Tourist Levy: New Requirements for Departing Bali

Bali Government Implements Mandatory Tourist Levy Voucher

Bali’s Provincial Government is taking significant steps to ensure compliance with the Foreign Tourist Levy (Pungutan Wisatawan Asing, or PWA) by implementing a new requirement for travelers departing from the island. Effective soon, tourists will need to present a Tourist Levy Voucher as evidence of their payment to obtain their boarding pass.

The news was shared by Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, during a press conference. He emphasized that this measure aims to enhance revenue collection from international tourists visiting the island. “We are working with various stakeholders, including the Society of IATA Traffic Airliners (SITA), to facilitate this process,” Pemayun stated.

Collaboration with IATA and Airline Representation

The partnership with SITA, an organization representing 36 major airlines globally, is critical as it aims to remind tourists about their obligation to pay the levy. Pemayun mentioned that the discussions to formalize this partnership are ongoing. “Hopefully, we can sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) soon,” he added, underlining the importance of cooperation in this initiative.

Ideally, tourists are encouraged to pay the Foreign Tourist Levy before they arrive in Bali. However, Pemayun noted that travelers who prefer to settle the payment after arrival will still have that option. “Nevertheless, those attempting to leave the island without paying the levy will be unable to secure their boarding pass until the payment is made,” he clarified.

Enhancing Compliance and Revenue Targets

Bali officials expect that this initiative will significantly improve compliance rates. Targeting an efficient collection process, forecasted figures suggest that compliance could reach 95% among passengers flying with SITA-affiliated airlines. This increase would follow an impressive uptick in revenue collection observed last year, where the province surpassed its target by collecting over Rp318 billion, exceeding an initial goal of Rp250 billion.

Pemayun remarked, “With this collaboration, we believe we can surpass our revenue targets once again.” This proactive approach is part of Bali’s broader effort to bolster tourism revenue while maintaining sustainable travel practices.

Conclusion

As Bali prepares to implement this new policy regarding the Tourist Levy, international travelers planning to visit or depart from the island should stay informed about these requirements. Ensuring that the levy is paid in advance will streamline the departure process and avoid any potential inconveniences at the airport. This initiative reinforces Bali’s commitment to manage tourism sustainably while enhancing the experience for visitors.

For more details on travel regulations and updates in Bali, stay connected with reliable news sources or the Bali Tourism Office directly.

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