New visitor regulations for Komodo National Park (2026 update)

If you’re planning a dive trip to Komodo in 2026, there’s an important new regulation to be aware of. From February 2026, the Komodo National Park Authority has introduced a daily visitor cap of 1,000 people per day, covering all areas and activities within the park — including diving, snorkelling and land visits.

This new limit applies across the entire national park, including Komodo Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach and all surrounding dive sites. While the move is designed to better manage visitor numbers and protect this unique marine and terrestrial environment, it does mean that planning ahead is now more important than ever.

• Visitor numbers to Komodo National Park are now limited to 1,000 per day
• The cap applies to all activities, including diving, snorkelling and island visits
• Park entry must be booked and paid in advance
• Passport copies are required to secure permits and entry tickets
• Operators will pre-purchase park tickets to guarantee access
• Guests can then reimburse park fees locally (normally in IDR cash)
• Last-minute permits may not be available under the new system

With daily visitor numbers restricted, all park entries must now be secured in advance. Liveaboards and dive resorts are required to pre-book and prepay park permits to guarantee access for their guests. To complete this process, operators are required to submit passport details for each visitor when confirming bookings.

This means that guests will typically be asked to provide a clear copy or photo of their passport at the time of booking. Once permits are secured and prepaid on your behalf, park fees are usually reimbursed locally on arrival, often in Indonesian rupiah (IDR) cash depending on the operator.

Most importantly, without advance documentation and payment, park entry cannot be guaranteed. Last-minute arrangements — previously sometimes possible — are now far less likely under the new system.

Komodo remains one of the world’s most exciting diving destinations, known for its powerful currents, manta ray encounters, vibrant reefs and exceptional biodiversity. These new regulations will hopefully have a positive impact on preserving Komodo's incredible natural environment, and they mean early planning and confirmation are now essential.

Booking well in advance, sending passport details in advance and allowing your operator time to secure permits will help ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. For peak travel periods and popular liveaboards especially, securing park entry early will be just as important as securing your cabin or resort room.

If you’re planning a Komodo liveaboard or resort stay in 2026 or beyond, our team can guide you through the updated process, secure the necessary permits and ensure everything is arranged well ahead of your arrival — so you can focus on enjoying some of Indonesia’s very best diving.