In a bid to strengthen environmental sustainability and improve infrastructure, the Indonesian government has introduced a new tourism tax aimed at foreign visitors to the island of Bali.
Starting February 14, 2024, visitors traveling to Bali will be subject to a one-time fee of IDR 150,000, approximately $15, per person, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Bali Tourist Tax, distinct from existing entry fees such as e-Visa on Arrival or Visa on Arrival, is explicitly designated for local initiatives within Bali and does not extend to other regions of Indonesia.
According to Indonesia’s official travel guide, Bali Guide, the revenue generated from tourism taxes will be allocated mainly to critical areas such as waste management, infrastructure development, and preservation of Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
To simplify payment, tourists can quickly pay the fee through the LOVE BALI website or mobile app. Additionally, payment facilities will be available at various arrival points, such as airports and seaports, for those who avoid paying online.
At the same time, tourists will be asked to provide essential details, including passport number, full name, email address, and arrival date. Multiple payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, and JCB), bank transfers, Virtual Accounts, or QRIS, will be available to accommodate different preferences.
After successful payment, tourists will receive a tax voucher with a QR code, which will serve as proof of payment at designated checkpoints at Denpasar Airport or Benoa Harbour.
Who Needs & Who Doesn’t Need to Pay the Bali Tourist Tax 2024?
Needs to pay:
- All international visitors: Anyone entering Bali with a visa on arrival, visa exemption upon arrival, or pre-arranged visa. The tax applies to everyone, regardless of their age, including children.
- Every entry: This is a per-entry tax, meaning tourists will pay it each time they arrive in Bali.
Don’t Need to Pay:
- Indonesian citizens and permanent residents: If a traveler holds Indonesian citizenship or a permanent resident card, they are exempt from the tax.
- Holders of Diplomatic Visa or Courtesy Visa: Diplomatic and Courtesy Visa holders don’t need to pay the tax.
- Nationals of ASEAN member countries: Citizens of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are exempt from the tax.
The previous policy adjustment aimed to benefit Australian tourists financially, given the disappearance of the last $50 tourist tax. Balinese authorities anticipate that the visa-on-arrival fee waiver will result in significant savings for families embarking on their journeys, which could amount to hundreds of dollars per trip.