If you are planning a trip to Raja Ampat, there are a few mandatory registration steps and local fees that apply to all visitors. These requirements apply whether you stay at a resort or travel by liveaboard.

Below, you will find a clear and practical breakdown of what to register, what to pay, how much it costs, and where each step is handled, based on how the process currently works on the ground.

Mandatory Fees for Raja Ampat

All visitors must pay two core fees, with additional local fees depending on how you travel.

1. Marine Park Tag (Conservation Fee)

• IDR 700,000 per person
• Valid for one year from first entry
• Required for all visitors, including non-divers
• Issued at Sorong or arranged by your operator

This fee supports marine conservation and protected area management across Raja Ampat.

2. Tourist Levy (Local Government Fee)

• International visitors (WNA): IDR 1,000,000 per person
• Indonesian citizens (WNI): IDR 300,000 per person

The Raja Ampat local government collects this fee.

Where is it paid?

The official Tourist Levy counter is located in Waisai, Raja Ampat.

In practice, many guests do not pay directly at the counter because:

• Resorts and liveaboards often handle payment on behalf of guests
• Operators commonly add this fee to the final bill.

Important: What to Select in the Tourist Levy Section (SIPARI)

When completing SIPARI registration, visitors should select:

“At the counter upon arrival”

You still need to select this option, even if your operator later handles the payment.

Additional Local Fees (Mostly for Liveaboard Guests)

If you are traveling by liveaboard, additional local fees may apply, depending on:

• Length of the trip
• Boat size
• Ports visited

These typically include local retributions for diving and harbor fees.

Local Dive Retribution

• Aprroximately IDR 500,000 per person depending on liveaboard length and itinerary
• Paid to local communities and customary sea rights holders
• Supports village-based marine management

Waisai Harbour Fee

• USD 100 per visit
• Collected by the local harbour authority in Waisai
• Applies mainly to liveaboards entering or stopping in Waisai

In most cases, liveaboard operators include these local contributions and harbour fees in their package price. Always confirm with your operator what is already included.

4: Payment Method – Cash Is Essential

Officially, Raja Ampat fees are cash-based.

• Marine Park Tag: cash
• Tourist Levy: cash
• Harbour and local contributions: cash

Some resorts or liveaboard operators may accept card payments on behalf of guests, but this is not guaranteed.
Recommendation: Always prepare sufficient cash, even if your operator indicates they can process payments for you.

Children and Fees

Children under 12 years old are free of charge for Raja Ampat entry fees.

However:

• Children must still be registered in SIPARI
• Each child must be correctly linked to an accompanying adult during registration

This helps avoid administrative issues upon arrival.

How Fees Are Usually Handled in Practice

Most trips currently follow this workflow:

• Guest completes SIPARI registration online
• Registration confirmation is shared with the operator
• Operator arranges Marine Park Tag issuance
• Tourist Levy, Marine Park Tag, and local fees are added to the final bill
• Guest settles fees through the operator or on arrival, usually in cash

Exact handling may vary slightly depending on the resort or liveaboard.

Final notes for travelers

Raja Ampat’s permit system is designed to manage visitor numbers and protect its marine environment. While procedures are still evolving, completing SIPARI registration correctly and following your operator’s guidance will help ensure a smooth arrival.

If you would like support with registration, fee handling, or trip planning, working with a travel specialist who regularly arranges Raja Ampat trips can make the process much easier.