No Cash, No Entry? Bali’s Plan to Screen Tourists’ Bank Accounts Sparks Global Debate

Bali, one of the world’s most popular honeymoon and resort destinations, is facing growing controversy after local authorities confirmed they are considering a new rule that would require foreign tourists to submit proof of their financial status before entering the island. According to international media reports, the Bali provincial government is reviewing a draft regulation that would obligate overseas visitors to disclose bank account balances from the past three months, along with details about their length of stay and travel plans. If implemented, the measure would mark one of the most stringent entry requirements ever proposed for a major global tourist destination.

The proposal was reported on January 9 by the South China Morning Post and is currently undergoing final review by the Bali Provincial Council. The requirement is expected to be included in a broader policy framework aimed at managing what officials describe as “high-quality tourism.” Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated in local media interviews that financial stability is an important factor in achieving sustainable tourism, explaining that authorities are examining ways to verify visitors’ savings history over a three-month period. Under the draft rules, foreign tourists would be required to submit not only bank balance information but also their intended length of stay, travel itinerary, and tourism activities, effectively allowing officials to assess visitors’ spending capacity and purpose of travel in advance.

The Bali government has gradually tightened tourism regulations in recent years, citing concerns over disorderly tourist behavior, the rise of long-term foreign stays, and illegal employment. The proposed financial disclosure rule is widely seen as an extension of efforts to reduce low-budget, long-stay tourism and shift the market toward higher-income, higher-value visitors. Supporters argue that such measures could help protect local communities and preserve Bali’s cultural and environmental assets, while ensuring that tourists contribute more meaningfully to the local economy.

However, the plan has raised significant concerns within the tourism industry. Critics question both the effectiveness of the policy and its potential impact on visitor numbers. Bali attracts travelers from across the globe, including large numbers from South Korea, Australia, China, and Europe, and industry observers warn that demanding sensitive financial information at the entry stage could create psychological barriers for tourists. There are also concerns that travelers may simply choose alternative destinations with fewer restrictions, especially as global tourism continues its recovery.

A tourism industry official noted that while there is broad agreement on the need to improve the quality of tourism, requiring visitors to submit bank account records could feel intrusive and place unnecessary pressure on travelers. The official added that such a rule could conflict with Bali’s long-standing image as an open and welcoming international destination. Privacy concerns and questions about how financial data would be handled have also been raised, though no detailed safeguards have yet been announced.

The Bali provincial government has stated that it will release further details on eligibility standards and implementation timelines at a later date. As discussions continue, analysts suggest that if the regulations are perceived as too restrictive, they could pose challenges for Bali’s tourism-dependent economy. For now, the proposal remains under review, but it has already ignited a wider conversation about how far destinations should go in controlling who gets to travel—and under what conditions.