If you are planning a trip to Bali in 2025, one important detail you must prepare for is the Bali Tourist Tax, officially known as the Bali International Tourist Levy. While the cost is relatively small, it’s a mandatory fee for most international visitors and plays a significant role in supporting Bali’s culture, environment, and tourism infrastructure. Below is a detailed and comprehensive guide that explains everything you need to know before your flight.
Quick Facts About the Bali Tourist Tax
- Amount: IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10) per person, per entry.
- Applies to: All foreign tourists, including children.
- When to pay: Before arrival (recommended) or upon arrival at the airport or seaports in Bali.
- Payment method: Cashless only – through the official Love Bali website/app or at official counters.
- Proof of payment: A digital voucher with a QR code sent to your email.
- Legal basis: Bali Provincial Regulation No. 6 of 2023, effective from February 4, 2024.
- Refunds: Payments are non-refundable, even if travel plans change.
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Why Bali Introduced the Tourist Tax
The tourist levy is not simply an additional charge—it is a contribution toward maintaining the very things that draw millions of visitors to Bali each year. Funds from the levy are allocated for:
- Protecting and preserving Balinese culture and heritage.
- Conservation of the natural environment, including beaches, forests, and marine ecosystems.
- Improving infrastructure related to tourism, such as waste management, transportation, and safety systems.
- Supporting cleanliness campaigns and sustainable tourism practices.
This system ensures that tourism continues to benefit both visitors and the local community.
Who Needs to Pay the Levy?
Required to Pay
- All foreign tourists entering Bali, regardless of age.
- This includes travelers who arrive directly from overseas or those who first enter another Indonesian region and then continue on to Bali.
- Every re-entry requires payment. For example, if you fly from Singapore to Bali, leave to Jakarta, then return to Bali, you must pay again when you re-enter Bali.
Exempt from Payment
Certain categories of visitors are exempt, including:
- Holders of diplomatic and official visas.
- Transport crew members.
- Holders of KITAS (Temporary Stay Permits) and KITAP (Permanent Stay Permits).
- Family unification visa holders.
- Student visa holders.
- Golden Visa holders (must apply for exemption before arrival).
- Other visa categories designated by the authorities.
How to Pay the Bali Tourist Tax
Online (Recommended)
The easiest way is to pay before you travel:
- Visit the official Love Bali platform (website or mobile app).
- Select Single (individual payment) or Group (family or group booking).
- Enter traveler details: full name (as in passport), passport number, arrival date, and email.
- Pay using a cashless method: credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, JCB), virtual account, bank transfer, or QRIS.
- Receive a digital voucher with a QR code sent via email.
Keep this voucher ready (printed or on your phone). Officers may check it at the airport or even during your stay at certain tourist sites.
At Arrival (Alternative)
If you forget to pay in advance, you can still pay at official counters upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport or Bali seaports. Payments are also cashless only.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Authorities have the right to deny you further travel within Bali or require you to pay immediately. Spot checks are carried out at airports, ports, and even some tourist attractions to ensure compliance. Not having a valid voucher could delay your trip or cause inconvenience.
Validity of the Levy
The levy is valid for one entry to Bali only. If you leave Bali and re-enter, you must pay again. For example, if you visit Bali, travel to Lombok or Java, then return, the system requires a new levy payment for the second entry.
Special Situations
Cruise Passengers
Visitors arriving by cruise ship are also required to pay. Cruise agents can process group payments in advance through the official system, or passengers can pay individually.
Families and Groups
The Love Bali platform allows group payments so that families or travel groups can pay together in one transaction, simplifying the process.
Refunds, Errors, and Changes
- Refunds are not available. Once paid, the levy cannot be returned even if you cancel your trip.
- If you make a mistake (such as typing the wrong email), your voucher can still be verified by passport information. In such cases, you may need to contact the official support team for assistance.
Future Adjustments
The regulation requires the amount of the levy to be reviewed at least once every three years. This means that while the fee is set at IDR 150,000 as of 2025, it may be adjusted in the future depending on exchange rates and tourism conditions.
Difference From Visa Fees
It’s important to understand that the Bali tourist levy is separate from immigration fees such as the Indonesian Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA. You may need to pay both:
- Tourist levy: IDR 150,000 per entry to Bali.
- Visa fee: Depends on your nationality and visa type (e.g., VOA at IDR 500,000 for 30 days).
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Practical Tips for Travelers
- Pay before arrival to avoid queues at the airport.
- Save your QR code both digitally and as a screenshot in case of poor internet connection.
- Double-check your passport details before paying—errors cannot be refunded.
- Budget for multiple entries if your itinerary includes leaving and re-entering Bali.
- Avoid third-party payment links—use only the official Love Bali app or counters.
Final Thoughts
The Bali Tourist Tax is a small contribution that makes a big impact. For travelers, it’s only about ten dollars, but for Bali, it means stronger preservation of its culture, improved infrastructure, and a more sustainable future for tourism. Paying is quick and straightforward, and with proper preparation, it won’t add any hassle to your holiday.
By understanding the system, paying in advance, and keeping your voucher ready, you can focus entirely on enjoying Bali’s beaches, temples, rice terraces, and world-famous hospitality.
Gracia Rena
Gracia is a co-owner of the company and a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Her impressive background includes roles at major organizations such as Marriott, Accor, Banyan Tree, Sudamala, and Singapore Airlines.
With a profound understanding of luxury service standards and operational excellence, Gracia brings invaluable expertise to the business. Her strategic insight and dedication to quality have been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth, ensuring its continued reputation for delivering exceptional value and innovation in hospitality and commercial projects across the region.
