Bali’s beaches, temples, nightlife, and scooter-filled roads all operate within Indonesian law, and the vacation atmosphere clearly does not create a legal exemption (however tempting that assumption may be). This guide covers alcohol, drugs, smoking, driving, cultural conduct, property, gambling, business, drones, and environmental responsibilities so you can enjoy the island without acquiring an unwanted appointment with the authorities.
The Basics Every Tourist Should Know
Bali Governor Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025 was announced on March 24, 2025. The official circular contains 13 obligations and eight prohibitions for foreign tourists. It supports the province’s goal of culture-based, high-quality, and dignified tourism.
Visitors must respect sacred places, dress appropriately, behave politely, use licensed accommodation and transportation, obey traffic rules, pay the tourist levy, and avoid unauthorized work. Prohibited conduct includes entering restricted temple areas, climbing sacred trees, littering, behaving aggressively, spreading hate speech or hoaxes, and participating in illegal trade.
What You Need to Know About Bali’s Laws
Bali’s Alcohol Laws
Alcohol may only be sold to consumers aged 21 or older. Purchase drinks from licensed retailers, hotels, restaurants, and bars. Avoid public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and driving after drinking. For a licensed gastropub setting, browse Our menu, check the Sports schedule, and book your seat at The Forge.
Bali’s Drug Laws
Indonesia treats drug offenses severely! Possession, use, production, importation, and trafficking can lead to long imprisonment, with the harshest penalties available for serious trafficking offenses (capital punishments might be applicable). Cannabis and THC products remain prohibited. Carry prescription medicine in its original packaging with supporting medical documents, and confirm its legal status before traveling.
Bali’s Smoking and Vape Laws
Bali has designated smoke-free areas covering healthcare facilities, schools, places of worship, public transportation, workplaces, and other public spaces. Local restrictions also apply across major tourist districts. Electronic cigarettes are regulated under Indonesia’s health framework, so follow posted signs and use designated smoking areas.
Bali’s Traffic Laws
Drivers and scooter riders need the appropriate valid license, including an international permit when required. Helmets, seat belts, registered vehicles, and roadworthy rentals are mandatory. Never ride under the influence or assume a rental company’s willingness to hand over keys proves that you are legally qualified.
Cultural, Religious, and Morality Laws
Wear appropriate clothing at temples, follow staff instructions, and never climb sacred structures or pose indecently at religious sites. Do not interrupt ceremonies or touch sacred objects Indonesia’s new Criminal Code took effect on January 2, 2026. Its adultery and cohabitation provisions are complaint-based and can only be initiated by specified close family members. Respectful public conduct remains the safest approach.
Property, Gambling, and Business
Foreign nationals cannot hold the same freehold land title available to Indonesian citizens. That does not mean foreigners cannot legally secure property rights in Bali, but the arrangement must follow an approved structure. Lawful options may include long-term leasehold agreements or qualifying right-to-use arrangements, depending on the buyer’s circumstances and intended use of the property. Informal nominee schemes, where an Indonesian citizen appears as the legal owner on behalf of a foreign buyer, should not be treated as an easy workaround. They can leave the foreign investor with little control or legal protection if the relationship breaks down, creating a serious risk of financial loss.
Gambling is also illegal in Indonesia, whether it takes place in a public venue, through an online betting platform, or during a private casino-style game. Tourists must also be careful about work and business activity.
A tourist visa does not permit someone to take a job, provide paid services, manage day-to-day commercial operations, or run a business while in the country. Even casual or short-term paid work can create immigration problems when it falls outside the conditions of the visa. Anyone planning to invest or conduct business must use the correct company structure and obtain the required permits and immigration status. These rules are enforced seriously, and violations can lead to fines, detention, deportation, or restrictions on returning to Indonesia.
Photography, Drones, and the Environment
Ask before photographing people or ceremonies. Drone flights are restricted around airports, controlled airspace, military sites, and other sensitive locations, and some operations require approval. Temples and private properties may impose additional rules.
Do not litter, damage coral, disturb wildlife, pollute waterways, or ignore restrictions on single-use plastics. Follow marked trails and local conservation instructions.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Consequences depend on the offense. A minor cultural mistake may lead to a warning or a request to apologize. More serious conduct can result in fines, detention, prosecution, deportation, and an entry ban. Drug offenses and violence toward police, immigration officers, or other officials carry especially serious risk!
Rules can change, so check official guidance before departure. Explore further Bali travel tips from The Forge, then arrive ready to enjoy the island with respect and a little legal common sense.
