Mandatory Tourism Tax Payments for Bali Tourists Before Departure

Bali, Indonesia – As the high tourism season approaches, authorities in Bali are reminding international visitors of the mandatory Bali Tourism Tax Levy, which must be paid before departing the island. Implemented on February 14, 2024, this tax has only seen a compliance rate of 35% among eligible tourists in the 2024/25 tax year, prompting new measures to ensure full adherence to this legal requirement.

Understanding the Tax Requirement

The Bali Tourism Tax Levy is set at IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10) and applies to all foreign visitors, including children and infants. The tax can be settled upon arrival at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, through the LoveBali website or app, and at select tourist attractions throughout the island. Tourists who have not yet paid their tax can do so on-the-spot if approached by a Tourism Task Force Officer.

Visitors are issued a QR code voucher upon payment, which serves as proof of tax compliance. This QR code may be inspected by various officials, including tourism officers and police. Despite the widespread requirement, many tourists remain unaware of this obligation, leading to a concerted effort by local officials to enhance communication and make the payment process more accessible.

Addressing Awareness and Compliance Issues

Tourism experts, like Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, General Manager for Indonesia at Intrepid, have noted that many tourists are not adequately informed about the tax obligations at the time of their travels. "Tourists are unaware of the tax or requirement to pay on or before arrival. There isn’t much information about where to pay or how to pay, and it is now well enforced," Shekhawat stated. He emphasized the need for greater education on the tax, particularly aimed at frequent visitors from Australia.

Objectives of the Tourism Tax

The Bali Provincial Government has instituted this levy with the intention of generating funds for cultural preservation and improving tourism infrastructure. The funds collected are reportedly being directed to local village leaders, who can utilize them at their discretion for community projects.

However, there have been ongoing discussions regarding the effectiveness of the current tax compliance strategy. Local government officials acknowledge that the communication of tax obligations to incoming tourists requires significant improvement. “We need to make it easier for tourists to understand what is expected of them,” stated a representative from Bali’s Tourism Office.

Future Regulations and Enforcement

In light of the low compliance rates and following a recent hearing at the Bali House of Representatives, plans are underway to amend Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2023. Proposed changes are anticipated to introduce sanctions for those who evade payment. Senator Suwirta voiced support for these revisions, stressing the need for legal certainty and alignment with cultural protection goals.

Despite its mandatory status, tourists currently face no formal legal repercussions for failing to pay the tax. If stopped, they are simply required to pay the tax on the spot via card payment. This leniency has contributed to widespread ignorance regarding the levy.

Conclusion

As the high season for tourism in Bali ramps up, authorities are urging all visitors to familiarize themselves with the Bali Tourism Tax Levy and ensure their payments are made prior to departure. Tourists are encouraged to use the LoveBali website or app for a hassle-free payment experience or to pay directly at the airport to avoid any inconvenience during their trip. With ongoing efforts to enhance compliance and communication, the hope is that future visitors will contribute to enriching both Bali’s culture and tourism infrastructure through this essential tax.