Visitors to Bali pay a levy on top of the visa fee. Many travellers only hear about it at the airport. This post explains what the charge is, who pays it and how to sort it out before you fly.
The details here come from the Australian Government’s travel advice and the Bali Provincial Government’s official Love Bali levy site. Amounts and rules can change. Check the official pages again before you book.
What the Bali foreign tourist levy is
The levy is a fee charged to international visitors. It is run by the Bali Provincial Government. It has applied since 14 February 2024. The amount is IDR 150,000 per person, or the equivalent in foreign currency.
The official levy site says the money is for the protection of Balinese culture and the natural environment. Both are a big part of why people visit. The levy is a small way for each traveller to contribute.
The levy is separate from the visa fee. That matters when you add up your costs. You pay both, and each has its own payment process.
Who pays and who is exempt
According to the official levy site, every international tourist pays the levy once per person. The Australian Government’s travel advice says transit passengers and certain visa holders are exempt. The Love Bali FAQ lists the exempt visa groups in more detail.
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports and visas
- Crew of conveyances
- KITAS or KITAP holders
- Family unification visa holders
- Student visa holders
- Golden visa holders
- Holders of other immigration visas not intended for tourism
Golden visa holders and some other visa holders must apply for an exemption through the Love Bali system. The other groups only need to show their card to an officer. If you hold one of these visas, apply well before you arrive. Most holidaymakers will not fall into these groups.
How to pay the levy
The Australian Government’s advice says you can pay online beforehand or at designated counters at the airport or seaport. The official Love Bali website strongly encourages paying online before you leave home. Paying online first means one less task after a long flight.
Keep your payment confirmation where you can find it. Save a copy on your phone and take a screenshot as well. Stick to the official Love Bali website and be careful with any other site that offers to take payment for you.
If you have questions about your own visa type, check the official sources before you travel. A short check at home is easier than sorting it out in an arrivals queue. The official Love Bali FAQ answers many of the usual questions.
The visa and arrival steps that sit alongside the levy
The levy is only one part of getting into Bali. Australians can apply for an e-VOA online at least 48 hours before travel. The other option is a Visa on Arrival at Bali’s airport and other designated ports. The visa covers a stay of 30 days and can be extended once for up to 30 more days.
The e-VOA and the Visa on Arrival both cost IDR 500,000, and the e-VOA adds a small online processing fee. At the stated rates, the visa and the levy together come to about IDR 650,000 per person. Some airports accept only cash, so carry cash as a backup. If you want to extend, do it within the first 30 days to avoid overstay penalties.
All international arrivals must also complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card online within 72 hours of travel. Your passport should have at least six months of validity from the date you plan to enter and leave Indonesia. Check all of this before you pack. A missed step can slow you down at the border.
Budgeting for the rest of the trip
Once the fees are covered, the rest of your budget is easier to plan. A good first step is reading about how to prevent overseas holiday hassles. Small habits, like keeping copies of your documents, save time and stress. They cost almost nothing.
The Australian Government’s advice says to get full travel insurance that covers all medical costs, including evacuation. The government will not pay these costs for you. Hospitals may ask for proof of insurance and a deposit before treatment. Read your policy before you go and keep the details on your phone.
Think about the small health matters too. Medical care standards in Bali are generally lower than in Australia, according to the same advice. Even a minor illness can interrupt a holiday. It helps to know what to do if someone staying in a Bali villa gets diarrhoea before it happens.
Your levy voucher and paying in Bali
After you pay online, the levy voucher is sent to your email. That means the email address you enter has to be valid and one you can check. The voucher carries a QR code. Keep it handy on your phone for the rest of the trip.
The official site lists bank transfer, virtual account and QRIS among its payment options. Payment is cashless. If you miss paying before you fly, the Love Bali FAQ says you can also pay at registered points in Bali, such as hotels, travel agents and tourist attractions. You only pay once per trip.
Planning what to do with your time
With the fees sorted, the fun part begins. Bali has plenty to fill a week or two, from temples to beach days. Our list of activities to try during a holiday to Bali is a good place to start. Pick a few that suit your group rather than packing every day.
Leave some room in your budget for souvenirs as well. Before you buy, have a read of what you might bring back from Bali. It helps to know what you want before you start browsing the markets.
The official advice also covers safety at the beach, on the roads and in the wet season. Rough seas and strong rip currents have caused drownings at popular beaches, so check local conditions before swimming. Wet season, roughly October to April, brings flooding. Read the full advice on the Smartraveller page for Indonesia before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Is the tourist levy the same as the visa fee?
No. The Australian Government’s advice says the levy is separate from the visa fee. You pay the visa fee for entry to Indonesia and the levy for Bali. Each has its own payment process.
Can I pay the levy at the airport?
Yes. The advice says payment can be made online beforehand or at designated counters at the airport or seaport. Paying beforehand can save you a step on arrival.
How much is the levy?
The official Love Bali site states IDR 150,000 per person. Rules can change over time. Check the official Love Bali website for the current amount before you travel.
Do student visa holders pay the levy?
The official levy site lists student visa holders as exempt. They only need to show their card to an officer. Golden visa and some other visa holders must apply for an exemption through the Love Bali system. See the official Love Bali levy FAQ for the full list.
This post is general travel information only. Rules, fees and entry requirements change, so check the official Smartraveller and Bali Provincial Government sources before you travel.
