bali tourist tax

A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Understanding Bali Tourist Tax

Paying the Bali tourist tax is mandatory for all international visitors entering Bali. This policy has been enforced since February 2024 to protect and preserve Bali’s nature and tourist sites, particularly after the post-pandemic tourism boom. 

If you’re visiting Bali for the first time, here are some things you need to know about this tourism levy. 

What is the Bali tourist tax?

Officially known as the International Tourist Levy, this tax is a one-time fee paid by every foreign tourist upon or before entering Bali. This regulation is dictated by the Bali Provincial Government under Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2023.

Every tourist, regardless of age, must contribute to a levy of Rp.150,000 (around USD 10) per person. This levy is completely separate of any fees you may be paying for visas. Consider the Bali tourist tax your personal contribution to conserving the island’s magic.

Why is there a tourism levy?

The Bali government’s mission for the Bali tourist tax is to protect and preserve the attractions that make Bali special. Every Rupiah goes towards the Love Bali Movement which preserves the balance of Bali’s natural environment, culture, and people, in accordance to the Balinese Hindu Tri Hita Karana principle.

Your contribution directly funds the following aspects of the island. 

Cultural preservation

The tourism levy supports the maintenance of temples, running of traditional ceremonies, arts, and unique Balinese customs that give the island its identity.

Environmental protection

The Bali tourist tax also funds waste management programs, beach conservation, marine life protection, and other sustainability initiatives. 

Tourism infrastructure improvement

Finally, the Rp.150,000 also enhances visitor services, safety measures, and other locally-run tourist facilities to ensure high-quality experience for all travellers. 

Who is subject to the Bali tourist tax?

International visitors of all ages, including infants, are subject to the tourism levy. This also applies to arrivals into Bali from anywhere else within Indonesia. For example, if you’re an international passport holder flying into Bali from Jakarta, you will still need to pay the levy. 

Who is exempt from paying the Bali tourist tax?

Some categories of international visitors don’t need to pay the tax. Exemptions include:

  • KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) or KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) holders
  • Diplomatic visa holders
  • Airline or ship crew members
  • Student Visa holders
  • Golden Visa holders
  • Family Unification Visa holders

If you fall into one of these groups, you must submit your application through the official website no later than five days before your arrival in Bali. 

How to pay the Bali tourist tax

You can pay the Bali tourism levy online before you arrive or at designated counters at the Bali airport upon arrival.

Paying before you arrive

Visit the official Love Bali platform at https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ or download the Love Bali app. Be sure to only pay through these verified platforms, as scam websites have been known to charge higher prices. 

Provide accurate information on the website or app, then make your payment via card, QRIS, or bank transfer.

Once payment is done, you’ll receive a levy voucher with a unique QR code in your emails. Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see this code immediately.

Paying upon arrival

There are dedicated airport counters in the international terminal at Ngurah Rai International Airport. These counters take cashless payments only.

Paying the tourism levy at the airport is not recommended as you may be getting into long queues that could delay the start of your vacation. 

Making the most of Bali during your visit

Once you’ve paid the tourist tax and made it past immigration, you’re now free to roam the island and experience everything your contribution has gone towards. 

From the rice fields to beaches, temples to museums, Bali wouldn’t be complete without its unique local cuisine. Be sure to try the mandatory Balinese dishes: sate lilit, roast suckling pig, or ayam betutu in its traditional and contemporary forms.

For a modern fine dining experience savouring Balinese food, visit Merah Putih restaurant in the Petitenget area. Book a table with exclusive gift vouchers today. 

FAQ

What is the Bali tourist tax?

Officially known as the International Tourist Levy, this tax is a one-time fee paid by every foreign tourist upon or before entering Bali. This regulation is dictated by the Bali Provincial Government under Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2023.

How much does the Bali tourist tax cost?

Every tourist, regardless of age, must contribute to a levy of Rp.150,000 (around USD 10) per person. This levy is completely separate of any fees you may be paying for visas.

Why must tourists pay the Bali tourist tax?

The Bali government’s mission for the Bali tourist tax is to protect and preserve the attractions that make Bali special. Every Rupiah contributes to cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and improvement of tourism infrastructure.

How do I pay the Bali tourist tax?

You can pay for your tourism levy before your arrival through the Love Bali website at https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ or via app. You can also pay at the Bali airport upon arrival; however, this isn’t recommended.

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