Bali is a tried-and-tested tourism destination for many Australians, but there’s a slight change all travellers need to be aware of from February 14.

The Bali Provincial Government will impose a foreign tourist levy from Wednesday, requiring all tourists to pay a fee upon landing on the Indonesian holiday island.

When the fee was announced last year, governor Wayan Koster said it was a way to make tourism more sustainable in Bali.

Here is everything you need to know about the new levy.

How much is Bali’s Foreign Tourist Levy?

The fee is 150,000 IDR, which is about $15.

The fee has to be paid for every person entering Bali and it is strongly encouraged that it is paid before arrival.

The levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival, Australia’s Smart Traveller advises.

Travellers can pay the new fee before departing for Bali online through Love Bali. They will then receive a levy voucher that can be scanned at checkpoints on arrival.

Alternatively, tourists can make the payment upon arrival at Denpasar airport or the island’s seaports.

The levy must be paid every time a person enters Bali, even if they depart to visit another province of Indonesia and then return.

No other part of Indonesia will impose the tax.

Tourists are able to pay the levy online.

Why is Bali imposing the levy?

Love Bali, a movement initiated by the Bali Provincial Government, hopes the new charge will “trigger the revival” of the island’s tourism.

In a press release from 2023, Koster said it was part of a strategy to make tourism more “maintained and sustainable”.

On a flyer, Love Bali outlined the three main objectives of the foreign tourist levy:

• Preserve heritage: To protect Balinese customs, traditions, arts and local wisdom and to ensure “sustainable culture” on the island;
• Nurture nature: Contribute to preserving local culture and the natural environment, in hopes of making Bali an “even more beautiful destination”;
• Elevate your experience: The levy will aim to improve both the quality of service in the province and Balinese cultural tourism management, with promises of making tourists’ stay “safe and enjoyable”.

Is anyone exempt?

Exemptions will be granted to a handful of visitors. According to Love Bali, they include:

Golden visa holders and those with “other visas” must apply for an exemption through Love Bali. All others will be able to simply show their card upon arrival.