International governments have issued travel warnings to their citizens amidst reports of rising crime rates in Bali.
This week, both the South Korean Embassy and the US Travel Advice Bureau have issued updated travel advice for tourists traveling to Indonesia.
The South Korean Embassy has urged tourists to be more vigilant while traveling to tourism hotspots in Indonesia, like Bali. The statement issued by the travel advice board explained: “Due to the recent increase in serious crimes targeting foreigners in popular tourist areas such as Jimbaran, Seminyak, and Canggu in the Bali region, we urge citizens visiting Bali to pay attention to their personal safety.”
The embassy cited a series of major crimes against foreigners in Bali in the year to date, including serious assaults and murder.
Data from the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights shows a steadily increasing trend in visits from South Korean tourists. From January to February 2026, 51,108 South Korean tourists visited the province. There is also increasing interest in travel to South Korea by Indonesian nationals.
In response to the upgraded travel safety warning from the South Korean Embassy, Bali’s Governor Koster told reporters that it was a standard response and that there was no need for specific intervention by provincial leaders. He explained, “It’s safe, it’s been handled by the Regional Police.”
Governor Koster added, “Just leave the travel warning in place for now; the situation will improve on its own.”
The situation has even prompted the Bali Police to issue an official statement. The Bali Police have shared “Following a productive coordination with the Consulate of the Republic of Korea, we would like to clarify that the recent information circulating on social media regarding a “travel ban” is incorrect. The Consulate has confirmed that the announcement was a routine safety advisory, not a restriction on visiting our beautiful island.”
Adding The Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors. Through enhanced patrols (KRYD) and a priority focus on public security, we are dedicated to maintaining the “Island of the Gods” as a peaceful destination for the world to enjoy.”
The Bali Police Concluded “We invite all international travelers to explore Bali with peace of mind. Let’s continue to respect local customs and follow the laws to keep Bali beautiful and safe for everyone. In case of emergency, contact the Police Call Center: 110”
It is not only the South Korean Embassy that has increased its travel warning level in recent days, but the US Travel Advice Bureau too. The warning was upgraded following the 7.4 earthquake on 2nd April in North Maluku.
A tsunami alert warning was triggered, but it was quickly stood down, though guidance from the US Embassy in Jakarta stated that coastal areas in the affected region should be avoided.
The earthquake on 2nd April did not impact Bali; however, some seismic activity in Indonesia is prompting leaders in Bali to be on standby.
Over the weekend, Mount Semeru in East Java erupted nine times, shooting ash clouds upwards of 1km into the air. The increasingly active volcano stands at 3,676m and first started erupting on Saturday morning at 2.07 am, with the first ash cloud reaching 700m above the peak.
Since Indonesia sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, the risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions is an ever-present threat that tourists must take into consideration when planning and organising trips to the region.
In terms of safety in Bali, the island remains safe and welcoming to tourists. Though we here at The Bali Sun have also noted an increase in the number of reports of unsafety from travelers in the last week.
Our Traveler Safety Index, created with our team over at Travel Off Path, is a real-time feedback generator that creates safety scores based on reports from real travelers. This week, an increase in the number of reports of scamming increased, bringing the overall safety score rating from a stable 84 to an ‘elevated’ 77.
✅ VOTE RECORDED
The Bali Sun Traveler Safety Index monitors feedback from tourists and includes checks for incidents of scams, theft, armed robbery, assault, harassment, discrimination, drugs, transport issues, civil unrest, and active conflict.
By far the most common safety reports from Bali tourists are scams. An issue that the local government is working to tackle, especially in terms of money exchange scams, which have long been prevalent on the island.
It is important for tourists and travelers planning on visiting any area of Indonesia, including Bali, to take out fully comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking their trip.
Travel insurance can provide cover in the event of travel disruptions due to natural disasters or global unrest, and medical support in the event of an emergency.
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