Key Takeaways:
- Bali is introducing a tourism tax from February 14, 2024 with exemptions for certain visa holders.
- Exempt visa categories include diplomatic, crew members, KITAS/KITAP holders, students, golden visa, and business-specific visas.
- Payments for the tax can be made at the airport or port, and funds will be used to enhance tourism facilities.
Understanding Bali’s New Tourism Tax: Who’s Exempt?
Bali, a paradise for tourists worldwide, is introducing a new tourism tax that will be in effect come 14th of February, 2024. Discussions around the tourism levy have surged in recent months, and now, the fine print is becoming clear as the implementation date approaches.
Exemptions from the Bali Tourism Tax
While many may have to brace for the additional cost, certain visa holders can breathe a sigh of relief. According to the freshly curated regulations, seven specific visa categories will be spared from the IDR 150,000 tourism tax fee. However, exemption does not mean invisibility to the system—you will still need to register for exemption online.
Here’s a breakdown of the visa categories exempt from the Bali tourism tax:
– Diplomatic and official visa holders
– Crew members on transportation vehicles
– KITAS (temporary stay permit card) and KITAP (permanent stay permit card) holders
– Family unification visa holders
– Student visa holders
– Golden Visa holders
– Business-specific visa holders
Navigating the Exemption Process
If you fall under any of these Bali visa categories exempt from tax, it’s important to plan ahead. The Bali Governor’s Regulation Number 36 of 2023 stipulates that exemption requests must be submitted at least one month prior to your arrival in Bali. Following your application submission through the Love Bali system at lovebali.baliprov.go.id, the local tourism authority will take up to five working days to verify your information and notify you of your application’s status.
Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, Head of Tourism at the Bali Tourism Office, emphasized the streamlined exemption process, noting:
“They [exemption visa holders] must submit an application and meet the requirements in the Love Bali system…If it is approved, the Love Bali system will give a notice and proof of exemption approval to the foreign tourist in the form of a QR code.”
Payment Points and Compliance
For travelers required to pay the tax, officials have made the process convenient upon arrival; payments can be made at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport or Benoa Port, Bali. Moreover, the newly formed Bali Tourism Civil Service Satpol PP Units will ensure compliance, potentially asking for proof of payment in transit areas like Sanur Harbour, which serves as a gateway to nearby islands.
Perceived Value of the Bali Tourism Tax
There’s always a shared sentiment among travelers when charges are added to their escapades, yet the reaction to the Bali tourism tax has been mixed. Many seem open to an extra USD 10 if it enhances their travel experience. As an added incentive, Acting Governor Sang and Made Mahendra Jaya have voiced commitments to funnel these funds towards enhancing tourist facilities and preserving Bali’s natural and cultural assets.
In an effort to sweeten the deal further, Acting Governor Jaya is considering rewarding paying visitors with discounts:
“The amount of the discount will vary, and this is to stimulate foreign tourists to pay before arriving in Bali because they will get the biggest discount voucher,”
Accessing Tax and Exemption Information
Whether you’re looking to pay the Bali tourism tax or apply for a Bali tax exemption for tourists, the procedure is centralized through the same platform. The official Love Bali website, and accompanying app, available for download via the website or directly in the app store, is the one-stop shop for all things related to the tourism levy.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you’re exempt or penciling in the tax into your travel budget, it’s clear that the Bali government has taken steps to ensure the process is transparent and manageable for all visitors. By provisioning exemptions and potentially offering discounts to conscientious travelers, Bali aims to preserve its allure while investing back into what makes it a quintessential travel destination.
Learn Today:
Glossary
- Tourism tax: A fee charged to tourists for the purpose of funding tourism infrastructure, facilities, and services in a specific destination.
Exemption: The act of being free or relieved from a requirement, obligation, or payment. In the context of the Bali tourism tax, certain visa holders are exempt and do not have to pay the tax.
Visa: A document issued by a country’s government that allows a person to enter, stay, or work in that country for a specified period of time and for specific purposes.
Diplomatic and official visa holders: Individuals who hold visas granted to diplomats or government officials representing their respective countries.
Crew members: Individuals working in the transportation industry, such as airline staff, ship crew members, or train attendants.
KITAS (temporary stay permit card) and KITAP (permanent stay permit card) holders: Individuals who hold temporary or permanent stay permits in Bali.
Family unification visa holders: Individuals who have been granted visas to reunite with family members residing in Bali.
Student visa holders: Individuals who hold visas to study in Bali.
Golden Visa holders: Individuals who hold a type of visa that provides special privileges and benefits, often associated with investment or high-skilled individuals.
Business-specific visa holders: Individuals who hold visas granted for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences, exploring investment opportunities, or establishing a business in Bali.
Love Bali system: An online platform where travelers can submit applications for exemption from the Bali tourism tax and receive notifications regarding their application status. It also issues proof of exemption through a QR code.
Bali Governor’s Regulation Number 36 of 2023: The official regulation issued by the Governor of Bali, outlining the guidelines and requirements for the exemption process of the Bali tourism tax.
Verification: The process of confirming the accuracy, validity, or authenticity of submitted information.
QR code: A type of barcode that can be scanned by smartphones or other devices, allowing quick access to specific information or actions.
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport: The main international airport in Bali, where travelers can make the payment for the tourism tax upon arrival.
Benoa Port: A major seaport in Bali, where travelers can make the payment for the tourism tax upon arrival.
Bali Tourism Civil Service Satpol PP Units: A newly formed unit responsible for ensuring compliance with tourism-related regulations and policies in Bali.
Perceived value: The subjective assessment of the worth or benefit of something, in this case, the perception of the Bali tourism tax by travelers.
Acting Governor: A temporary position filled by an individual appointed to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a governor.
Preservation: The act of protecting, conserving, and maintaining something, such as Bali’s natural and cultural assets.
Love Bali website: The official website where tourists can find information about the Bali tourism tax, make payments, and apply for exemptions.
App store: An online platform where users can download and install applications for their smartphones or other electronic devices.
Transparent: Characterized by clarity, openness, and accessibility of information, processes, and procedures.
Conscientious travelers: Travelers who are thoughtful, considerate, and mindful of their impact on the environment, culture, and communities they visit.
So there you have it, the lowdown on Bali’s new tourism tax and who’s exempt. Whether you’re planning a trip or already in paradise, understanding the ins and outs of this levy is key. If you want to delve deeper into visa-related topics, head on over to visaverge.com for more helpful information. Happy travels!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Bali is introducing a tourism tax on February 14, 2024. But not everyone has to pay it. Exemptions include diplomatic visas, crew members, and visa holders like students and business travelers. You can apply for exemption online through the Love Bali system.
