Bali's tourist tax: Everything to know about new entry requirements

Australian travellers are raising concerns over medication restrictions in Bali as they grapple with tourist tax changes. Here's what you need to know.

Australian tourists heading to Bali need to pay a new $15 tourist levy to gain entry to the holiday island, after a one-time fee of IDR 50,000 came into effect on February 14.

As travellers grapple with the change, new concerns have been raised over prescription medications – including some commonly used for mental health issues.

Here’s what you need to know.

HOW TO PAY THE BALI TOURIST TAX?

Travellers can pay the levy through the Love Bali website or app, which automatically emails a tourism levy voucher with a QR code that you can scan upon arrival in Bali.

A payment counter is also available at Bali's international airport and seaports for those who have not made payment prior to arriving on the holiday island.

Tourists relax on the Kuta Beach in Bali. Picture: AFP

WHAT IS THE TOURIST TAX FOR?

According to tourism officials, the levy is designed to contribute to the preservation of the holiday island’s unique cultural heritage, while reinforcing sustainable tourism.

The breakdown hasn’t been released publicly, but there are suggestions up to 70 per cent of the tourism levy could be spent on tackling Bali’s chronic waste management issues.

A man lights incense sticks at the Dharmayana temple in Kuta on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. Picture: AFP

WILL AUSTRALIANS NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO BALI IN 2024?

Australians heading to Bali currently need to get a visa online or on arrival at Bali Airport.

However, Indonesian Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno, said the government is looking at reintroducing visa-free travel for 20 countries in 2024, including Australia and New Zealand.

The current visa on arrival requirement costs an Australian family of four $200 in visa fees before their Bali trip even begins, costing about $50 (IDR 500,000) per application.

A new tourist levy will be introduced in Bali on February 14. Picture: AFP

Visitors are allowed to stay for up to 30 days, with an option to extend for another 30 days.

Some news outlets, including The Bali Sun, have reported that the visa changes could take place in early February, however, no official date has been announced.

News Corp Australia has contacted the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism for an update.

The Indonesian Government may consider scrapping visas for Aussie tourists. Picture: Getty Images

WHAT WOULD VISA-FREE TRAVEL MEAN FOR AUSSIES?

The scrapping of the $50 visa on arrival would cut costs for Aussies holidaying in Bali, particularly families and groups, while saving the headaches caused by technical glitches.

Travel experts, including Flight Centre’s James Kavanagh, have welcomed the move.

“With the current cost of living, any move to make travel more affordable is good news, particularly for families who have been the slowest group to return to pre pandemic travel habits,” he said.

“Based on this year’s bookings, Indonesia ranks in our top five destinations, so the demand is certainly there."

Indonesia ranks in Australia’s top five travel destinations. Picture: AFP

WHICH COUNTRIES WILL BE EXEMPT FROM INDONESIA’S VISA REQUIREMENTS?

ASEAN nations have an agreement that allows tourists to travel to Bali visa-free.

The list currently includes citizens of Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines, however, 20 new countries could soon be added.

These include Australia, New Zealand, China, India, the US and the UK.

The tourist levy is designed to contribute to the preservation of the holiday island’s unique cultural heritage. Picture: AFP

WHAT MEDICATIONS CAN’T YOU TAKE TO BALI?

Some Australian travellers have raised concerns over medications allowed into Bali, including amphetamines used to treat ADHD.

Medication rules can vary from country to country, and according to the Australian government's Smartraveller website, medications for mental health can be controversial.

Some of the most commonly restricted drugs, aside from amphetamines, include opioid-based painkillers, anti-anxiety pills, antidepressants, sleeping pills, and medical marijuana.

Smartraveller recommends asking your doctor for a letter stating what the medicine is, how much you'll use, and that it's for personal use, prior to your trip.

It's also important to keep all medication in its original packaging to make it easier for border officials to assess and to only pack enough for the days you'll be away.

If you're unsure as to whether your medication is allowed into Indonesia, contact the nearest consulate or embassy to double-check the rules.

Originally published as Bali's tourist tax: Everything to know about new entry requirements