Bali has always been one of the easiest and most welcoming destinations in the world for international travelers. But recently, a new question has started circulating online:
Is Bali planning to require tourists or foreign residents to have a minimum amount of money in the bank?
Some headlines suggest this could affect everyday tourism. Others claim it will only apply to long-term residents. The reality sits somewhere in between — and understanding it properly matters if you’re planning a trip or considering living in Bali long-term.
Here’s what is actually being discussed, what already exists, and what may realistically change in the future.
Is Bali Planning a “Proof of Funds” Rule for Tourists?
Yes — Bali’s provincial government has publicly discussed a future policy that could require foreign visitors to show proof of sufficient funds.
The proposal is part of Bali’s broader vision of promoting what local officials often call “quality tourism.” The idea is to ensure visitors can support themselves during their stay and reduce problems linked to overstaying, illegal work, or public disturbances.
What’s important to understand is that:
- This proposal is not active law
- It is discussed as a future policy, often mentioned in relation to 2026
- No official minimum amount of money has been finalized
- No enforcement mechanism has been announced
At the moment, it remains a draft concept, not a rule that travelers need to comply with today.
Does This Apply to Normal Tourism Right Now?
No.
If you are visiting Bali as a tourist today:
- You are not required to show a bank statement at arrival
- There is no minimum balance check at immigration
- Visa on Arrival procedures remain unchanged
There has been no announcement that casual tourists arriving for holidays, honeymoons, or short stays are being screened for their bank balance.
At present, this discussion is about possible future regulation, not a change that affects current travel plans.
Why Are People Confused? Because Proof of Funds Already Exists
A major reason this topic feels alarming is because Indonesia already requires proof of funds for some visa types.
For certain visas, applicants must submit:
- A recent bank statement
- Evidence that they can financially support themselves during their stay
This is already standard practice for many countries worldwide and is not unique to Indonesia.
What Bali is discussing is not inventing proof of funds from scratch, but possibly extending or reinforcing financial checks as part of its tourism strategy in the future.
What About Foreign Residents Living in Bali?
For foreigners who want to live in Bali long-term, financial requirements already exist depending on the visa pathway.
Some long-stay or residency-style visas are designed specifically for financially independent foreigners or investors. These visas can require:
- Significant savings
- Investment commitments
- Proof of long-term financial stability
This means the idea that “foreign residents need money in the bank” is already true for certain visas, but it is not a blanket rule for everyone living in Bali.
Short-term visitors and many common stay permits are not affected by these higher thresholds.
Could This Become Reality in the Future?
Possibly — but with important limitations.
Immigration and entry requirements in Indonesia are handled at the national level, not purely by provincial governments. That means any Bali-specific financial screening would need to align with national immigration systems.
If a proof-of-funds policy is eventually introduced, it may:
- Be applied selectively
- Be linked to visa applications rather than airport checks
- Focus on longer stays rather than short holidays
Draft policies also often change significantly before becoming law — or never become law at all.
What Should Travelers Do (Without Overthinking It)?
If you’re planning to visit Bali in the coming years, the safest approach is simple and stress-free:
- Travel with access to your bank app or statement
- Have accommodation and onward travel details ready
- Stay informed closer to your travel date
Most travelers already meet any reasonable “proof of funds” expectation without even trying.
The Bottom Line
There is no current law requiring tourists in Bali to show a minimum bank balance.
Bali has discussed a future proposal that could involve proof of sufficient funds as part of its quality tourism strategy, but:
- It is not active
- It is not finalized
- It does not affect normal tourism today
For foreign residents, financial requirements already exist for certain long-term visas — and that has been the case for years.
For now, Bali remains open, accessible, and welcoming — exactly as travelers know it.
