Bali Implements Stricter Measures to Enforce Tourism Tax Compliance Among International Visitors
Bali, Indonesia — In a bid to boost revenue and improve the efficiency of its tourism tax collection system, Bali authorities have announced a series of tougher enforcement measures aimed at ensuring full compliance with the Bali Tourism Tax by international visitors. The move comes after more than a year since the tax’s introduction, during which time a significant proportion of tourists have yet to meet the mandatory payment requirement.
Tourism Tax Overview and Compliance Challenges
The Bali Tourism Tax, enacted through Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2023, has been in effect since February 14, 2024. It requires all international visitors, including children, to pay a mandatory levy of IDR 150,000 before departing the province. Despite the tax’s longevity, compliance rates have lagged, with officials estimating that over half of international travelers have not yet fulfilled their payment obligations.
In 2024 alone, Bali welcomed 6,333,360 international tourists. Officials estimate that maintaining or increasing this visitor volume in 2025 could generate at least IDR 950 billion in tourism tax revenue, provided enforcement and compliance improve. Current targets have been raised from an initial goal of IDR 400 billion to at least IDR 747.15 billion for 2025, demonstrating the region’s commitment to harnessing tourism funds for development.
Strengthening Enforcement and Streamlining Payments
The Deputy Governor of Bali has voiced strong support for the enhanced enforcement strategy, calling for closer collaboration among local government agencies, tourism authorities, and service providers. Discussions are underway regarding the appointment of a third-party payment provider in an effort to streamline the payment process, although the existing system remains functional and unchanged for now.
Currently, tourists can pay the Bali Tourism Tax via multiple channels. The most convenient online option is the LoveBali website, which allows travelers to process payments for multiple individuals simultaneously by submitting passport numbers and email addresses. The LoveBali app also facilitates payments, although the desktop version of the site is recommended for a more seamless experience. Visitors are advised to disable VPNs and ad-blockers, which may interfere with the website’s functionality.
For those preferring in-person payment, a dedicated Bali Tourism Tax Levy counter is situated within the arrivals hall of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Upon payment, tourists receive a QR-code voucher that they must carry during their stay and present to authorities upon request.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Visitor Convenience and Revenue Goals
As Bali continues to be a premier global destination, efforts to enforce and improve the Bali Tourism Tax collection are expected to intensify. Authorities recognize the importance of balancing the need for increased revenue to support tourism infrastructure with providing a smooth and transparent payment experience for visitors.
Tourists planning to visit Bali in the near future should be aware of the increased scrutiny regarding tourism tax payment compliance and take proactive steps to fulfill this obligation either prior to travel or upon arrival. The generated funds aim to contribute significantly to Bali’s sustainable tourism development and enhance visitor experiences in the long term.
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