Bali Tourism Tax Collection Begins: "Foreigners Must Pay 13,000 Won"

For Foreign Tourists... Same Price for Adults and Children
Approximately 13,000 KRW Charged Per Person

Indonesia's famous tourist destination Bali, known as the "Island of the Gods," has started charging a tourism tax of approximately 13,000 KRW per foreign tourist.

The Bali provincial government announced that starting from the 14th (local time), foreign travelers entering Bali will be charged a Bali tourism tax of 150,000 rupiah (12,825 KRW). The tourism tax must be paid when entering Bali directly from overseas or from other regions within Indonesia, and the amount is the same for both adults and children. The tax is paid only once during the stay in Bali, but if the traveler leaves and re-enters, the tax must be paid again. Also, even if the tourism contribution fee was paid upon entering Bali, if the traveler leaves the island and returns, they must pay once more. For example, if a foreign tourist visits Lombok from Bali and returns to Bali on the same day, they must pay the tourism tax twice.

Dancers are performing a traditional dance in Bali, Indonesia.
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

The tourism tax can be paid by credit card or other methods on the website (lovebali.baliprov.go.id) or the smartphone app Love Bali. Once payment is completed, a QR code proving payment will be sent via email or other means, which must be presented at Bali airport or ports. It is also possible to pay upon arrival at the airport or port, but due to possible congestion, it is recommended to pay online in advance.

The tourism tax applies to foreign tourists visiting Bali from both inside and outside Indonesia. However, foreign diplomats, holders of official passports, airline crew members, long-term visa holders (KITAS·KITAP), Golden Visa holders, and student visa holders are exempt from payment. These individuals only need to present their passport and visa at the tourism contribution payment counter.

Last year, the Bali government decided to impose a tourism tax on foreign tourists to protect local culture and the environment and to invest in infrastructure. Acting Governor I Made Mahendra explained, "The tourism tax aims to protect Bali's culture and environment." Foreign media reported that Bali authorities plan to increase revenue through the tourism tax and use the funds to preserve the island's scenery and expand convenience facilities.

From January to November last year, about 4.8 million tourists visited Bali. If 5 million tourists visit Bali this year, the tourism tax revenue would amount to approximately 750 billion rupiah (about 65 billion KRW). Some have expressed concerns that the tourism tax might reduce the number of tourists visiting Bali, but Bali authorities believe that better infrastructure will attract even more tourists to the island.