As Bali cracks down on bad tourist behaviour, here are the dos and don’ts you should know
Bali is cracking down on bad behaviour from foreign tourists, amid a recent spate of visitor misconduct and immigration breaches.
Just last week, a 27-year-old Australian man was arrested by Balinese authorities, after CCTV footage of an alleged public sex act went viral. Now, a number of dos and don’ts have been outlined for prospective visitors to the Indonesian island.
Bali is cracking down on tourist misconduct. Getty
Police and Immigration authorities alleged the Australian and an unidentified woman – also believed to be a tourist – were shown engaging in inappropriate conduct next to a residential property in Tibubeneng village, North Kuta.
In a separate incident this month, a Swiss tourist was sentenced to one year in prison for mocking the island’s sacred Day of Silence.
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, was sentenced by a Bali court after posting Instagram videos filmed during Nyepi, a Hindu tradition observed in March. Despite warnings from accommodation staff, he posted footage that contained profane remarks about Nyepi restrictions.
These arrests came amid a wider crackdown on foreign nationals, with Bali immigration authorities deporting 342 foreigners in the first six months of 2026.
The incidents in question predominantly involved visa overstays or misuse – but also targeted breaches of local customs and public-order rules.
Indonesia’s new criminal code, known as the KUHP, officially took effect on January 2, 2026, replacing a Dutch colonial-era framework that had been in place for over 80 years.
Residents have complained about an increase in illegal work and visitors ignoring local customs in recent times, so how should holidaymakers behave to get the best out of Bali?
Morality and Personal conduct
Holidays come with a desire to unwind, however, Indonesian law enforcement implores visitors to respect legal boundaries.
There are a number of rules and local customs to abide by when visiting Bali. iStock
Illicit substances
The combination of tropical sun, testosterone and illicit substances can create volatile situations Balinese authorities must contend with daily.
Per Bali Villa Hub, small amounts for personal use can result in prison terms ranging from one to four years, alongside heavy fines or potential court-ordered rehabilitation.
Intent to distribute carries more severe sentences of five to 15 years, while large-scale trafficking, smuggling or importing drugs can result in 10 years to life imprisonment – or, in serious cases, the death penalty.
Foreign visitors detained under Indonesia’s drug rules enter a criminal process that treats them the same as Indonesian nationals – and while early legal support and consular notification can improve outcome, it does not guarantee leniency (or accelerate the process).
Premarital sex is now punishable by law, but international tourists are not required to verify marital status while in Bali. iStock
Premarital sex
The new code outlines laws against premarital sex, which is now punishable by up to one year in prison.
However, the Bali Tourism Authority and the Indonesian Ministry of Law have issued formal guarantees to maintain ‘holidaying as usual’ for the tourism sector.
These officials confirm there are no new requirements for accommodation providers to verify marital status or request marriage certificates upon check-in.
Indonesia's controversial sex laws will not affect foreign tourists visiting Bali, officials have confirmed. Getty
Behaviour
Antisocial conduct is frowned upon in Bali, with anything from swearing, causing public disturbances, or spreading hate speech and false information online coming with heavy penalties.
Influencers/Working Tourists
Authorities are strictly enforcing rules against working or earning money on a standard tourist visa, with a dedicated immigration task force closely monitoring online content.
Creating commercial content, making sponsored posts or trading content for free food and lodging without a proper work visa can lead to fines, detention and, in some instances, deportation.
Visas on Arrival (VOA) and standard tourist visas are strictly for holidays.
Cultural and Public Order
Religious sites
Local authorities have ramped up deportations and penalties for tourists who disrespect religious sites, public-order rules or local traditions.
Overseas visitors are prohibited from entering the inner sanctums of temples unless actively worshipping in traditional attire.
Entry while menstruating, posing nude or climbing on sacred trees, monuments or holy structures is also strictly forbidden.
Environmental violations
Littering in public areas, oceans, rivers or lakes is illegal, and the use of single-use plastics is also prohibited.
Bali also enforces strict penalties for those who disrespect local wildlife, per Your Happiness Tours.
Feeding or touching marine life, buying animal souvenirs made unethically or supporting banned attractions such as elephant riding can result in being slapped with a hefty fine, or facing deportation.
Transport/licensing
Tourists are allowed to drive in Bali, however they must: Hold a valid international or national license, wear a helmet, follow road signs, avoid overloading vehicles, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Tourists are also expected to use only officially registered vehicles from licensed rental services.
