Shockingly Few Bali Holidaymakers Are Paying the Mandatory Tourism Tax, Authorities Reveal
Bali, Indonesia – October 23, 2025 – Nearly 18 months since its implementation, the Bali Tourism Tax Levy continues to face challenges with compliance, as government leaders report alarmingly low payment rates among holidaymakers visiting the island. Despite ongoing efforts to streamline the payment process and increase awareness, only a fraction of international visitors are fulfilling this mandatory obligation.
Limited Tourist Compliance with Bali’s Tourism Tax
Data from the Bali Provincial Government indicates that revenue from the Bali Tourism Tax Levy reached IDR 309 billion (approximately USD 18.65 million) year to date. However, with incoming international tourists totaling about 5.5 million by the end of September, this amount translates to just over 36% of eligible tourists having paid the fee. This figure marks only a slight improvement compared to 32% compliance observed in 2024. Wayan Sumarajaya, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, acknowledged the disappointing figures but attributed recent progress to revisions made in related regulations. “The increase from 32% to 36% shows some progress,” Sumarajaya said, referencing the transition from Regional Regulation 6 of 2023 to Regional Regulation 2 of 2025. This change has enabled private sector players to collaborate with the provincial government, serving as authorized payment points for the tourism tax.
Expanded Payment Options Through Private Sector Partnerships
Since the regulatory update, over a hundred tourism-related businesses—including travel agents, hotels, villas, and tourist attractions—have registered as official points for collecting the Bali Tourism Tax Levy. These establishments receive a 3% commission for each payment processed, incentivizing their participation and making it easier for tourists to pay the fee on site.
“With the cooperation of multiple stakeholders in the tourism industry, tourists can now conveniently complete their payments without the previous cumbersome procedures,” Sumarajaya explained. The system has been operating for two months, with quarterly payments to partners already systematized.
Current Payment Process and Challenges
Tourists who do not pay the fee at partner sites must complete the process independently online via the LoveBali website or mobile app, ideally before departing the island. This additional step has been a deterrent for some travelers, compounded by the complexity of managing several digital requirements such as eVisa applications and arrival card submissions, each involving separate platforms and processes.
The Bali Tourism Tax is set at IDR 150,000 per international visitor and applies to all visitors, including infants and children. While payment is mandatory, no penalties have yet been enforced for non-compliance. Enforcement officers from the Tourism Task Force conduct spot checks at major attractions, and passengers unable to present a QR-code voucher confirming payment are required to pay the levy on the spot using credit or debit cards. Importantly, officers do not accept cash payments.
Future Plans to Simplify Payment Integration
Efforts to further simplify the payment process are underway. In September, Bali Governor Wayan Koster met with Indonesian Ministry officials in Jakarta, including Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yuzril Ihsa Mahendra. Discussions focused on integrating the Bali Tourism Tax Levy payment directly within the e-visa application process, potentially eliminating many obstacles that currently hinder tourist compliance.
Minister Mahendra has given preliminary approval for this integration, although formal updates on its implementation timeline have not yet been released.
Commitment to the Tourism Levy Remains Strong
Despite the challenges and low payment rates, Bali’s leadership remains firm that the tourism tax levy is an essential and permanent part of the island’s tourism management strategy aimed at sustaining and developing Bali’s tourism infrastructure and environmental conservation.
Tourism officials continue to encourage visitors to fulfill their tax obligations promptly and are optimistic that ongoing improvements in payment accessibility will enhance compliance in the coming months and years.
For travelers planning a visit to Bali, it is important to be aware of the tourism tax and prepare for its payment, either through designated points or online, to avoid delays or inconveniences during your trip.
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