Bali: Bali will soon implement a policy to screen tourists by checking their bank account status as part of an effort to upgrade the quality of its tourism. Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced a plan to collaborate with the central government to verify the financial status of all foreigners entering the Indonesian province, regardless of whether they are short-term tourists or general vacationers.

According to Thai News Agency, this initiative aims to establish a new standard for screening tourists, focusing on attracting "quality tourists" with substantial purchasing power. The proposal will be part of a draft regional regulation on "Quality Tourism Management," which is currently under final consideration by the Bali legislature.

Under the proposed regulations, foreign tourists will need to provide proof of financial resources, including a savings account balance from the past three months, to ensure they have sufficient funds for their stay. Additionally, tourists will be required to present a detailed itinerary, specifying the duration of their stay and planned activities on the island.

Governor Koster emphasized that the measure seeks to prevent issues such as foreigners overstaying their visas or overspending, which can lead to criminal activities. He noted that this policy establishes a standard of equality, mirroring the international policies Indonesians must adhere to when traveling abroad.

Tourism statistics from 2025 indicate that Bali welcomed approximately 7.05 million foreign tourists. If approved and implemented, this policy would position Bali as one of the few tourist destinations globally with stringent financial screening criteria for tourists in the post-COVID era. However, tourism academics have raised concerns that such strict measures might prompt tourists to consider other countries as alternative destinations.