New Entry Fee of $10 to be Imposed on Foreign Tourists Visiting Bali Starting on Valentine's Day

Bali, one of the world's top tourist destinations, has implemented a new levy for foreign tourists. The 150,000 rupiah fee, equivalent to £7.60 or $9.60, has been introduced by Indonesian authorities to protect the environment and culture of the island. Bali is renowned for its captivating beaches, impressive surfing opportunities, and stunning landscapes. Official data reveals that nearly 4.8 million visitors traveled to Bali between January and November last year. The tourist tax, which was initially announced in 2020, officially commenced on Valentine's Day this year and applies to foreign tourists arriving from abroad or other parts of Indonesia. Domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt from the levy. Travelers are encouraged to pay the fee before their arrival through the Love Bali website. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism accounted for approximately 60% of Bali's annual GDP. According to the local statistics bureau, Australia was the largest contributor of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2023, with over 100,000 arrivals. This was followed by tourists from India, China, and Singapore. However, the ill-mannered behavior of some tourists has angered locals in recent years. This includes incidents such as a Russian man being deported after stripping off on Mount Agung, considered a sacred place by Hindus. Authorities also announced plans to ban foreign tourists from using motorbikes after several cases of traffic law violations. In 2021, uproar ensued when a video circulated showing a Russian couple engaging in sexual activity at Mount Batur, another holy site. The introduction of the tourist tax coincided with election day in Indonesia, where millions of people cast their votes to select a new president and legislature. Over 200 million individuals across the country's 17,000 islands and three time zones are eligible to vote.