Indonesia, Restrictions on Baggage for Arrivals
Only 2 Items Allowed Per Person... Subject to Tax or Disposal
Tourist Tax of 13,000 Won Also Required... Arrival Visa Fees Apply
There is a new caution for travelers to Indonesia, especially Bali. This is due to recently implemented regulations restricting the import of baggage for entrants to Indonesia.
According to the "Regulations on Baggage Import Restrictions for Entrants to Indonesia" issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia on the 20th, starting from the 10th, each person is allowed to bring only up to two IT devices such as mobile phones. This includes mobile phones, tablets, and PDAs. Shoes are also limited to no more than two pairs. Bags are restricted to two as well, including handbags, shopping bags, and briefcases. Cosmetics and soaps are limited to 20 items, and textiles (such as blankets and curtains) are limited to 5 items. Used clothing is not subject to these restrictions. Electronic devices such as laptops and digital cameras are allowed up to 5 units.
Food items are allowed up to a total of 5 kg. The embassy stated, "If products exceeding the restriction are brought in, customs duties and value-added tax must be paid or the items will be disposed of," adding, "The per-person limit for each item includes both new and used products." Used products are considered by customs to have a high likelihood of resale locally. Aside from the import-restricted items specified in these regulations, the traveler’s baggage customs clearance rules apply. The Indonesian government implemented this measure to protect domestic products and safeguard trade.
Regulations on Restricted Items for Import Effective from March 10 in Indonesia [Image provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia]
In response, many netizens commented, "Indonesia is crossing the line," "Bali has become blinded by money," and "They want tourists to spend more money." In Bali, an electronic arrival visa system has been in place since November 2022. Instead of obtaining a visa before departure, travelers receive their visa upon arrival. The issuance fee is 45,000 KRW per person regardless of adult, youth, or infant status.
Since this year, Bali has been charging a tourism tax of about 13,000 KRW per person for foreigners. The tourism tax must be paid when entering Bali directly from overseas or when entering Bali from other regions of Indonesia, and the amount is the same for both adults and children. The tax is paid only once during the trip, but if a traveler leaves and re-enters Bali, 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 again. For example, if a foreign tourist travels from Bali to Lombok and returns to Bali on a day trip, they must pay the tourism tax twice.
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