Heading to Bali? You might soon need to prove your savings to get in

What the proposed changes mean for Australian travellers.

Bali, Indonesia. Picture by Cassie Gallegos/Unsplash

Updated January 7 2026 - 11:24am, first published 11:07am

Soon, tourists could need more than just a visa and passport to visit Bali.

Travellers, including Australians, could be asked to show their bank account balance.

Bali's Governor Wayan Koster announced plans on January 1, 2026 to check the financial status of foreigners arriving in Bali.

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The plan - which is not yet law - comes after an increase in stranded tourists running out of money on the island, according to local outlet Antara News.

The would help encourage more "quality tourism" over mass tourism, The Bali Sun reported.

The Governor said the bank balance must match the length of stay.

Tourists could be asked to show three months of bank statements to enter the country, according to local news.

The draft plan comes after a record 7 million tourist arrivals to the island in 2025.

What do you need to visit Bali now?

You do not currently need to show bank statements to enter Bali - this remains a proposal at this stage.

If you are travelling to Bali, this is what you need to clear the border.

You will need to fill out an All Indonesia Arrival Card at least 72 hours before your arrival. You will be issued with a QR code that you must show at customs when you arrive. This has replaced previous customs and health forms.

Read more on Explore:

Short-term tourists will need to obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport, or an e-VOA before you travel. The e-VOA is recommended and should be obtained from the All Indonesia website. The e-VOA costs approximately $50 but the VOA could cost more, depending on the airport exchange rate.

You will also need an undamaged passport with six months validity.

Tourists also need to pay the tourist levy of around $14.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.