You Need to Know About Bali Tourist Tax Before Visit, Effective Starting This Year
Planning a trip to Bali? There’s a new tourist tax you need to be aware of that aims to protect the island’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
If you’re wondering, “Do you have to pay a tourist tax in Bali?” or “Is there an exit tax to leave Bali?”, this guide will walk you through all the details. Here’s what you should know before heading to the Island of the Gods.
The New Bali Tourist Levy: What Is It?
Starting from 2024, all international tourists visiting Bali are required to pay a Bali Tourist Levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately $10-15 USD). This tax is not just another fee but an initiative aimed at preserving the island’s rich cultural traditions and its delicate natural environment.
The funds raised through this levy will go towards conservation efforts, cultural preservation, and improving infrastructure to support the growing number of visitors.
The tax is mandatory and applies to all international tourists, including cruise passengers. Yes, even those who are only stopping over for a short visit must pay this levy. The levy must be paid only once per visit, and there are no additional exit taxes when leaving Bali.
Wondering, "Is there a fee to enter Bali?" The answer is yes, and it’s important to pay it before your arrival. Tourists can settle the payment via the official LoveBali website (https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/home) or through registered service providers. The most convenient option is to pay online before your trip, which can save you time and hassle when you land at Bali’s busy airports or ports.
Here’s a quick guide on how to pay the tax:
1. Visit the LoveBali website (https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/home) or use the mobile app.
2. Enter your passport details and select your preferred payment method (credit card, bank transfer, virtual account, etc.).
3. After submitting your payment, you’ll receive a voucher with a QR code via email.
4. Present this QR code upon arrival in Bali to show that you’ve already settled the fee.
If you prefer, you can also pay the tax upon arrival at designated kiosks in Bali’s airports or ports. However, keep in mind that this can be time-consuming, and long queues are common, so online payment is highly recommended.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Bali Tourist Tax?
Ignoring the levy isn't a good idea. According to Bali immigration rules, if you don’t pay the tax, you might face consequences. Your passport number could be reported to the authorities, potentially affecting your ability to enter or leave Bali. There have also been discussions about spot checks at popular tourist attractions, and those found without proof of payment may be fined or face legal penalties.
Additionally, hotels, tour operators, and other tourist services are expected to assist in reminding tourists to pay the levy during their stay. If you refuse to pay, you could be reported to local immigration authorities, which might complicate your travel plans.
Exemptions from the Bali Tourist Levy
While the Bali tourist levy applies to most visitors, there are specific exemptions. Those who fall into the following categories are not required to pay the tax:
- Holders of diplomatic and official visas
- Transport crew members
- Temporary and permanent residents (KITAS and KITAP holders)
- Holders of family reunification, student, and golden visas
- Individuals traveling on non-tourism visas
To qualify for an exemption, eligible visitors need to provide the appropriate documentation upon arrival. Most importantly, they must register through the LoveBali system, except for diplomatic and official visa holders, who only need to present their visa status.
Does the Tourist Tax Replace the Visa-on-Arrival?
No, the Bali tourist levy is separate from the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA). If you are traveling from certain countries, including Australia, you may still be required to pay a $50 VoA fee, in addition to the tourist levy.
However, reports suggest that Indonesia is considering scrapping the VoA for certain nationalities, including Australian tourists, to boost arrivals.
Robbie Gaspar, President of the Indonesia Institute, recently mentioned that Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism may recommend visa-free entry for up to 20 countries, including Australia, by the end of 2024. This would mean that while tourists might not need to pay for a visa, they would still be required to pay the Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000.
What’s Next for Bali’s Tourism?
As Bali continues to attract millions of visitors each year, local authorities are focusing on sustainable tourism practices to protect the island’s future. The introduction of the tourist levy is just one part of a broader plan to improve tourist services, strengthen cultural preservation efforts, and enhance infrastructure across Bali.
This levy also reflects the Bali government’s dedication to maintaining the island’s status as a world-renowned destination. Revenues from the tax will be reinvested into projects that support both environmental conservation and cultural revitalization, ensuring that Bali remains a paradise for future generations.
In summary, the Bali tourist tax is not something to overlook. Before your next trip, make sure you’re well-prepared by paying the tax in advance. Not only will it save you time, but you’ll also be contributing to Bali’s efforts to preserve its unique cultural and natural landscapes.
FAQ
- Do you have to pay a tourist tax in Bali?
Yes, all international tourists must pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 before or upon entering Bali.
- Is there an exit tax to leave Bali?
No, there is no additional exit tax to leave Bali. The tourist levy only needs to be paid once per visit.
- What happens if you don’t pay the Bali tourist levy?
