New Tourist Levy Policy for Departing Visitors in Bali

Bali, Indonesia – April 12, 2025
The Provincial Government of Bali is instituting a new requirement for departing foreign tourists, mandating proof of payment for the Foreign Tourist Levy (Pungutan Wisatawan Asing or PWA) before they can obtain their boarding passes. This policy aims to streamline levy collection and improve compliance among visitors to the island.

Outline of the New Policy

The announcement was made by Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the Head of the Bali Tourism Office, during a press conference on March 11, 2025. According to Pemayun, the new policy will require travelers to present a Tourist Levy Voucher, which serves as evidence that they have paid the necessary levy fees, before they can be issued a boarding pass. This measure is part of a broader initiative to enhance the enforcement of the tourist levy during departure.

Pemayun explained that the levy could be paid either before or after the tourists arrive in Bali. However, he emphasized that without the payment confirmation, passengers would not be able to leave the island. "If they try to leave Bali without having paid, they won’t be able to get their boarding pass. They must settle the payment first," he stated.

Collaboration with Airline Associations

In implementing this new policy, the Bali Provincial Government is partnering with the Society of IATA Traffic Airliners (SITA), an organization that represents numerous major airlines worldwide. Pemayun announced that discussions to formalize the collaboration are ongoing, with hopes of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) soon.

"The collaboration with SITA is crucial. Their role will extend to reminding international tourists of their obligation to pay the Foreign Tourist Levy," said Pemayun. This partnership aims to significantly boost compliance rates among travelers, with predictions suggesting that levy collection efficiency could reach as high as 95%, especially among those flying with SITA-affiliated airlines.

Potential Impact on Revenue

The introduction of this policy is expected to enhance revenue generation for the island, building on the success of previous years. In the last fiscal year, Bali exceeded its revenue target, accumulating over Rp318 billion, surpassing the goal of Rp250 billion. Pemayun expressed optimism that improved compliance through this boarding pass requirement will further increase revenue from the tourist levy.

Conclusion

The imposition of the Tourist Levy Voucher requirement marks a significant development in Bali’s approach to managing tourism revenue. With the combined efforts of the provincial tourism office and airline associations, the government aims to ensure that all departing visitors contribute to the upkeep and development of the island. As this policy takes effect, tourists traveling to and from Bali are advised to be aware of the new requirements to avoid travel disruptions.