Bali Rules for Tourists: The Official Do's, Don'ts and Fines

The short answer

Pay the IDR 150,000 tourist levy, dress modestly at temples and in public places, stay out of temples' inner sanctums unless you are praying, never climb shrines or sacred trees, do not step on offerings, avoid single-use plastic and litter, exchange money only at licensed changers, ride a scooter only with a valid license that covers motorbikes and a helmet, do not work on a tourist visa, and stay far away from drugs. Those points come straight from the Bali Governor's official guidelines for foreign tourists, Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025, which is still the rulebook the provincial government publishes in 2026.

The Governor's official do's and don'ts

Governor Wayan Koster announced Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025 in March 2025, updating the first list of 2023. The provincial government's Love Bali site and the Bali Tourism Office summarize it as follows.

Do:

• Respect sacred sites, statues and local customs, especially during ceremonies.
• Dress modestly and appropriately at temples, tourist attractions and public places.
• Behave politely in temples, restaurants, shops and on the road.
• Pay the tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person, online at lovebali.baliprov.go.id or on arrival.
• Use certified guides at cultural and natural sites.
• Exchange money only at licensed money changers.
• Hold a valid driving license, wear a helmet, obey traffic rules and never drive under the influence.
• Use licensed transport, rental and accommodation businesses.

Don't:

• Enter the inner and middle courtyards of temples unless you are praying in Balinese dress, or while menstruating.
• Climb sacred trees, shrines or monuments, or take nude or inappropriate photos at sacred sites.
• Litter or dump waste in rivers, lakes or the sea.
• Use single-use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, Styrofoam and drinks packaged in plastic.
• Swear, act aggressively or post hate speech or misinformation online.
• Work or run a business without the proper permits.
• Take part in illegal activity, including drugs and trade in endangered animals or sacred artifacts.

Bali's civil service police (Satpol PP) monitor compliance, and the Bali Police handle serious cases. Tourists who have not paid the levy can be refused entry at attractions.

Temples and dress

At every temple you need a sarong covering your legs and a sash tied around the waist, with shoulders covered. Big temples lend them at the gate. Do not sit or stand higher than a priest or offerings, do not point your feet at shrines, and ask before photographing people at prayer. In town, shirtless walking and bikinis away from the beach are frowned on, and riding shirtless can earn a traffic fine. Our temple etiquette guide covers everything in detail.

Scooters, licenses and traffic

You may ride a scooter only if you hold a valid license for motorbikes: your national license plus an International Driving Permit that includes the motorcycle category, or an Indonesian SIM C. A car-only license does not cover a scooter, and travel insurance usually will not pay out if you ride unlicensed. Police run regular checks in Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Kuta and Ubud, and they also check the bike's registration paper (STNK).

Under Indonesia's traffic law, riding without a license can be fined up to IDR 1 million and riding without a helmet up to IDR 250,000; on-the-spot fines are usually lower but can add up per offense. In November 2025, Bali Police formally advised foreigners without riding experience not to ride at all, after counting 142 accidents involving foreign nationals and 21 deaths in 2024. Our scooter rental guide and Gojek, Grab and driver guide explain the alternatives.

Drones

Drones are allowed for recreational use, but the rules are tighter than many visitors expect. Indonesia's aviation rules cap flights at 150 meters, ban flying near airports (a zone that covers much of south Bali around Ngurah Rai) and over government and military sites, and require registration for heavier drones. Never fly over temples or ceremonies without explicit permission from the temple; village security (pecalang) can stop you on the spot. Rules have changed several times, so check the latest requirements of Indonesia's Directorate General of Civil Aviation before you pack one.

Drugs

Indonesia has some of the world's harshest drug laws, and Bali is no exception. Possession can mean years in prison, and trafficking can carry the death penalty. Foreigners have been sentenced for small amounts, and a "harmless" offer from a stranger on the street is a common route to arrest. Cannabis, including CBD products, is illegal. Do not bring, buy or use anything.

The new criminal code in 2026

Indonesia's new Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023, often called KUHP Baru) came into force on January 2, 2026. The articles that made headlines abroad concern sex and cohabitation outside marriage:

• Article 411: sex between people who are not married to each other, punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to around IDR 10 million.
• Article 412: unmarried couples living together as husband and wife, up to six months in prison or the same fine.

Both are complaint-based offenses: police can act only on a formal complaint from a spouse, or, for unmarried people, a parent or child. Bali's governor and tourism authorities have repeatedly said there will be no checks on visitors' marital status, and hotels and villas are not required to ask for marriage certificates. In practice, this does not affect couples on holiday. The code also contains offenses around public decency, blasphemy and insulting state institutions, so keep behavior and social media posts respectful.

Fines, deportation and other rules to know

• Overstaying your visa: IDR 1 million per day, and longer overstays can mean detention and deportation. See our visa and arrival guide.
• Working on a tourist visa: grounds for deportation and an entry ban; digital work for clients abroad is a separate question covered in our digital nomad guide.
• Disrespecting sacred sites: viral cases of nude photos on sacred trees or dancing on shrines have ended in deportation, and sometimes a purification ceremony paid for by the offender.
• Nyepi: on the Day of Silence, Monday, March 8, 2027, everyone, visitors included, must stay inside their accommodation for 24 hours. Read our Nyepi guide.

None of this should put you off. Millions of visitors each year never come near these limits. Treat Bali as someone's home, which it is, and you will be welcomed.