Failure to pay could result in your passport number being reported to Bali immigration, and you may face fines or penalties. You could also be denied services at hotels and attractions.
Bali tourist tax. Pemprov Bali |
If you’re wondering, “Do you have to pay a tourist tax in Bali?” or “Is there an exit tax to leave Bali?”, this guide will walk you through all the details. Here’s what you should know before heading to the Island of the Gods.
The New Bali Tourist Levy: What Is It?
Starting from 2024, all international tourists visiting Bali are required to pay a Bali Tourist Levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately $10-15 USD). This tax is not just another fee but an initiative aimed at preserving the island’s rich cultural traditions and its delicate natural environment.
The funds raised through this levy will go towards conservation efforts, cultural preservation, and improving infrastructure to support the growing number of visitors.
The tax is mandatory and applies to all international tourists, including cruise passengers. Yes, even those who are only stopping over for a short visit must pay this levy. The levy must be paid only once per visit, and there are no additional exit taxes when leaving Bali.
Wondering, "Is there a fee to enter Bali?" The answer is yes, and it’s important to pay it before your arrival. Tourists can settle the payment via the official LoveBali website (https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/home) or through registered service providers. The most convenient option is to pay online before your trip, which can save you time and hassle when you land at Bali’s busy airports or ports.
Here’s a quick guide on how to pay the tax:
1. Visit the LoveBali website (https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/home) or use the mobile app.
2. Enter your passport details and select your preferred payment method (credit card, bank transfer, virtual account, etc.).
3. After submitting your payment, you’ll receive a voucher with a QR code via email.
4. Present this QR code upon arrival in Bali to show that you’ve already settled the fee.
If you prefer, you can also pay the tax upon arrival at designated kiosks in Bali’s airports or ports. However, keep in mind that this can be time-consuming, and long queues are common, so online payment is highly recommended.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Bali Tourist Tax?
Ignoring the levy isn't a good idea. According to Bali immigration rules, if you don’t pay the tax, you might face consequences. Your passport number could be reported to the authorities, potentially affecting your ability to enter or leave Bali. There have also been discussions about spot checks at popular tourist attractions, and those found without proof of payment may be fined or face legal penalties.
Additionally, hotels, tour operators, and other tourist services are expected to assist in reminding tourists to pay the levy during their stay. If you refuse to pay, you could be reported to local immigration authorities, which might complicate your travel plans.
Exemptions from the Bali Tourist Levy
While the Bali tourist levy applies to most visitors, there are specific exemptions. Those who fall into the following categories are not required to pay the tax:
- Holders of diplomatic and official visas
- Transport crew members
- Temporary and permanent residents (KITAS and KITAP holders)
- Holders of family reunification, student, and golden visas
- Individuals traveling on non-tourism visas
To qualify for an exemption, eligible visitors need to provide the appropriate documentation upon arrival. Most importantly, they must register through the LoveBali system, except for diplomatic and official visa holders, who only need to present their visa status.
Does the Tourist Tax Replace the Visa-on-Arrival?
No, the Bali tourist levy is separate from the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA). If you are traveling from certain countries, including Australia, you may still be required to pay a $50 VoA fee, in addition to the tourist levy.
However, reports suggest that Indonesia is considering scrapping the VoA for certain nationalities, including Australian tourists, to boost arrivals.
Robbie Gaspar, President of the Indonesia Institute, recently mentioned that Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism may recommend visa-free entry for up to 20 countries, including Australia, by the end of 2024. This would mean that while tourists might not need to pay for a visa, they would still be required to pay the Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000.
What’s Next for Bali’s Tourism?
As Bali continues to attract millions of visitors each year, local authorities are focusing on sustainable tourism practices to protect the island’s future. The introduction of the tourist levy is just one part of a broader plan to improve tourist services, strengthen cultural preservation efforts, and enhance infrastructure across Bali.
This levy also reflects the Bali government’s dedication to maintaining the island’s status as a world-renowned destination. Revenues from the tax will be reinvested into projects that support both environmental conservation and cultural revitalization, ensuring that Bali remains a paradise for future generations.
In summary, the Bali tourist tax is not something to overlook. Before your next trip, make sure you’re well-prepared by paying the tax in advance. Not only will it save you time, but you’ll also be contributing to Bali’s efforts to preserve its unique cultural and natural landscapes.
FAQ
- Do you have to pay a tourist tax in Bali?
Yes, all international tourists must pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 before or upon entering Bali.
- Is there an exit tax to leave Bali?
No, there is no additional exit tax to leave Bali. The tourist levy only needs to be paid once per visit.
- What happens if you don’t pay the Bali tourist levy?
Failure to pay could result in your passport number being reported to Bali immigration, and you may face fines or penalties. You could also be denied services at hotels and attractions.