Bali Tourism Levy Starting 2024: How It Works and What It Means for Your Trip

Starting February 14, 2024, Bali introduced a new mandatory levy for foreign visitors. Officially called the Bali Levy (or Bali Tourism Promotional Fee), this charge applies to all non-Indonesian nationals entering the island. The fee is a flat rate — around $10 — and must be paid upon each entry into Bali. Here's everything you need to know: who needs to pay, how to pay, and what happens if you don’t comply.

How Much Is the Levy and Who Needs to Pay

The Bali Levy is 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately US$10 at the current exchange rate). The payment is charged once per entry into Bali, regardless of the purpose or length of stay.

Who is subject to the new levy:

All foreign nationals entering Bali — including tourists, business travelers, digital nomads, and others.
The levy applies for all visa types, including: Visa on Arrival (VOA), e-Visa (e-VOA), Social Visa, and Stay Permits (ITAS/KITAS/KITAP).
Indonesian citizens, including those living abroad, as well as foreigners who hold valid resident permits in Indonesia, are exempt from paying the fee.

Special categories:

Children (including infants) must pay the same levy as adults.
Persons with disabilities are not automatically exempt unless they present official documentation qualifying them for an exemption. This is handled case-by-case upon arrival.
In cases of technical stopovers where passengers do not exit into the terminal, the levy does not apply.

Do you pay again if leaving and returning to Bali?

Yes. The Bali Levy is tied to each island entry. That means if you leave Bali briefly — for instance, to Lombok, Java, or other regions — and return, you must pay the levy again.

How and Where to Pay the Tourism Levy

There are two ways to pay the Bali Levy — online before arrival, or on arrival at the airport.

1. Online Payment Before Arrival

Visit the official website: lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
Select your travel date, enter passport details, and pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
After payment, you'll receive a QR code voucher — this must be shown to officials upon entry to the island.

2. Payment on Arrival at the Airport

Dedicated payment counters are available at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar).
Payments can be made in Indonesian Rupiah cash or via credit/debit cards.
Note: During peak arrival hours, queues are possible. Pre-paying online is recommended.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Bali Levy?

Payment of the levy is mandatory and checked at immigration entry points. If you do not have a valid voucher (QR code or official receipt):

You may be held at immigration control;
You’ll be asked to pay on the spot. Refusal may lead to fines or denial of entry to Bali;
According to Bali’s Tourism Department, entry can be refused unless payment is completed.

Tip: Pay the levy in advance and keep the payment confirmation for your entire stay.

How the Funds Are Used

The Bali Levy is a non-commercial fee. All collected funds go directly to the regional budget of Bali Province and are allocated to:

Infrastructure improvement: upgrading roads, water systems, and waste management.
Environmental protection: safeguarding coral reefs, fighting plastic pollution, and restoring natural ecosystems.
Cultural preservation: maintaining temples, supporting traditional villages, artisan workshops, and cultural events.

This levy aligns with Bali's sustainable tourism strategy, balancing tourism growth with protection of its unique natural and cultural heritage.

How the Levy Affects Your Budget

While the fee is modest, it's worth including in your travel budget — especially for group or multiple-trip travelers:

A single traveler pays around $10 just to enter Bali.
A family of four — around $40 as an additional cost.
If your itinerary includes returning to Bali (after visiting Jakarta, Komodo, etc.), the fee applies each time.

If you're on a tight budget, plan for this expense in advance.

FAQ: Bali Tourism Levy

Do children need to pay the Bali Levy?: Yes. All foreign nationals, including infants, must pay the levy.
Can you avoid the levy?: No. It's a mandatory fee for all non-Indonesian entrants to Bali. Only Indonesian citizens and legal residents (KITAS/KITAP holders) are exempt.
What if I didn’t pay in advance?: You can pay on arrival, but be prepared for queues. Pre-paying online is faster and more convenient.
Do I pay the levy if transiting through Denpasar Airport?: If you stay within the transit zone and do not go through immigration, the levy is not required.

Quick Summary: Should You Be Concerned?

The new Bali Levy is now part of the travel process for all foreign visitors. Though the cost is low, it’s important to:

Pay ahead on the official website — it saves time and reduces hassle.
Remember the levy is charged again if re-entering Bali during your trip.
Keep proof of payment — ideally both printed and digital copies.

Pros for travelers: Transparent system, simple online payment, and a clear purpose (improving visitor experience).

Cons: Extra costs for repeat entries, no exemptions for families with kids, and potential airport wait times.

Bottom line: The Bali Levy promotes responsible, sustainable tourism. Contributing to infrastructure and conservation efforts benefits all travelers. Well-prepared visitors with vouchers in hand are unlikely to notice the change at all.