In a significant move to manage its booming visitor numbers, the Indonesian province of Bali is set to introduce stricter entry requirements for international travellers. The new regulations will mandate tourists to demonstrate they possess sufficient financial means for their entire stay, a measure officials say is designed to foster "quality tourism."
What Does the New Proof of Funds Rule Entail?
According to a report by 9Travel, Bali's Governor, Wayan Koster, explained that authorities aim to ensure visitors can adequately support themselves financially during their trip. While proof of funds is already a standard requirement for certain formal visa categories, this will be a new stipulation for those applying for visas on arrival.
The Indonesian news agency Antara quoted the governor stating that the assessment will be part of a broader quality check. This includes reviewing the balance in a traveller's savings account over the preceding three months. Officials will also consider the planned duration of the stay and the visitor's itinerary.
Unlike some visa rules that specify a fixed minimum amount, Bali's new requirement will not have a universal financial threshold. Instead, the required amount will be determined individually, based on the length of the visit and the nature of the planned activities. Travellers should be prepared to present return flight tickets, detailed itineraries, and three months of bank statements during the verification process.
Why is Bali Implementing This Now?
The push for stricter checks comes as Bali experiences an unprecedented surge in tourism. The island recorded a historic high of 7.05 million international arrivals by air and 71,000 by sea in 2023. The post-pandemic travel boom has placed immense strain on local infrastructure, traffic systems, waste management, and the overall environmental sustainability of the popular destination.
Governor Koster emphasised that these measures are essential for the proper management of the island's tourism sector. He noted that similar financial checks are commonplace in many other countries. Addressing the challenges of over-tourism, he stated, requires patience and the implementation of stronger regulations to maintain control over the growing influx of visitors.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding in Indonesia
Separately, Indonesia is grappling with severe weather conditions. The country's weather agency has warned that the peak of the wet season for islands including Java, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua is expected in January and February, elevating the risk of floods.
This alert follows a tragic incident in North Sulawesi, where flash floods killed at least 14 people, as reported by Reuters. Other regions like Sumatra and Borneo saw their heaviest rainfall in November and December of last year.
The situation remains grim, recalling the devastation from last November when cyclones triggered floods and landslides in Sumatra, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities with hundreds still missing. Environmental groups have pointed out that deforestation from mining and logging activities has significantly worsened the impact of these natural disasters.
