Arriving in Bali used to be a breeze: land at Ngurah Rai Airport, grab your visa on arrival, and head straight for the beach. However, the introduction of the new regional levy has added an extra step to the process that catches many visitors off guard. The implementation of the Bali Tourist Tax means that every foreign traveler must now account for this mandatory fee before enjoying their holiday.
Ignoring this requirement isn’t an option, as enforcement at checkpoints across the island has tightened significantly in 2026. Travelers who fail to pay often face delays at verification checkpoints or awkward administrative hassles right when they should be relaxing. Understanding exactly who needs to pay, how much, and the correct method to do so is essential for a smooth entry, especially if you do not hold a KITAS.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this provincial retribution. From the official IDR 150,000 fee to specific exemptions for KITAS residency permit holders, we cover the practical details to ensure you are compliant. By following these steps, you can settle your obligations quickly via the official Love Bali system and start your island getaway without stress.
Table of Contents
- What is the Bali Tourist Levy?
- Who Must Pay the IDR 150,000 Fee?
- Exemptions: Who is Free from the Levy?
- Step-by-Step Payment via Love Bali
- Real Story: The Family Trip to Sanur
- Payment on Arrival vs. Online
- Enforcement and Common Mistakes
- Practical Tips for Agencies and Hotels
- FAQ's about Bali Tourist Tax
What is the Bali Tourist Levy?
The “Love Bali” levy is a provincial retribution officially introduced by the Bali Provincial Government. Effective from February 2024, it is part of the “Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali” policy aimed at preserving the island’s unique culture and environment. Unlike the national Visa on Arrival (VoA) fee which goes to the central government, this specific regional levy is earmarked directly for local infrastructure and cultural conservation projects.
The funds collected are intended to improve the quality of tourism services and manage the waste issues that have plagued popular areas. It represents a shift towards sustainable tourism, asking visitors to contribute a small island entry contribution towards the protection of the destination they love. It applies to all international visitors passing through checkpoints, distinct from airport taxes or flight inclusions.
Who Must Pay the IDR 150,000 Fee?
The scope of this Denpasar arrival fee is broad. It applies to all foreign tourists entering Bali, regardless of age. This means that even infants and children are subject to the full IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10) fee per person. There are no discounts for families or group bookings; each passport holder is treated as an individual transaction unless they possess a valid KITAS.
Crucially, this regional levy applies per visit. If you enter Bali, pay the tax, then leave to visit Lombok or Java and return to Bali later, you are technically required to pay the Bali Tourist Tax again for the new entry. It also applies to domestic flights arriving at Ngurah Rai Airport; if you fly from Jakarta to Denpasar as a foreigner without a KITAS, you are still liable for the levy upon arrival.
Exemptions: Who is Free from the Levy?
While most tourists must pay, there are specific exemptions for foreigners who hold long-term residency status. Holders of diplomatic and official visas are automatically exempt. More relevant to expats, those holding a valid KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) or KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) are also exempt from paying the levy.
Student visa holders and those on family unification visas (uniting with Indonesian spouses or parents) also fall under the exemption category, as do specific KITAS types. However, for some “conditional” exemptions like the Golden Visa or specific non-tourist visas, you may need to apply for the exemption through the Love Bali system in advance. It is vital to check your specific visa subclass against the latest regulations to confirm if you need to pay or if your KITAS grants you a pass at the checkpoints.
Step-by-Step Payment via Love Bali
The recommended way to settle the provincial retribution is online before you travel. This avoids queues and potential connectivity issues at the airport checkpoints. First, download the official “Love Bali” app or visit their website. You will need to register with your email and enter your passport details, arrival date, and port of entry.
Once your details are input, you proceed to payment using a credit card, bank transfer, or QRIS. After the transaction is successful, you will receive a Love Bali digital voucher containing a QR code via email. Save this QR code to your phone. You will need to scan this voucher at the dedicated checkpoints at the airport or Benoa Harbour to prove you have paid the fee, unless you show your KITAS exemption.
