Bali’s $10 Charge for Foreign Tourists Sparks Controversy

Bali, Indonesia, has started receiving a “tourist contribution fee” of about $10) per foreign tourist. Exemptions are given to nationals, diplomatic passport holders, airline crew members, and student visa holders.

On the 15th, Yonhap News reported, citing the announcement of the Bali provincial government, “From yesterday, we have started imposing a Bali tourism contribution fee of 150,000 rupiahs (about $10) on foreign tourists.”

Last year, the Bali government imposed a tourist contribution fee on foreign tourists for local cultural and environmental protection and infrastructure investments. The contribution fee must only be paid once during the visit to Bali. However, it must be paid again if re-entering after departure.

Diplomats or holders of diplomatic passports are exempted, even if they are foreigners. Also, airline crew members, foreigners with long-term Indonesian visas, and student visa holders who have entered the country for study purposes are exempted. Upon arrival in Bali, they only need to present their passport and visa at the tourist contribution fee payment counter.

The Korean Embassy in Indonesia explained, “You can pay upon arrival at the airport or port, but it is recommended to pay in advance online due to possible congestion.”