policies to shape the future of tourism. One of these includes a new $15 tourism levy, which will help preserve the island’s culture and environment. Bank Indonesia is also rolling out a digital payment system to make transactions easier for international tourists, particularly those arriving at Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
These changes aren’t just about money; they’re also about how Bali is positioning itself in the global tourism market. Governor Koster is adamant that Bali wants to focus on attracting tourists who will help preserve its beauty and culture, rather than simply boosting tourist numbers.
Will This Affect Aussie Travellers?
For Australian tourists, this could mean a few extra steps before your holiday. Along with your bank statement, you’ll need a visa on arrival or an electronic visa, a valid passport (with at least six months left), and the completed All Indonesia Declaration Form starting in 2025. Will this make things more difficult? Possibly. But many believe the benefits of a more sustainable and less crowded Bali will outweigh the inconvenience.
