Bali 2026: What Muslim Travellers Need to Know About New Entry Rules and Tourism Policies

Bali has long been one of the world’s most beloved destinations, offering stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and rich cultural experiences. But starting in 2026, visitors, especially international travellers, will notice new entry rules and stricter screening measures aimed at keeping the island safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone.

Also read: 12 Hidden Gem Spots for Cheap Souvenirs in Bali: A Guide for Muslim Travellers

Stricter entry requirements for visitors

Image credit: Luke Robin Way| Canva Pro

The Bali provincial government, under Governor Wayan Koster, is introducing policies that require foreign tourists to show proof of financial capacity, a review of recent savings, and detailed travel plans before entering the island. Authorities will also assess how long visitors plan to stay and the activities they intend to do.

For Muslim travellers, this is particularly relevant if you’re planning extended stays or halal-friendly itineraries, such as visiting mosques, enjoying halal dining, or exploring cultural sites like Ubud’s rice terraces. Having a clear plan and proof of funds will now be a part of your travel preparation, helping ensure a smooth entry.

Why Bali is making these changes

Image credit: Valeriia Miller | Canva Pro

Bali’s tourism has been booming. By 2025, the island welcomed 7.05 million international visitors, surpassing the 6.3 million arrivals in 2024. While this growth has boosted the economy, it has also created challenges: incidents of unruly tourist behaviour, violations of local laws, and strain on local authorities.

Instead of limiting tourist numbers outright, Bali is focusing on screening and clear guidelines to encourage responsible travel while preserving the island’s beauty and culture. For Muslim travellers, this means respecting local customs, dressing modestly at religious sites, and following regulations around transportation and activities.

Tourist levy: Supporting culture and environment

Image credit: Dewa Jago | Canva Pro

Since early 2024, Bali has introduced a foreign tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah (~S$11.50) per visitor. In 2025, the island collected approximately 369 billion rupiah (~SS$31 million) from the levy. These funds go toward cultural preservation and environmental protection, ensuring that Bali’s temples, mosques, beaches, and forests are maintained for future visitors.

For Muslim families or solo travellers seeking halal-friendly experiences, this levy contributes indirectly to keeping sacred sites, prayer spaces, and community areas accessible and well-maintained.

Enhanced immigration and law enforcement

Image credit: Platongkoh | Canva Pro

To keep tourism safe, Bali has launched a new Immigration Task Force deployed in major tourist areas. Officers now wear body cameras to ensure accountability while monitoring compliance with local laws.

Guidelines for visitors include:

• Dress codes at religious sites (modest attire is required at mosques and temples)

• Restrictions on motorbike rentals for safety

• Strict visa overstay penalties, now ranging up to 20 years or life imprisonment in severe cases

Between November and December 2024, 607 foreigners were deported and 303 detained nationwide, with numbers rising sharply in 2025 to 2,669 deportations and 2,009 detentions. Bali accounted for a notable portion, emphasising the importance of following rules and respecting local customs.

A high-profile case in December 2024 involved a British adult content creator detained for producing material deemed disruptive to public order, and later banned from Indonesia for 10 years. While extreme, this illustrates the seriousness of Bali’s approach to maintaining cultural harmony.

Also read: 11 Popular Halal Culinary Gems in Denpasar, Bali You Absolutely Need to Try

What this means for Muslim travellers

Image credit: Odua Images | Canva Pro

For Muslim travellers, Bali remains a welcoming and enriching destination. With these new measures:

• Plan your itinerary in advance, including halal food stops and mosque visits.

• Prepare financial documentation, especially for longer stays.

• Respect local customs, particularly modest dress at religious sites and public behaviour.

• Stay informed on visa rules to avoid overstays.

By following the rules and embracing responsible travel, Muslim visitors can enjoy Bali’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant food scene, while supporting sustainability and community well-being.