Daily Tourism Tax Could Be Introduced In Bali

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In a bid to attract more ‘high-quality tourists’, leaders in Bali are seriously considering introducing a daily tourism tax for all foreign visitors.

Leaders in Bali have long idolized the tightly controlled tourism model of Bhutan, where international tourists must pay USD 100 per day as part of the Sustainable Development Fee. 

From Indonesia’s ex-tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno to Bali’s most famous senator Ni Luh Djelantik, leaders in the country have long held Bhutan’s tourism model in high regard.

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan has implemented a highly organized and tightly structured tourism model that has been designed to promote the country’s national interests of preserving culture and the natural landscape while sharing its unique heritage with a small and highly invested demographic of travelers. 

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Bhutan’s tourism model requires visitors to apply for a visa in advance of travel, and while the visa allows stays of up to 90 days and costs USD 40, adult travelers must contribute an additional USD 100 per day in Sustainable Development Fees. 

At the time of application, tourists must confirm their arrival and departure dates, confirm their itinerary and travel plans for the duration of their trip, which in almost all cases is delivered by a guided tour provider. They must also ignore the Pledge of Friendship, and in doing so visitors commit to protecting, preserving and positively contributing to the Kingdom of Bhutan. 

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In the event of a change of plans and tourists leave the county earlier than expected, their Sustainable Development Fee for the days their trip was reduced is refunded; tourists are also permitted to extend their stays after arrival, for the same USD 100 per day fee plus Bhutan is also very clear in how, where and why it utilizes the funds generated by tourists through the Sustainable Development Fee. 

Bhutan explains “The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programs and initiatives that support local businesses and economies.” 

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The Bhutan model of tourism is heralded by many around the world as the way in which truly sustainable tourism should be implemented, but many feel that Bali is a long way from attaining such a system. A year ago this month Bali introduced its Tourism Tax Levy, an IDR 150,000 mandatory fee for all international tourists.

Over the last 12 months it’s been revealed that due to poor enforcement and communication around the policy, less than 40% of all international arrivals paid the fee. In January 2025 the Indonesian Ombudsman confirmed that it would be investigating allegations of mismanagement within the tourism sector, specifically focusing on the Bali Tourism Tax Levy. 

The Head of Bali Marginal Tourism Alliance, Puspa Negara, has spoken to reporters conveying his support for the introduction of the Bhutan style tourism model, including a daily tourism tax.

He called for more policies that help increase the overall quality of Bali’s tourism offering. 

Back in 2023, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster sparked a fierce debate amongst the travel industry after he proposed that the province introduce a tourism quota to help control the number of international visitors allowed into the region annually.

The quota, which was proposed to sit in the millions of tourists, was never formally written into policy. Though, as Governor Koster this week embarks on his second term in office, many new police updates, ideas, and solutions to long-standing issues are to be expected. 

For now, it remains the case that tourists traveling to Bali must pay their IDR 150,000 Bali Tourism Tax Levy fee before they depart from the island. The fee can be paid on arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, or online at the LoveBali website, or on the LoveBali app.

Upon completing the payment tourists are issued with a QR-code voucher that they must keep close by during their visit to the island in case they are asked to present proof of payment to tourism officers.