The Regional Regulation (Perda) regarding Bali entry fees for foreign tourists was passed a few months ago. That means all foreign tourists entering Bali must pay a retribution fee of USD10, or the equivalent of IDR150,000. This regulation is based on Law Number 15 of 2023 concerning the Province of Bali. 

It should be understood that the retribution fee is familiar in Bali. Previously, Bali's Provincial Government (Pemprov) already had Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2020 concerning tourist contributions. However, the applicable regulation states that the contribution to be paid is voluntary.

The plan is to impose retribution fees on foreign tourists visiting Bali starting in February 2024. For now, the Bali Provincial Government has conducted socialization with various parties and simulated the tax collection process for foreign tourists upon their arrival in Bali. Overall, the estimated time per tourist is only about 23 seconds.

The Purpose of Retribution Fee in Bali

Legalizing retribution fees for foreign tourists in Bali has caused various debates. Not a few are worried that the retribution fee will have an impact on the decline in the number of foreign tourist visits to Bali. Sobat Parekraf do not need to worry about this. 

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster and the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Sandiaga Uno have agreed that, if implemented properly and correctly, the retribution fee will not affect the number of foreign tourist visits to Bali.

Moreover, collecting retribution fees for foreign tourists aims to provide tangible benefits to protecting Bali's culture and environment. This is certainly in line with the principle of foreign tourists who always support efforts to maintain the environment and cultural preservation in Bali.

Photo: Illustration of foreign tourists enjoying the beauty of Bali's Tirtagangga Park (Shutterstock/Elizaveta Galitckaia)

In the future, the collection of retribution fees in Bali will protect nature and keep it clean and sustainable. But it also plays a vital role in protecting and promoting Balinese culture, which includes customs, traditions, cultural arts, and local wisdom to maintain Bali's spiritual aura.

In addition, collecting retribution fees is expected to improve Bali's cultural tourism information services and build quality public transportation infrastructure and facilities. Bali's retribution rules also aim to create cleanliness, order, comfort, and safety while traveling on the Island of the Gods.

Bali Entrance Fee Payment Mechanism

For information, a retribution of Rp150,000 applies to one foreign tourist visiting Bali. Later, the retribution fee is only paid once while traveling to Bali. The applicable payment method is cashless through the Perception Bank appointed by the Bali Provincial Government, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI). 

However, to make payments, foreign tourists are advised to access the "Love Bali System" before entering the door of arrival to Bali. After that, tourists can directly choose the payment method to be used, namely Bank Transfer, Virtual Account, or QRIS.

If the transaction is successful, the Love Bali System will provide a Paid notification as digital proof of payment. However, foreign tourists are encouraged to make payments before departure to Bali. The goal is to facilitate service upon arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and Benoa Harbor.

If unable to make payments through the Love Bali system, foreign tourists can make cashless payments at BRI counters available at airports and ports. Payment methods can include debit/credit cards or Electronic Data Capture (EDC).

Later, tourists will receive a printout of the proof of payment. Make sure that all tourists keep valid proof of payment. The evidence of payment will be scanned by a scanner after the travel document inspection stage when entering the arrival door.