Real Story: The Family Trip to Sanur
Meet Michael, a 45-year-old father from Perth, Australia. He planned a family holiday to Sanur in April 2026 with his wife and two teenage kids. Accustomed to the old system, Michael assumed he only needed to pay for the Visa on Arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport. He didn’t read the updated travel advisories about the new regional levy.
Upon landing at Ngurah Rai Airport, the family cleared immigration smoothly but was stopped at the customs exit area where officers were manning the checkpoints to spot-check for the levy. Michael hadn’t paid. Tired and jet-lagged, he had to locate the payment kiosk, connect to the airport Wi-Fi, and process four separate transactions of IDR 150,000. The delay cost them an hour. Michael now advises all his friends to pay the Denpasar arrival fee online or secure a KITAS if eligible before flying to avoid the hassle at checkpoints.
Payment on Arrival vs. Online
While online payment is strongly encouraged, paying on arrival is possible. Dedicated counters are available at international arrival terminals and harbors just before the checkpoints. However, it is critical to note that these counters are cashless. You cannot pay the island entry contribution with cash IDR or USD; you must use a credit card or electronic payment method.
Paying on arrival carries risks. If the system is down or the queues are long, it delays your exit from Ngurah Rai Airport. Furthermore, having the Love Bali digital voucher ready beforehand allows you to breeze through the scanning checkpoints. For those organizing group tours or large family trips, utilizing a trusted travel agency can help manage these logistics, ensuring every member of your party has their vouchers ready before departure.
Enforcement and Common Mistakes
Enforcement of the Bali Tourist Tax has become stricter in 2026. Authorities conduct random checks at exit points, tourist sites, and airport checkpoints to ensure compliance. Non-payment can lead to administrative delays or being asked to pay on the spot before leaving the country. Even those with a KITAS should have their digital exemption proof ready for the checkpoints.
A common mistake is paying via third-party scam websites that charge exorbitant processing fees or issue invalid vouchers. Always use the official government portal. Another error is forgetting that the tax applies to children; many parents arrive having paid for themselves but not their infants. Ensure every passport holder in your group has a valid voucher to ensure a seamless entry through the checkpoints, unless they are covered by a KITAS exemption.
Practical Tips for Agencies and Hotels
For villa owners and hotel operators in Bali, communicating this island entry contribution is key to guest satisfaction. Include a link to the Love Bali app and a brief explanation of the regional levy in your booking confirmation emails. Clarify that this is separate from the hotel service charge or the national visa fee, and remind KITAS holders to bring their cards.
For long-term residents and digital nomads on visas other than KITAS/KITAP (like the B211A), clarity is essential. Since B211A is technically a Visit Visa, holders are generally required to pay the provincial retribution upon each entry at the checkpoints unless specific exemption policies are updated. Keeping guests informed prevents nasty surprises and helps maintain Bali’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
FAQ's about Bali Tourist Tax
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Do I have to pay the levy if I have a KITAS?
No, holders of a valid KITAS or KITAP are exempt from the levy. You may need to show your residency permit if checked at the checkpoints.
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Can I pay the levy with cash at the airport?
No, the counters at Ngurah Rai Airport and harbor are cashless. You must use a card or electronic payment method.
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Is the tax refundable if I cancel my trip?
Generally, the Bali Tourist Tax is non-refundable. However, the voucher is valid for use if you reschedule your trip within a certain timeframe.
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Do babies need to pay the tax?
Yes, the regional levy applies to all foreign visitors regardless of age, including infants, unless they are dependents on a KITAS.
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How often do I pay if I travel in and out of Bali?
The levy is payable per visit. If you leave Indonesia and re-enter Bali through the checkpoints, you must pay the island entry contribution again.
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Is this the same as the Visa on Arrival fee?
No, this is a separate provincial retribution for Bali. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a national fee paid to the central government for entry into Indonesia.
