‘Pay up’: Warning for tourists headed to Bali

Aussies heading to Bali have been reminded about an important fee that could see them refused entry if not paid.

Bali made a record-breaking $87,000 in one day from the Tourism Tax Levy earlier this year, and with an influx of international visitors expected to descend on the island throughout 2025, the government is reminding tourists to “pay up”.

The island introduced the 150,000 IDR ($15) Tourism Tax Levy fee in February last year with plans to use the money to help protect Bali’s culture and customs, as well as protecting the island’s natural environment and sustainable tourism practices.

Tourists visiting Bali have been warned to pay the $15 tourism levy before landing.

Data from the Bali Provincial Government revealed the province received IDR 168 billion in revenue between January and June 2025 – about $A16 million.

Bali governor Wayan Koster said on one record-breaking day, Bali received IDR 933 million – $A87,000.

According to The Bali Sun, he told reporters if this trend continues, the potential annual revenue is estimated to reach IDR 340 billion.

Aussies still make up a huge chunk of overseas visitors, with travel data shared by Ngurah Rai Immigration revealing 344,639 Aussies visited the island in January to March.

Around $16 million in revenue has been made between January and June from the levy. Picture: Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP

However, while the island continues to attract plenty of tourists, in turn boosting its economy, not everyone is contributing to the tourism tax, with as few as 35 per cent of visitors having paid the mandatory fee by the end of the first year of the policy.

According to Time magazine, Mr Koster said those who fail to pay the fee may face consequences ranging from being denied entry to attractions, fines, or even deportation.

The goal of the tourism tax is to help the government ‘preserve the integrity and balance of Bali’s nature, its people, and their culture’.

He said he is working with a range of stakeholders, including in the hotel sector, to ensure the funds are spent in ways that benefit Bali residents, the environment, and tourists.

Tourists are encouraged to pay the fee before arriving to Bali via Love Bali – part of the official government website.

Travellers will need their passport number and email address handy. There is also the option to select ‘Group’ if travelling with family or friends. Each member will then be emailed a unique QR code.

The payment can also be made on arrival at Bali’s main airport – I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. However, some have complained it adds an extra step in the arrivals process.

The goal of the tourism tax is to help the government “preserve the integrity and balance of Bali’s nature, its people, and their culture”.