Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Indonesia has joined forces with Spain, Japan, Greece, Thailand, Ecuador, and Italy in implementing rigorous new regulations designed to address growing concerns over disruptive tourist behavior, unsustainable travel volumes, and their impact on cultural and environmental integrity. Facing escalating issues such as cultural disrespect, overcrowding, environmental degradation, and infrastructure strain, these nations are collectively enforcing strict behavioral guidelines, travel restrictions, and compulsory visitor fees to promote responsible tourism, protect local heritage, and maintain the long-term sustainability of their popular tourist destinations.

Indonesia, especially on its globally renowned island of Bali, has recently intensified measures to address increasing issues caused by disruptive visitors. Throughout the early months of 2025, Indonesian authorities reported deporting approximately 130 foreign tourists due to various offenses. Visitors from Russia and the United States were disproportionately represented among those expelled, indicating a significant behavioral issue among tourists from these nations.

Local officials have made clear that tolerance for disruptive behavior, such as theft, harassment, disrespectful actions at religious sites, and dangerous road practices, has reached its limits. To respond effectively, Bali’s government has introduced a robust set of regulations aimed at curbing misbehavior and protecting the island’s cultural heritage.

Among the new regulations implemented by Indonesian authorities, visitors must now follow explicit guidelines governing their behavior, especially around sacred cultural and religious sites. For instance, modest attire is compulsory for tourists visiting temples, requiring them to cover their shoulders and knees. Access to certain sacred spaces will be strictly regulated, and disrespectful actions or unauthorized entry will incur severe penalties, including deportation.

Moreover, visitors will be issued comprehensive guideline cards upon arrival detailing acceptable behavior and expectations, including dress codes and traffic regulations. Tourists must have valid international or local driving licenses to operate vehicles on the island, wear helmets, and follow all local road regulations. Violations, previously overlooked or treated leniently, will now be rigorously enforced.

As part of this comprehensive approach, Indonesia introduced a compulsory visitor levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately $10 USD) for every foreign tourist visiting Bali. This fee, payable through the official online “Love Bali” platform, aims to offset some of the financial strain placed on local infrastructure due to increasing tourist volumes. Additionally, some local communities and activists have suggested further raising this levy in the future to attract a more responsible, high-value type of visitor.

Indonesia’s new initiatives closely align with similar strategies implemented in other tourist-dependent nations. Spain, experiencing intense overtourism pressures, has taken dramatic measures. Barcelona has implemented tougher restrictions on short-term rental accommodations, increased tourism taxes, and set limits on cruise ship arrivals. Similarly, the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands have rolled out visitor levies, halted certain tourism promotions, and established regulations to preserve their delicate environments.

Japan, facing its own surge in tourists, now restricts daily visitors to key cultural sites like Mount Fuji and has begun imposing fines for disrespectful acts, including unauthorized photography in culturally sensitive areas of Kyoto. Meanwhile, Greece has also introduced mandatory levies on cruise visitors to popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos, aiming to regulate visitor flow and preserve local communities.

Ecuador, known globally for the fragile ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands, maintains stringent visitor guidelines, strictly prohibiting interference with wildlife and imposing a substantial entry tax intended for environmental conservation. Thailand reinstated requirements for tourists to provide financial documentation, ensuring that visitors entering the country have sufficient resources and discouraging lower-quality tourism.

In Italy, efforts to curb overtourism and protect historical heritage have led to visitor fees in Venice and strict rules regarding behavior near iconic monuments in Rome, with fines imposed for disrespectful conduct or damage to heritage sites.

To enforce these new regulations effectively, Bali has significantly boosted its monitoring capabilities by deploying dedicated tourism police units. These officials patrol popular tourist spots, including Seminyak, Canggu, and Kuta, ensuring compliance with dress codes, traffic regulations, and respectful conduct. Such direct enforcement, supported by clear penalties and prompt deportations, aims to rapidly reduce disruptive tourist behaviors.

Tourism is undeniably essential to Bali’s economy, generating between 60% to 70% of the region’s GDP. However, the intense influx of tourists has created substantial social and environmental challenges, from traffic congestion to environmental degradation. These pressures have compelled Indonesian authorities to reassess and restructure the tourism model fundamentally.

The objective of Indonesia’s collaboration with other major global destinations is clear: achieving sustainability while protecting local culture and livelihoods. By coordinating their efforts, these countries are sending a unified message to international travelers—enjoyment of their unique destinations comes with clear responsibilities.

Indonesia has teamed up with Spain, Japan, Greece, Thailand, Ecuador, and Italy to implement strict tourist behavior regulations, visitor fees, and travel restrictions, aiming to curb disruptive tourism and protect local culture and sustainability.

Indonesia’s enhanced regulatory framework represents a powerful global trend towards sustainable tourism management. Visitors are now encouraged to respect local cultures, preserve natural habitats, and adhere strictly to established rules. Authorities believe these measures will ultimately create a more enjoyable, safe, and culturally rich experience for tourists while preserving the integrity and authenticity of beloved destinations for future generations.

Through combined global efforts, Indonesia, alongside Spain, Japan, Greece, Thailand, Ecuador, and Italy, hopes to redefine international tourism. By prioritizing responsibility and sustainability, these nations seek to secure long-term benefits for both travelers and their host communities, shaping tourism as a mutually respectful and rewarding exchange.