Starting in 2025, travelers heading to Bali could face strict penalties for failing to pay the island’s mandatory tourism tax. The Bali Provincial Government has announced plans to revise regulations, including fines and potential jail time, to ensure compliance with the IDR 150,000 levy.
First introduced in February 2024, the Bali Tourism Tax Levy has seen a compliance rate of just 40%. Many tourists remain unaware of the fee, while others consider it an added hassle during vacation planning. Acting Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya has emphasized the need for sanctions, proposing penalties of up to 10 times the tax fee or a week of imprisonment for non-compliance.
Efforts are also underway to make it easier for tourists to pay. While visitors can use the LoveBali website or app to pay in advance, awareness of the online option remains low. The Bali Provincial Government is encouraging travel agents and accommodation providers to do more in informing tourists about the requirement.
Visitors landing at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport can make payments at designated counters within the arrivals hall. However, it’s easy to miss these counters in the busy arrivals hall. To address this, authorities are conducting spot checks at popular cultural sites like Tanah Lot Temple. Tourists should keep QR code payment vouchers accessible to avoid on-the-spot payments.
In 2024 alone, the levy generated IDR 300 billion in revenue, primarily from the 40% of tourists who paid in advance. With stricter enforcement in place, Bali’s leaders hope to increase compliance significantly.
Indonesia remains a captivating destination for road trips, from the scenic routes of Bali to hidden gems scattered across its islands. Don’t forget to secure an international drivers permit to easily explore the country’s wonders.
