Bali Celebrated As In Demand Travel Destination As US Ambassador Visits
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This week, Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, received an audience with the US Ambassador to Indonesia, Peter Haymond, at his offices in Denpasar.
The pair discussed international relations, public safety, business, and tourism. Bali is set to welcome more than 7 million international tourists in 2026, and an increasing number of these visitors are American.
During his visit to Bali, Ambassador Haymond also opened the new US Consular Agency Office in Jimbaran.
The decision to open a new consular office was made to help improve services for its US citizens on the Island of the Gods. Ambassador Haymond noted that approximately 270,000 Americans visited Bali last year, and 80% of all American tourists to Indonesia chose Bali as their primary destination.
Ambassador Haymond confirmed plans to open a full consulate in Bali, similar to those in Surabaya and Medan, alongside the United States Embassy in Jakarta.
The Ambassador and Governor discussed everything from crime to tourism and focused on strengthening the relationship to better support and protect US citizens visiting and living in Bali.
Ambassador Haymond emphasized to Governor Koster that the majority of Americans visiting Bali are law-abiding tourists. He cited concerns about fraud and scams in Southeast Asia. He noted neighboring countries like Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia as examples of transnational fraud hotspots, resulting in significant losses, including for Americans, who lost up to millions to scams last year.
This rings true to our experience in Bali here at The Bali Sun, and to the experiences of tourists who have contributed to the Bali Traveler Safety Index. The index currently sits at 83, and tourists have cited scams as the most common safety concern in the last month.
Ambassador Haymond told Governor Koster that the United States government will continue to strengthen cooperation efforts with the Indonesian National Police to eradicate these kinds of crimes, particularly in top tourist destinations.
As a result of Ambassador Haymond, there could be an improvement in connectivity between the US and Bali. At present, there are no direct flights to Bali from the United States territories, but Ambassador Haymond told Governor Koster that he wants to help boost the number of American tourists visiting Bali and other leading destinations in Indonesia, and will coordinate with domestic airlines.
He told reporters, “We’re happy to communicate with US companies and various airlines, not only to make travel easier, especially given the long journey. We’re very interested in helping as many US citizens as possible come to Bali.”
He added, “They come to experience the beauty of Balinese culture and its rich traditions.. They represent the American population vacationing abroad and wanting to see world-famous tourist destinations, including Bali.”
Tourists traveling on a US passport visiting Bali can apply for the eVisa on Arrival prior to traveling to Bali.
Like tourists from more than 90 nations, this is the most appropriate visa for visiting Indonesia for vacations, travel, social, and leisure trips. The visa costs IDR 500,000 and can be extended once in Indonesia for a further 30 days.
The eVisa on Arrival can be applied for via the Official Indonesia eVisa website. It is important that tourists answer the questions on the screen accurately to confirm whether the eVisa on Arrival is the most appropriate visa for the activities they intend to take part in during their time in Bali.
It remains the case that all international tourists visiting Bali must also pay their Bali Tourism Tax Levy fee.
This is a one-time fee of IDR 150,000, payment of which can be made via the LoveBali website or app, or at the designated counter at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, on arrival or prior to departure.
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