United States and Indonesia Collaborate to Enhance Tourism in Bali with New Consular Office and Increased Support for American Visitors

Published on February 28, 2026

Image generated with Ai

The United States and Indonesia have come together to enhance tourism in Bali, marking a significant step in strengthening their bilateral relationship. This collaboration is highlighted by the opening of a new US Consular Office in Jimbaran, aimed at providing increased support for American visitors and residents in Bali. As Bali prepares to welcome over 7 million international tourists by 2026, with a growing number of American travelers, this new consular presence is expected to improve services, boost travel safety, and streamline the experience for US citizens on the island. By addressing concerns such as fraud and enhancing diplomatic support, the United States and Indonesia are working hand in hand to ensure that Bali remains a safe, attractive, and easily accessible destination for American tourists. This strengthened partnership underscores the importance of Bali as a key destination for both tourism and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.

During the visit, the US Ambassador also took the opportunity to inaugurate a new US Consular Agency Office in Jimbaran. The establishment of this new consular office is aimed at improving services for US citizens residing in or visiting Bali. In the past year, approximately 270,000 Americans traveled to Bali, with nearly 80% of American tourists choosing the island as their primary destination in Indonesia. The growing number of US tourists visiting Bali highlights the importance of ensuring adequate support and services for this demographic.

In light of this, the Ambassador confirmed that plans are underway to open a full US consulate in Bali, similar to those already established in Surabaya and Medan. This new consulate would operate alongside the US Embassy in Jakarta, offering a more localized presence to assist American citizens in Bali and facilitate stronger ties between the US and Indonesia, especially in terms of tourism and business relations.

Discussions between the Governor and the Ambassador also covered various issues impacting Bali, from crime prevention to the broader tourism industry. Ensuring the safety and security of foreign visitors is a primary concern for both local authorities and diplomatic representatives. Bali is a top tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors annually, so it is imperative that both governments work together to address safety issues and foster a welcoming environment for international tourists.

One key area of concern highlighted by the Ambassador was the issue of fraud and scams, particularly in Southeast Asia. He pointed out that neighboring countries such as Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia have been identified as hotspots for transnational fraud. In 2025, American tourists alone lost millions of dollars to various types of scams across the region. Bali, as one of the leading destinations in Southeast Asia, is not immune to these challenges. The Bali Traveler Safety Index, a tool that gauges safety concerns from tourists, currently stands at 83, with scams cited as the top issue in the past month.

The US government is committed to addressing these concerns and has pledged to continue strengthening its cooperation with the Indonesian National Police to combat fraud and other criminal activities. This collaboration is particularly focused on high-traffic tourist destinations, where both local authorities and foreign diplomats agree that greater vigilance and action are necessary to protect tourists and maintain Bali’s reputation as a safe travel destination.

Ambassador Haymond also discussed the potential for improving air connectivity between the United States and Bali. At present, there are no direct flights from the US to Bali, which can make travel more difficult for American tourists. However, the Ambassador expressed a keen interest in facilitating discussions with domestic airlines to help increase the number of flights between the US and Bali. This would make it easier for Americans to visit Bali and other popular destinations in Indonesia, further boosting tourism and enhancing bilateral relations.

Tourists traveling to Bali on US passports are also encouraged to apply for the eVisa on Arrival before embarking on their journey. The eVisa, which is suitable for tourism, social visits, and leisure trips, costs IDR 500,000 and can be extended for an additional 30 days while in Indonesia. This visa is available to tourists from more than 90 countries, including the US, and is considered the most appropriate option for short stays in Indonesia.

The collaboration between the US government and Bali’s local authorities signifies a positive step towards strengthening the tourism sector while ensuring the safety of international visitors. With the anticipated increase in American tourists, both the Governor and the Ambassador are keen to ensure that Bali remains a top destination that not only attracts tourists but also provides the necessary support to make their experience as smooth and secure as possible.

Bali’s tourism industry continues to thrive, and the efforts of both governments are expected to further enhance the island’s appeal as a major destination for international visitors, particularly from the United States. As Bali looks forward to a record-breaking influx of tourists in the coming years, ongoing improvements to infrastructure, safety measures, and diplomatic relations will play a key role in shaping the island’s future as a global travel hotspot.