Bali’s New Tourist Tax: Payment Methods and Exemptions

If you are planning a trip to the Island of the Gods, you need to budget for a new entry requirement. As of February 14, 2024, the provincial government of Bali implemented a mandatory levy for international tourists. While the fee is relatively small, failing to pay it or understanding how to process the payment can cause unnecessary delays at Ngurah Rai International Airport. This guide breaks down the exact costs, official payment channels, and who is qualified to skip the fee entirely.

What is the Bali Tourist Levy?

The “Tourism Levy” is a separate fee from the Visa on Arrival (VOA). Many travelers confuse the two, but they serve different purposes and go to different government bodies. The VOA allows you to enter Indonesia legally, while the Tourist Levy is a provincial tax specifically for entering Bali.

The cost is IDR 150,000 per person. Based on current exchange rates, this is approximately $10 USD, €9 EUR, or $15 AUD.

This fee applies to all international tourists, including children and infants. There is no discount for age. The levy is intended to fund cultural preservation projects, environmental conservation (specifically waste management), and infrastructure improvements across the island.

How to Pay: The Love Bali App

The Bali government strongly encourages tourists to pay this fee before arrival to streamline the immigration process. Paying online is the most efficient method and prevents you from standing in yet another line after a long flight.

The Official Online Method

You should use the government-sanctioned platform. Avoid third-party sites that may charge “processing fees.”

  1. Visit the Website or App: Go to lovebali.baliprov.go.id or download the “Love Bali” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Enter Details: You will need to provide your passport number, full name, email address, and arrival date.
  3. Select Payment: The system accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex), bank transfers, and QRIS (the Indonesian QR code standard).
  4. Receive Voucher: Once payment is successful, you will receive a digital voucher with a QR code via email.
  5. Save It: Take a screenshot of this QR code or save the PDF to your phone. You will scan this at checkpoints at the airport.

Paying on Arrival

If you are unable to pay online, you can pay at the airport. There are designated counters at the international arrival terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

However, reports indicate that queues can form during peak arrival times. While some counters may accept cash (specifically in Indonesian Rupiah), the government is pushing for a cashless system. It is safer to have a credit card ready if you plan to pay upon landing.

Who is Exempt from the Tax?

Not everyone has to pay the IDR 150,000 fee. However, exemptions are generally not automatic. You must apply for an exemption through the Love Bali system at least five days prior to your arrival. If you show up without an approved exemption, you will likely be forced to pay the fee on the spot.

Categories eligible for exemption include:

  • KITAS and KITAP Holders: Those possessing a Temporary Stay Permit Card (KITAS) or a Permanent Stay Permit Card (KITAP) are exempt. This covers many expats living and working in Bali.
  • Student Visa Holders: International students studying in Indonesia with valid documentation.
  • Diplomatic and Official Visa Holders: Government officials entering for state duties.
  • Golden Visa Holders: Investors or long-term residents holding the specific Golden Visa.
  • Family Reunification Visa Holders: Specific categories of family visas may apply.

Important Note on Application: If you hold a KITAS or KITAP, do not assume you can just flash your card at the scanner. You must log into the Love Bali app, select the exemption category, and upload your documents for verification. The approval process can take varying amounts of time, so submitting your application one month in advance is the safest strategy.

The "One-Time" Rule and Island Hopping

A common point of confusion is how the tax works if you leave Bali and come back. The rule is that the levy applies per entry into the Bali province.

If you take a day trip to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan, you do not need to pay the tax again. These islands are administratively part of the Bali province.

However, if you travel to Lombok, the Gili Islands (Gili T, Gili Air, Gili Meno), or Java (for example, to visit Mount Bromo), you are leaving the Bali province. When you return to Bali—whether by ferry to Padang Bai or flight to Denpasar—you are technically re-entering the province and are subject to paying the IDR 150,000 levy again.

Enforcement and Checkpoints

Since the rollout in February 2024, enforcement has been primarily focused on the airport arrival halls. Officers may ask you to scan your QR voucher before you leave the terminal.

Additionally, the local government has authorized “spot checks” at major tourist attractions. Officers at popular sites like Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, or the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud have the authority to ask for proof of payment. Hotels and accommodation providers have also been asked to verify that their guests have paid the levy during the check-in process.

Always keep a digital copy of your Tourist Levy voucher and your Passport (or a photo of it) on your phone while exploring the island to ensure you are compliant with local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tourist Levy the same as the Visa on Arrival? No. The Visa on Arrival costs IDR 500,000 (approx. $32 USD) and grants you a 30-day stay permit. The Tourist Levy is a separate IDR 150,000 fee specifically for Bali infrastructure and culture. Most tourists will pay both.

Do children have to pay? Yes. Unlike the visa where some countries might have different rules, the Bali Tourist Levy applies to all international passport holders regardless of age.

What happens if the Love Bali system is down? Technical glitches do happen. If the website or app is unresponsive, you should plan to pay at the dedicated counters at Ngurah Rai Airport upon arrival.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip? According to the current terms on the Love Bali portal, the levy is generally non-refundable. However, the voucher is valid for 60 days, so if you reschedule your trip within that window, you can still use the same QR code.