Bali implements $10 entry tax for foreign tourists starting Valentine's Day

Bali, famous for its pristine beaches, surfing waves, and picturesque landscapes, attracted nearly 4.8 million visitors from January to November last year.

The tourist tax, announced last year, took effect on Wednesday, Valentine's Day. It targets foreign tourists arriving from overseas or other parts of Indonesia, exempting domestic visitors. Officials encourage travelers to pay the tax in advance via the Love Bali website.

Tourism accounted for about 60% of Bali's GDP before the pandemic hit. Australian tourists led the arrivals in November 2023, followed by visitors from India, China, and Singapore, according to the province's statistics bureau.

Recent years have seen tensions between locals and misbehaving tourists. Incidents include a Russian man deported for disrobing on Mount Agung, a sacred site, and plans to ban foreigners from using motorbikes due to traffic law violations. A viral video in 2021 of a Russian couple engaging in sexual activity on Mount Batur, another holy site, sparked outrage.

This tax announcement coincided with millions of Indonesians voting for a new president and legislature, involving over 200 million people across the nation's 17,000 islands.