Since 14 February, travellers to Bali must pay a tourist tax in addition to the cost of a visa for Indonesia. The tax amounts to about 9 GBP per person, and its proceeds are used to improve the island’s infrastructure and protect the Balinese culture and nature.
Mass tourism causing issues in Bali
Bali is extremely popular among tourists. In 2023, this Indonesian island welcomed about 5 million international travellers. That is more than the island’s 4.3 million population. Despite tourism being a pillar of the local economy, the island’s many tourists sometimes cause irritation among locals.
The irritation stems from tourists disregarding local culture and customs, littering the island or creating traffic jams. Previously, foreign tourists have already been forbidden from riding motorbikes on the island. Former governor Wayan Koster even asked the Indonesian Justice Ministry for permission to revoke the visas of travellers caught riding motorbikes or committing other offences.
Protecting the culture and the environment
To counter the negative effects of mass tourism, Bali has also introduced the so-called Tourism Levy. By introducing the tourist tax, the Balinese authorities hope to develop the island sustainably. The revenue from the tax will be used to protect the island’s natural and cultural heritage. Moreover, the tax’s revenue should be used to improve the island’s infrastructure and to address the growing waste problem. In other words, the Balinese population will also benefit from the many tourists visiting the island.
Paying the Tourism Levy online
Anyone who is not an Indonesian national must pay the tourist tax. The obligation applies to travellers of all ages, including minors. Moreover, the tax is compulsory both for travellers from other parts of Indonesia and for travellers arriving in Bali from abroad.
It is recommended to arrange the payment of the tourist tax online before departure, as well as the visa for Indonesia, which can be applied in advance using a digital form. To pay the tourist tax online, travellers must fill in a series of personal details online. After payment has been made, they will recive a QR code that can be scanned on arrival to Bali. The touristic tax can also be paid at the counter at the airport, upon arrival to the island, but in this case travellers have to deal with long queues.
Exemption for holders of specific Indonesian visas
Certain travellers are not required to pay the tourist tax. For instance, crew members of airlines or shipping companies can apply for an exemption. In addition, travellers holding non-tourist visas are not required to pay the Tourism Levy. Holders of the following visas or residence permits are exempted from the tourist tax:
- Diplomatic visa
- Student visa
- Golden Visa
- Family unification visa
- Temporary Stay Permit Card (KITAS)
- Permanent Stay Permit Card (KITAP)
- Other non-tourist visas
Travellers holding one of these visas must apply for the tourist tax exemption no later than 5 days before their arrival in Bali.
Cost of the Indonesian visa
The cost of the Balinese tourist tax is to be paid on top of the Indonesian visa’s cost, which is mandatory for most international travellers. The most common e-visa for Indonesia costs £64.95. It is valid for tourism or for a business trip and allows travellers to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days. Like with the tourist tax, it is possible to use an online application form for the visa for Indonesia. After submitting the application, some documents need to be provided, including a passport photo and a scan or photo of each traveller's passport. The visa for Indonesia is then sent by e-mail within an average of 7 days.