Key Takeaways:
- Bali’s government will impose a tourist levy of Rp150,000 (around US$9.58) starting from February 14 to support cultural and environmental protection efforts.
- Certain categories of travelers, such as diplomatic visa holders and business visa holders, are exempt from the tourist levy.
- Travelers who are eligible for the exemption must submit an application through the Love Bali system to receive a QR code as proof of exemption.
Bali, the picturesque Indonesian island known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, has recently updated its tourism policies with widespread interest from potential visitors. Starting from February 14, Bali’s government will impose a tourist levy of Rp150,000 (around US$9.58) on visitors to support cultural and environmental protection efforts. However, there’s excellent news for travelers who fall into certain categories: they can be exempt from this levy. This post will outline how to benefit from the Bali tourist levy exemption and identify which Bali visa types are without the tourist tax.
Exemptions from the New Bali Tourist Levy
Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, the Head of Tourism at the Tourism Office of Bali Province, announced in Denpasar that select groups of foreign tourists would not be required to pay the new levy. If you’re wondering how to avoid the tourist levy in Bali, the exempt categories include:
- Diplomatic and official visa holders
- Crew members on transportation vehicles
- Holders of temporary or permanent stay permit cards
- Family unification visa holders
- Student visa holders
- Golden visa holders
- Holders of other visa types such as business visas
This is great news for those planning to travel to Bali under these visa categories.
How to Apply for the Levy Exemption
To take advantage of the levy exemption, travelers must go through a formal application process. “They must submit an application and meet the requirements in the Love Bali system,” Yustikarini stated. Here’s what you need to do to submit your application:
- Fill out the application on the Love Bali system at lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
- Ensure you submit your application at least one month before your intended entry into Bali.
- After submission, the local tourism authority will verify your application within a maximum of five working days.
“If it is approved, the Love Bali system will give a notice and proof of exemption approval to the foreign tourists in the form of a QR code,” Yustikarini explained. This QR code serves as your proof of exemption from the tourist levy.
Collection Points for the Tourist Levy
For travelers who do not fall into the exempt categories, the tourist levy will initially be collected at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Benoa Port’s international arrival terminals. Payment can also be made through various channels including travel agents, hotels, and tourist attractions.
Purpose of the Levy
The levy is not merely a fee but a carefully considered policy implemented to safeguard the island’s rich cultural heritage and pristine environment. It has been established under Law Number 15 of 2023 on Bali Province and its derivative regulation, Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2023 on Levy for Foreign Tourists.
The objectives of the levy are multifaceted and include:
- Protection of the local customs, traditions, arts, culture, and wisdom of the Balinese people
- Preservation of culture and natural environments that serve as tourist attractions
- Improvement of the quality of services and organization of Balinese cultural tourism
- Provision of a guideline for implementing and managing levies for foreign tourists
These efforts underline the importance that the Balinese government places on maintaining the island’s integrity and ensuring that tourism develops sustainably.
Navigate the New Regulations with Ease
To navigate these new regulations smoothly and potentially enjoy a trip without the additional cost, remember to check your eligibility for the Bali tourist levy exemption and apply well in advance. Through responsible tourism and adherence to local policies, visitors can ensure that Bali remains a beautiful and unique destination for future generations.
Whether you qualify for an exemption or contribute to Bali’s cultural and environmental protection through the levy, your journey to this enchanting island promises to be as rewarding and enriching as ever.
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions:
- Tourist Levy: A fee imposed on foreign tourists visiting a specific destination, typically used to support cultural, environmental, and tourism-related initiatives.
Rp (Indonesian Rupiah): The official currency of Indonesia, commonly used to denote the Indonesian currency in financial transactions.
Exemption: Refers to the exclusion or waiver from a specific requirement or obligation, such as being exempt from paying the tourist levy.
Visa: A travel document or endorsement issued by a country’s government that allows foreign individuals to enter and stay in that country for a specific period and purpose.
Diplomatic and Official Visa: A type of visa issued to diplomats, government officials, and individuals undertaking official government business.
Crew Members: Refers to individuals employed on transportation vehicles, such as airline or cruise ship staff, who are involved in operating the vessel.
Stay Permit Card: A document issued by the immigration authorities of a country that allows foreign individuals to temporarily live or work in that country, usually for a specified period.
Family Unification Visa: A visa category that allows foreign individuals to join family members who are already living in a particular country.
Student Visa: A visa granted to foreign individuals who wish to study in a particular country, usually limited to the duration of their educational program.
Golden Visa: A type of visa or residency program that grants long-term residency to individuals who make substantial financial investments or contribute to the economic development of a country.
Business Visa: A visa category that permits foreign individuals to enter a country for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating contracts.
Love Bali System: An online application system implemented by the Bali government for tourists to apply for exemption from the tourist levy.
QR Code: A digital barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader, typically used to store and retrieve information.
Collection Points: Specific locations where the tourist levy is collected from individuals who are not eligible for exemption, such as airports, ports, travel agencies, hotels, or tourist attractions.
Cultural Heritage: The aspects of a country or region’s culture, including customs, traditions, arts, and practices, that are considered valuable and significant.
Pristine Environment: Refers to an environment that is in a natural, unspoiled condition, free from pollution or human damage.
Law Number 15 of 2023: Refers to the specific legal document enacted by the government of Bali that establishes the tourist levy and outlines its purpose and implementation.
Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2023: A derivative regulation based on Law Number 15 of 2023, specifying the details and guidelines for the implementation and management of the tourist levy in the region.
Sustainable Tourism: A responsible approach to tourism that aims to minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities, while promoting cultural preservation and economic development.
Responsible Tourism: A concept that encourages tourists to travel in a way that respects and benefits the local culture, environment, and economy of the destinations they visit.
To navigate the Bali tourist levy smoothly, check your eligibility for exemptions, apply in advance, and receive your QR code proof of exemption. Explore more about Bali visa types and regulations on visaverge.com, your go-to source for all things immigration and travel. Happy travels to this enchanting island paradise!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Bali has introduced a tourist levy of Rp150,000 to support cultural and environmental protection efforts. However, some visitors can be exempt, including those with diplomatic visas, students, and business travelers. To apply for exemption, submit an application through the Love Bali system at least one month before arrival.
