'Enchanting' holiday 'paradise' will introduce tourist tax starting this month - what Britons have to pay

'Enchanting' holiday 'paradise' will introduce tourist tax starting this month - what Britons have to pay

The village where 'The Holiday' is set has been overrun by tourists

GB NEWS
Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 01/02/2024

- 12:32

Visiting Bali will come with an added charge from February 14, 2024

Bali will introduce a tourist levy to help preserve the island's rich heritage. The initiative will come into effect this month.

The additional charge should benefit both Bali and the people visiting the beautiful holiday hotspot.


Wonderful Indonesia, the official account of Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, shared an update.

A social media post read: "Bali welcomes you with a new initiative! Starting Feb 14, 2024, join in preserving Bali's rich heritage with the International Tourism Levy.

"Easy to pay via the Love Bali App, it's a small step towards big changes in protecting culture and nature.

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Woman swinging in Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida Bali

Tourist contribution should 'enhance Bali's beauty and your travel experience'

GETTY IMAGES

"Your contribution enhances Bali's beauty and your travel experience! Embrace responsible tourism and be part of #BaliLegacyJourney."

The post explained that Bali is opting into the levy to preserve Bali's "rich customs, wisdom and nature in the frame of sustainability".

The tourism levy is IDR 150,000 (£7.54) per person, payable one time during your trip. Tourists are advised to make their payment before arriving.

Paying the levy is simple with the Love Bali app or via lovebali.baliprov.go.id. Here, visitors can enter their details and pay and receive their levy voucher by email which they can then scan at checkpoints. This will allow tourists to explore Bali "hassle-free".

However, not every visitor will have to pay the tax. Some people will be exempt: Diplomatic and official visa holders, conveyance crew, KITAS/KITAP (visa) holders, family unification, golden and student visa holders, and specific non-tourist visa holders.

Visitors who believe they qualify for an exemption should apply for one via the Love Bali app a month before their arrival. Conveyance crew do not have to fill out an application.

The hope is that implementing the International Tourism Levy will preserve Bali's heritage, safeguarding the island's customs and arts, as well as helping to protect its rich culture and environment.

The tax also aims to help "elevate" the tourist experience, "enhancing tourism management for a safer, more enjoyable Bali visit".

Travelling in Bali

'Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty'

GETTY IMAGES

Britons who plan on holidaying in Bali can visit lovebali.baliprov.go.id for more information.

Bali is an incredible destination and is on many travellers' bucket lists.

Wonderful Indonesia said: "Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity.

"It is also famous as a surfers’ paradise! Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colourful ceremonies, its arts and crafts, its luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife. And everywhere, you will find intricately carved temples."

Bali is not the only tourist hotspot that has decided to charge tourists an added fee. Several tourist hotspots have made the decision due to issues such as over-tourism.

From this year, Greece will introduce a climate levy, which could make holidays more expensive for Britons.

Venice will also try out a "first-of-its-kind experiment" this year with a day trip fee on certain days.

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