Bali Government to Introduce Online Tourist Visa System (February 24, 2023)

The Bali provincial government has announced plans to introduce an online tourist visa system for visitors to the island. This move aims to streamline the visa application process and make it more convenient for tourists.

According to I Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, the new system will be implemented in the coming months and will allow tourists to apply for visas online before their trip. The online visa will be valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days if needed.

The online visa system will be available for citizens of 169 countries, including the United States, Australia, China, and many European countries. The visa fee will remain the same as the current system, which is around $35 USD for a 30-day visa.

This new system is expected to boost tourism to Bali, which has been struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Bali received only 1.5 million tourists, a significant drop from the 6.3 million tourists in 2019.

Governor Koster stated that the online visa system is just one part of Bali’s plan to revive its tourism industry. The government is also implementing various measures to ensure the safety of tourists, such as requiring all tourism-related businesses to comply with COVID-19 health protocols.

The Bali Tourism Board has welcomed the new online visa system, stating that it will make it easier for tourists to visit Bali and contribute to the island’s economy. The board also emphasized the importance of following health protocols to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals.

In conclusion, the Bali government’s decision to introduce an online tourist visa system is a positive step towards reviving the island’s tourism industry. It will make the visa application process more convenient for tourists and is expected to attract more visitors to Bali. The implementation of COVID-19 health protocols will also ensure the safety of tourists and locals.