Bali is set to implement its new tourism tax from February 14, with officials revealing the final details as the launch date approaches. Confirmed details now include the exemption of seven visitor visa categories from the IDR 150,000 tourism tax fee.
While these visa holders won’t need to pay the tax, they are required to log in online and apply for an exemption. The exempted visa categories comprise diplomatic and official visas, crew members on transportation vehicles, and holders of temporary or permanent stay permit cards (KITAS and KITAP). Those with family unification visas, student visas, Golden Visas, and business-specific visas are also exempt.
Applications for levy exemption must be submitted at least one month before entering Bali. The local tourism authority will then verify and decide on the application within a maximum of five working days, with the decision communicated to tourists through the Love Bali system at lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
Under this new facility, Indian travellers who have booked their flights with Emirates and hold a valid six-month visa for the US, EU Residency, UK Residency, or US Green Card, will be eligible for a pre-approved 14-day single entry visa upon arrival in Dubai. This service enables them to bypass the traditional visa-on-arrival queues, ensuring a hassle-free entry process.
Initially, the tourism levy can be paid and verified at the international arrival terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Benoa Port in Bali. However, tourists should be aware that the new Bali Tourism Civil Service Satpol PP Units will be on patrol, and they may be asked to show their tourism levy voucher, especially in areas like Sanur Harbour where tourists transit between the Gili Islands and Lombok, which are not part of Bali Province.The plans to announce a tourism tax for Bali was first announced last year in July, in an effort to preserve its culture and raise funds. Bali, known as the ‘Island of Gods’ relies heavily on tourism and seeks to capitalize on its appeal while safeguarding its tropical allure. Official statistics showed that over two million tourists visited Bali in 2022, indicating a strong recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
