Foreign tourists in Bali will soon be banned from using motorbikes after a series of traffic violations and accidents involving overseas travellers. Indonesian authorities will introduce a ban on foreigners renting motorbikes and instead suggest that they can hire cars from travel agents under a new proposal. The move follows the growing trend of scooters and motorcycles becoming popular among tourists. However, many tourists have been freewheeling without helmets, resulting in injuries, deaths and accidents. An estimated 171 foreign nationals were involved in violating traffic rules from late February to early March, according to the police records. The governor of the island of Bali, Wayan Koster, announced that foreigners would only be allowed to drive cars rented from travel agents under new guidelines. The government is also planning to revoke visas of tourists caught driving scooters and motorbikes on the Indonesian island.
Bali authorities have been concerned about the increased tourist influx of Russians and Ukrainians since Russia launched an all-out invasion on Ukraine in 2022. Balinese officials called for an end to Indonesia’s visa-on-arrival policy for Russian and Ukrainian citizens citing a rise in incidents involving inappropriate behaviour and visa overstays, as well as unauthorized work as hairdressers, tour guides, and taxi drivers. Australian tourists make up the largest group of visitors to Bali, while Russians and Ukrainians come in second and third, respectively. In 2022, over 7,000 Ukrainians sought refuge in Bali, while an additional 2,500 arrived in January 2023 alone. The new restrictions on motorbike rentals for foreign visitors are aimed at improving the safety of tourists and supporting the local tourism industry.
