Bali Implements New Tourism Tax to Protect Cultural Resources

Image: Pura ulun danu bratan temple in Bali, indonesia. (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 11:50 AM ET, Thu February 15, 2024

While many people around the world were busy celebrating Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, Bali quietly rolled out its new tourist tax for international visitors.

The tax, which is just under $10 US, is being charged by the provincial government of Bali and became effective on February 14. It's aimed at helping the province protect its culture and natural environment, according to the official Bali tourism website, Love Bali.

“As a form of support that aims to protect the customs, traditions, arts and culture, and local wisdom of the Balinese people…Bali will impose [a] levy for the international tourist,” the website states. “Efforts and innovations will continue to be made for maintenance [of] the culture and the natural environment in Bali. There will also continue to be an improvement in the quality of services.”

While the tax applies to all foreign visitors to Bali, there are some exemptions available but they must be applied for in advance.

Those who hold any of the following visas can apply for an exemption via the province’s official tourism website:

Diplomatic and official visas
Crew members of conveyances
Temporary and permanent stay visas (KITAS and KITAP visas)
Family unification visa
Student visa
Golden visa
Other visas issued by Bali’s immigration office that do not have a travel or tourism purpose attached

The new tax can be paid online via the official Bali tourism website and officials are urging that visitors only use that platform as there may be scammers pretending to collect the tax. If you miss paying in advance on the official website, the tax can also be paid upon arrival in Bali at the airport and at harbor terminals.

Indonesian officials first floated the idea of implementing a tourist tax last year after a string of incidents involving badly behaved tourists. The country's Tourism and Creative Economy Minister, Sandiaga Uno, said in April that the possibility of such a tax was under review. Business groups had expressed opposition to the tax based on fears that it would cause tourists to skip visiting altogether.