When you’re planning an unforgettable escape to Bali, the Island of the Gods, there’s one new travel requirement every international visitor must know about before stepping off the plane: the Bali Tourist Tax. This levy isn’t just another fee; it’s part of Bali’s vision to preserve its culture, environment, and future as a world-class destination.
What Is the Bali Tourist Tax?
Bali introduced a mandatory tourist levy for all international visitors known officially as the international tourism tax. It is charged by the Bali Provincial Government and applies to all foreign tourists arriving on the island, whether you’re coming from abroad or from another Indonesian province.
This is a local tax specific to Bali and separate from Indonesia’s national visa fees.
How Much Do You Pay?
Every international traveler is required to pay IDR 150,000 per person, which is roughly USD 10 / AUD 15.
Here are a few key points:
- The tax is payable once per Bali trip.
- Children and adults alike pay the same fee, there’s no age discount.
- If you leave Bali and return later on the same trip, you’ll not have to pay again as long as you haven’t exited Indonesia.
Why Bali Is Charging This Tax
The levy isn’t just a travel bureaucracy, it’s part of a broader effort to support:
- Preservation of Balinese culture, traditions, and arts
- Protection of the island’s unique natural environment
- Improvement in tourism services and visitor experiences
- Long-term sustainability of Bali’s tourism sector
In essence, every visitor contributes to keeping Bali beautiful, authentic, and welcoming for generations to come.
How and When to Pay
You have two options for payment:
1. Online (Recommended)
Pay in advance via the official Love Bali (lovebali.baliprov.go.id) website before you arrive. This is the safest and easiest way to secure your tourist tax QR code ahead of time.
2. On Arrival
If the government portal isn’t working or you couldn’t pay ahead, you can also settle the tax at designated counters at airports or seaports when you arrive.
⚠️ Important: Don’t pay through third-party websites that claim to handle the tax for you, they may be scams charging much higher fees. Always use the official government site.
Who Is Exempt From Paying?
Certain visitors do not have to pay the tax, including:
- Diplomatic and official visa holders
- Crew members of international flights and ships
- Residents with KITAS or KITAP (temporary or permanent stay permits)
- People on student visas or family reunification visas
- Some foreign visa categories may be exempt after applying in advance.
If you think you qualify for an exemption, apply at least 5 days before arrival via the official portal.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
While routine checks at immigration aren’t strictly enforced yet, authorities may enforce payment checks at popular tourist sites or departure points in the future. That means you could risk fines or complications if you haven’t paid the levy.
Paying early not only saves time but can help you avoid unexpected stress during your holiday.
Final Word
The Bali Tourist Tax is a small fee for a big purpose. By contributing just IDR 150,000, you help protect Bali’s culture, environment, and quality of life for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re dreaming of emerald rice terraces, sacred temples, or sapphire-blue seas, this levy ensures that Bali remains a paradise worth returning to.