Bali is all set to impose its new tourism tax starting from February 14. Referring to this, officials in the know-how divulged the final details as the launch date approaches. Notably, seven visitor visa categories are exempt from the IDR 150,000 tourism tax fee.
While individuals holding these exempt visas won’t be required to pay the tax, they must log in online and apply for an exemption. The eligible visa categories include diplomatic and official visas, crew members on transportation vehicles, and holders of temporary or permanent stay permit cards (KITAS and KITAP). Additionally, those with family unification visas, Golden Visas, student visas, and business-specific visas are also exempt.
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If reports are to go by, those seeking an exemption from the tourism levy, will be required to submit their requests a minimum of one month before their entry into Bali. The local tourism authority will assess and make decisions on these applications within a maximum of five working days, after which, their decision would be conveyed to tourists through the Love Bali system at lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
Initially, travellers will have the option to pay and confirm the tourism levy at the international arrival terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Benoa Port in Bali. Nevertheless, tourists should remain mindful of the patrols conducted by the Bali Tourism Civil Service Satpol PP Units, particularly in locations like Sanur Harbour, where tourists move between the Gili Islands and Lombok, areas not under Bali Province jurisdiction. Authorities may ask tourists to present their tourism levy vouchers.Read more: Wildlife safari in America
As reported earlier, the announcement of Bali’s tourism tax was initially made in July of the previous year, which was part of an effort to safeguard the island’s culture and generate additional funds. Often referred to as the ‘Island of Gods,’ Bali is heavily dependent on tourism and strives to strike a balance between maintaining its allure and preserving its tropical charm. If official statistics are to go by, a substantial recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with over two million tourists visiting Bali in 2022.
Who all are required to pay the tax?
All foreign tourists entering Bali, with the exception of those visiting nearby islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan will be required to pay the tourism tax. This includes travelers arriving from other regions of Indonesia through domestic flights or land routes. The tax is applicable to children as well.
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