Rules to remember
| Topic | What the sources say (FCDO, 26 October 2026) | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Drugs | Possession, use, making or trafficking: long prison sentences or the death penalty; zero tolerance | Very high |
| Cannabis, CBD | Illegal in all forms, including medical, CBD, THC, vapes and edibles | Very high |
| Checks | Urine or blood test possible if police suspect use; a positive result leads to arrest; frequent raids on venues popular with foreigners, especially in Bali | High |
| Alcohol | Drinks can be stronger than in the UK; counterfeit methanol spirits have caused deaths; in Aceh alcohol is banned under Sharia (public caning) | Health, arrest in Aceh |
| Cohabitation and sex outside marriage | The new criminal code sets penalties on complaint by certain close family; the advice gives neither an entry-into-force date nor penalties | Unlikely for a tourist, per 2022 official statements reported by the press |
| Protected animals | Buying, selling, killing, capturing or trading parts of protected animals without a licence is illegal: prison and fines | High |
| Tourist levy | IDR 150,000 (about £8) for foreigners arriving in Bali, payable online or on arrival | Low: see visa and tourist levy |
| Day of silence (Nyepi) | Every year in March: stay indoors, lights off, airport closed all day | Compliance expected |
What the sources did not confirm
The UK advice does not cover drones, photos of military or official buildings, vaping, exporting antiques or dress. For drones, see drone rules in Bali: guides disagree. For the rest, contact the Indonesian embassy in your country. In temples, wear a sarong and sash, and do not climb on sacred structures.
Protect yourself
Never carry anything for a stranger, refuse "free samples" in nightlife venues and avoid cocktails of doubtful origin: see scams and safety in Bali. Insurance with legal and medical assistance is useful: travel insurance for Bali. The day of silence is detailed in Bali public holidays 2027.
FAQ
What is the penalty for cannabis in Bali? The UK advice speaks of long prison sentences or the death penalty for drugs in general and does not break it down by product: take no risk.
Is CBD allowed? No: CBD is cited as illegal, including in vapes.
Do I need to be married to share a room? The new code applies only on complaint by relatives; officials said in 2022 tourists would not be targeted, but that is not a guarantee.
