Bali governor’s 2025 circular sets rules and levy for foreign tourists
Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025, signed by the Bali governor on 24 March, sets out detailed obligations and prohibitions for foreign tourists, from dress codes at temples and public places to payment of a Rp 150,000 provincial levy and the…
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 5 min read
Denpasar — Bali’s governor has issued Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025, in force since 24 March 2025, setting out detailed obligations and prohibitions for foreign tourists during their stay on the island, with the aim of promoting orderly, culturally respectful and sustainable tourism according to provincial authorities.
The circular, titled “New Order for Foreign Tourists During Stay in Bali”, was signed by Governor Wayan Koster and took effect on the date of issuance on 24 March 2025, according to the provincial government’s information service and local media reports.
The rules address how visitors should behave in sacred areas, tourist destinations and public places, as well as requirements related to payment of the provincial foreign tourist levy, use of licensed guides and transport services, currency exchange, electronic payments, accommodation and general compliance with Indonesian law.
Key obligations for foreign tourists
According to an English-language summary circulated by the Italian Business Association in Indonesia (IBAI), foreign tourists are required to respect the sanctity of temples, religious symbols and sacred objects, and to honour Balinese customs, traditions, arts, culture and local wisdom, especially during ceremonial activities.
The circular obliges visitors to wear courteous or modest attire when visiting sacred areas, tourist attractions and public places, and to behave politely in temples and other sacred locations, restaurants, shopping areas, streets and other public spaces, IBAI’s summary states.
Foreign tourists must also pay Bali’s foreign tourist levy of Rp 150,000 electronically before departure or while in Bali via the official provincial website Love Bali, according to the IBAI document and Indonesian media reports. The levy is described as a contribution to preserving Balinese culture and the natural environment.
The circular lists several practical obligations for travel and transactions, including:
- Being accompanied by a licensed tour guide when visiting tourist attractions.
- Exchanging foreign currency only at authorized money changers or other licensed foreign exchange providers displaying a Bank Indonesia licence number and QR-code logo.
- Conducting transactions in Indonesian rupiah or using Indonesia’s standard QR code payment system QRIS.
- Driving in accordance with Indonesian traffic laws and regulations, including holding a valid national or international driver’s licence, wearing a helmet when required and obeying traffic signs.
- Using registered four-wheel vehicles operated by a licensed company or four-wheel-drive rental association.
- Staying in accommodation establishments that are licensed under Indonesian laws and regulations.
Local tourism guidance sites and media have urged visitors to check that guides, money changers, vehicle rental companies and accommodation providers are properly authorised and registered, as the circular emphasises the use of official services and adherence to local regulations.
Prohibited conduct and environmental rules
The provincial circular prohibits conduct that desecrates holy or sacred places, temples, sacred objects (Pratima) and religious symbols. Examples include climbing sacred buildings or trees regarded as sacred, and taking photographs in immodest clothing or without clothing in religious settings, according to the official text.
Foreign tourists are banned from entering the inner sanctum areas of temples (Utamaning Mandala and Madyaning Mandala) except for worship, and then only while wearing traditional Balinese attire; entry is further restricted in line with local customs regarding menstruation, according to explanatory materials based on the circular.
The document also forbids littering or polluting lakes, springs, rivers, seas and public places, and separately bans the use of single-use plastic items such as plastic bags, polystyrene or Styrofoam, plastic straws and plastic beverage packaging.
Other behavioural prohibitions include the use of profanity, disrespectful conduct, making excessive noise and aggressive behaviour towards authorities, local communities and other tourists. These rules apply to actions carried out directly or indirectly, including through social media.
The circular specifically mentions hate speech and the spreading of false information, described as hoaxes, among the forms of conduct that are not allowed. It also reiterates that foreign tourists may not work or conduct business activities in Bali without official documents and permits issued by the competent authorities.
Local tourism advisory platforms summarising the circular note that visitors should treat temples and other sacred sites as places requiring conservative clothing, quiet behaviour and close adherence to posted instructions or guidance from local custodians, and should avoid touching or climbing religious structures and seek permission before taking photographs if required by local rules.
Enforcement and responsibilities
The circular assigns supervision of foreign tourists’ compliance to the Bali Provincial Municipal Police (Satpol Pamong Praja), while the Bali Provincial Police are empowered to take legal action and impose sanctions under applicable national and regional regulations, according to IBAI’s summary and local news coverage.
Provincial statements describe the measure as part of a broader effort to safeguard Balinese culture, maintain public order and improve the quality of tourism on the island, following a series of widely publicised incidents involving foreign visitors.
Officials and local media emphasise that the circular is intended as practical guidance and that foreign tourists are expected to understand and observe the listed obligations and prohibitions during their stay, alongside Indonesia’s existing laws and regulations.
Sources
Related
