Bali Implements New Mandatory Tourist Tax

Planning a trip to the Island of the Gods now requires a small extra step before you pack your bags. Bali has officially implemented a new mandatory tourist tax for all international visitors. To help you avoid long lines at the airport, we will explain exactly how much it costs and how you can easily pay it online before you arrive.

What is the New Bali Tourist Tax?

On February 14, 2024, the Bali provincial government officially rolled out a new entry fee for foreign tourists. The tax is set at 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) per person. Depending on daily exchange rates, this equals roughly $10 USD, $15 AUD, or €9 EUR.

This fee is completely separate from the Visa on Arrival (VoA) that many nationalities already need to purchase. You must pay the tourist tax every single time you enter the province of Bali from another country or from another part of Indonesia.

The policy applies to all foreign passport holders arriving by air at Ngurah Rai International Airport or by sea at seaports like Benoa. It applies to tourists of all ages, meaning you must pay the 150,000 IDR fee for infants and young children as well.

How to Pay the Tax Online Before You Arrive

The Bali government highly recommends paying the tourist tax online before you travel. Doing this in advance saves you from waiting in another queue after a long flight. The official portal used to collect the fee is called Love Bali.

Here is the exact step-by-step process to secure your tourist tax voucher:

  1. Visit the Official Website or App: Go to the official website at lovebali.baliprov.go.id or download the Love Bali mobile application from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra processing fees.
  2. Enter Your Details: You will need to provide your full name, passport number, email address, and expected date of arrival in Bali.
  3. Submit Payment: The system accepts major international credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.
  4. Receive Your QR Code: Once your payment is successful, you will receive a digital voucher in your email. This voucher contains a unique QR code.
  5. Save the Code: Take a screenshot of the QR code or download the PDF to your phone. Internet connections at the airport can sometimes be slow, so having an offline copy is a smart move.

When you arrive in Bali, you will simply scan this QR code at designated checkpoints in the arrival hall.

Paying at the Airport or Seaport

If you forget to pay before your trip, or if your credit card does not work on the Love Bali website, you can still pay the fee upon arrival.

Bali has set up special payment counters in the international arrival terminal at Ngurah Rai International Airport and at the Benoa harbor. At these counters, you can pay using a credit card, debit card, or cash. If you choose to pay in cash, it is best to carry exact change in Indonesian Rupiah to speed up the process. Keep in mind that during peak arrival times, the line for this payment counter can add 20 to 30 minutes to your airport experience.

Rules for Island Hopping and Domestic Travel

Many travelers visit Bali and then take a quick boat ride to neighboring islands. The rules for the tourist tax depend entirely on whether you are leaving the province of Bali.

If you travel from the Bali mainland to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan, you do not have to pay the tax again. These islands are part of Bali province.

However, if you take a boat to the Gili Islands or Lombok, or if you fly to Java or Komodo National Park, you are leaving the province. When you return to Bali, you will be required to pay the 150,000 IDR tourist tax a second time.

Exemptions: Who Does Not Have to Pay?

While standard tourists must pay the fee, the Indonesian government does offer exemptions for specific visa categories. You are exempt from the tourist tax if you hold one of the following:

  • A diplomatic or official visa
  • A Temporary Stay Permit Card (KITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit Card (KITAP)
  • A family unification visa
  • A student visa
  • A golden visa or retirement visa

If you qualify for an exemption, you cannot just show up at the airport and claim it. You must submit an exemption request through the Love Bali system at least five days before your arrival. The authorities will review your documents and issue an approval notice.

Where Does the Money Go?

The Bali government introduced this tax to combat the negative effects of mass tourism and to protect the island for future generations. The funds collected from the 150,000 IDR fee are legally earmarked for specific improvements.

A large portion of the revenue will fund environmental protections, specifically focusing on waste management and coral reef preservation. Bali has struggled with plastic pollution on its beaches, and this money will help build better recycling infrastructure. The remaining funds will go toward preserving traditional Balinese culture, maintaining ancient temples, and improving general public infrastructure like roads and public transportation.

Your Complete Bali Arrival Checklist

To make your journey as smooth as possible, make sure you complete all three mandatory steps for entering Bali before you board your flight:

  1. The Tourist Tax: Pay the 150,000 IDR fee via the Love Bali portal.
  2. The Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD): You must fill out the Indonesian customs form online within 72 hours of your flight. This is free, and you will receive a QR code to show before you exit the airport.
  3. The Visa on Arrival (e-VoA): If your passport requires a Visa on Arrival, you can buy it online at molina.imigrasi.go.id before your trip. The cost is 500,000 IDR (about $32 USD). Buying this online allows you to use the automated e-gates at immigration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the Bali tourist tax in US Dollars or Euros at the airport? It is highly recommended to pay in Indonesian Rupiah if you are paying cash at the airport. While they may accept major foreign currencies in a pinch, the exchange rate will be poor, and you will receive your change in Rupiah.

Does the QR code expire? Your tourist tax voucher is valid for your specific date of entry. If your flight is delayed by a day or two, the QR code will still be accepted at the checkpoint.

Do I need a separate QR code for everyone in my family? Yes. The fee is per person. If you are a family of four, you will need to register four times and present four separate QR codes at the airport.

Is the Love Bali app safe to use? Yes, the Love Bali website and mobile application are the official payment gateways developed by the Bali Provincial Government. Your payment details are processed securely.