Share this article
Last updated 2 minutes ago
Known for its beautiful rice terraces, Jumanji-like jungles dotted with sleepy ancient villages, and turquoise waters, Bali is a bucket list destination for any adventurous traveller, but there’s one little caveat: it’s one of the most restrictive travel destinations in Asia.
The island is known for its strict laws regarding tourism and visitor monitoring, and although most people come here just for the sun, sand and fun, they are still subject to regulations and prohibitions that don’t usually apply elsewhere.
Recently, authorities have taken this a step further by adding three more rules, and tourists who don’t follow them could find themselves in hot water, whether they realize it or not.
1. New tourist tax
Bali already has one of the strictest policies in Asia when it comes to foreign tourists: Americans, for example, cannot freely fly into the island and must buy a $35 tourist visa on arrival unless exempt.
That’s probably a negligible amount if you’re already shelling out thousands of dollars to fly from the US to Bali, but there are still plenty of Asian countries that Americans can travel to without a visa and without any additional paperwork.
Instead, the $35 visa is a bit of a hassle, especially when there are long lines of people waiting to buy one at Denpasar International Airport, but you should know that this is not the only “tax” imposed on foreign tourists: starting this year, tourists will have to pay an additional $10.
The so-called foreign tourist tax was enacted to protect Bali’s culture and environment and improve the island’s security and infrastructure, but contrary to popular belief, it is not included in visa fees.
Tourists can pay the tax through the Love Bali website or app and should not be surprised if they are stopped by a QR code while travelling around the island, and the tourism department has already confirmed that tourist police will carry out random checks at popular beach spots.
Unfortunately, not many tourists know about this new tax, which was only introduced in February and will only be paid by 5,000 foreigners per day. Luckily, no fines have been announced for non-compliance, but visitors without a QR code will have to pay on the spot if checked.
2. Deportation for violating traffic laws
The second update is more significant as it directly affects guests who rent cars and motorbikes in Bali: foreigners who do not comply with the island’s traffic laws will not only be subject to fines, but in serious cases, may also face criminal charges and deportation.
For those unfamiliar with the term, deportation means being removed from the country you are in and sent back to your country of origin, potentially with restrictions that prevent you from ever returning, depending on the severity of the crime.
Bali has a relatively high incidence of collisions among tourists, who tend to forget that in Bali (like the British) they drive on the left side of the road and get into accidents. Recently, the Bali Sun reported that a 22-year-old European tourist was killed after being hit by a bus while driving the wrong way.
According to Immigration Superintendent Safar Godam, even if the infraction was minor, tourists who receive a driving ticket could be subject to deportation because they have “violated existing laws and regulations,” which are a prerequisite for obtaining a tourist visa.
Local laws are known to be much stricter than those in the United States and Europe.
Foreigners who are not Balinese nationals and are on the island only as tourists must accept any punishment the authorities deem appropriate, including fines, imprisonment and remedial measures.
Needless to say, when renting a car or motorbike in Bali, you should make sure you have full insurance and a valid international driving license. As Godam himself stated, 159 foreigners have been deported from Bali so far this year for various reasons.
3. Locals might report you for cheating
Finally, a third bill has been tabled that is generating quite a bit of controversy. Long title, but bear with me… The Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights has formally requested locals to report “any and all cases” of misconduct by foreigners.
You read that correctly. As Bali San confirmed, “misbehaving” according to local guidance and traditions could land you in trouble with the authorities and, depending on the severity of your actions, you could be punished… you guessed it.
Now, it’s not that we don’t know what “bad behavior” specifically means, but it’s also true that certain behaviors that would be considered normal, or at best tolerated, in the West, like drinking alcohol, shouting in public, and using various drugs, can be criminal offenses in Bali.
For example, under laws governing religious practice, women who are currently menstruating are strongly advised to refrain from entering temples, and taking photographs in “indiscreet” poses in sacred places or climbing certain sacred trees is also considered “disrespectful.”
A comprehensive list of what tourists are expected to do while in Bali can be found in the Instagram post below.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that their top priority is maintaining national sovereignty and providing a “sense of security” to Balinese people, and that they will “not hesitate” to take firm action against foreigners, regardless of nationality, who violate the rules.
Familiarize yourself with local laws before you visit
Bali is a beautiful island with abundant nature, a fascinating ancient culture and friendly locals who are happy to help you if you need them. They are very hospitable but please do not disrespect their centuries-old traditions.
Beyond the recent updates, Western tourists will be reminded that Indonesia has very strict laws regarding drug use, reserving the death penalty for drug-related offences that are treated in a much more light manner in the US and Europe.
Bali has a zero-tolerance attitude towards foreigners breaking the law, and being a U.S. citizen does not protect you from serious criminal prosecution, so make sure you obey the law.
That being said, Bali is an ultra-popular holiday destination that welcomes millions of Westerners every year, and most tourists adhere to and respect local customs, returning home with only fond memories of the place. To be honest, that’s not too much to ask.
↓Make your trip more enjoyable↓
Sign up for Travel Off Path Premium today! No ads, VIP content, personal travel concierge, huge savings, daily deals, member forums, and more!
✈️Join the Travel Off Path community forum, where travelers can come together to ask questions, share experiences, and find like-minded travel buddies.
Subscribe for the latest posts
Enter your email address and get the latest travel news from Travel Off Path delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or any other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
