As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by COVID-19, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest travel regulations. Indonesia, a breathtaking Southeast Asian destination, has implemented measures to safeguard the health and well-being of both its citizens and visitors. Let’s delve into the essential details to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip to this remarkable country.
Entry to Indonesia
To protect against the new variant of the Covid strain, the Indonesian government has introduced changes to the admission of foreign nationals. As these changes are being rolled out, it is important to verify your eligibility to enter Indonesia with your travel agent/airline and the Indonesian Embassy. Contact the Consular Section of the Indonesian Embassy via consular@indonesianembassy.org.uk for more information.
Currently, all non-Indonesian travelers are prohibited from entering the country, with exceptions for certain individuals, including those with KITAS/KITAP. This regulation remains in effect until further notice and is subject to biweekly review.
If you are a British national starting your journey from the UK or any other country, you may be able to enter Indonesia by meeting specific exceptions to the ban:
- Holders of diplomatic and official/service visas for the purpose of a ministerial official visit.
- Holders of diplomatic and official/service stay permits.
- Holders of Indonesia Temporary Residence Cards (KITAS) and Indonesia Permanent Residence Cards (KITAP).
- Foreign nationals with special discretion and written permission from relevant ministries/government institutions.
- Visitors with emergency and essential work, a business meeting, probationary period for foreign workers, medical reasons, food-related activities, humanitarian aid, or individuals joining a vessel as a crew member.
If you meet the above criteria, ensure that you fulfill the following entry requirements:
- Possession of a health certificate confirming a negative COVID-19 PCR test (swab test) result issued within 72 hours before your departure for Indonesia. The certificate must be in English.
- Undergoing a COVID-19 swab test upon arrival and subsequently quarantining at your own expense in a designated hotel for five days. After this period, you will undergo a third PCR test, and if the result is negative, you can proceed with your journey. In the case of a positive result, you will be referred to a hospital.
- Completion of the Indonesian eHAC registration and presentation of the generated QR code upon arrival in Indonesia for inspection.
- Starting from April 23rd, you will not be granted a visa if you have been in India within the 14 days prior to your arrival in Indonesia. It is advisable to arrange a private test if needed.
Please note that all visitors, regardless of nationality, must present a health certificate showing a negative COVID-19 PCR test result upon check-in before any scheduled travel. Failure to present this certificate may result in boarding denial or entry/transit denial in Indonesia. Additionally, comply with any screening measures implemented by the authorities.
Upon arrival at Indonesian airports, visitors must complete and submit a Health Alert certificate to the Health Quarantine Office. For more information on coronavirus in Indonesia, consult the Ministry of Health.
For detailed information on travel restrictions for foreign visitors, follow DitJen Imigrasi (@ditjen_imigrasi) on Twitter. You can also reach out to your nearest Indonesian Embassy for assistance.
Travel in Indonesia
During the Mudik period, the Indonesian government has introduced measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by limiting travel and increasing testing. From April 22nd to May 24th, if you are traveling by land, sea, or air, you must be able to provide a rapid antigen test or a negative PCR test result taken within 24 hours of departure for both your outbound and return journey.
From May 6th to 17th, travel is only permitted for distribution services, official business, or compassionate circumstances (birth or death). Jakarta, the capital city, is gradually easing large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in several stages. Essential services are available, but public activities, including schools, offices, religious gatherings, social and cultural events, and public transportation, remain limited to maintain social distancing. Remember to wear a face mask when outside, as violating these restrictions may result in criminal sanctions. Similar restrictions are in place in other areas across Indonesia.
The Indonesian authorities have imposed certain restrictions on domestic air travel. Foreign tourists can still travel on domestic flights within Indonesia to catch connecting international flights. Passengers on domestic flights may need to present a certificate confirming that they are free of COVID-19, a completed airline travel declaration form, and a completed Indonesian e-HAC form online.
If you are leaving Jakarta, a new regulation issued on December 17th requires individuals to provide a negative rapid antigen test result upon arrival or departure via any mode of transport. Rapid antigen tests are available at Jakarta International Airport (Terminal 3) before departure. PCR test results are still acceptable, while rapid antibody test results are not. The regulation does not specify any time limits on the validity of test results.
For domestic passengers traveling to Bali, a negative PCR swab test result taken within 24 hours of departure and a completed e-HAC Indonesia form (online) are required. For those arriving by sea, a negative rapid test result is necessary. Stay updated by checking the latest requirements directly with your airline. The Garuda Airlines travel declaration form can be found on their social media channels.
For up-to-date information on testing requirements, visit Ekilove.
Accommodation and Public Places
Accommodation options, including hotels and private rentals, are open for business across Indonesia. Hotels implement social distancing measures to ensure safety.
Gradual easing of previous restrictions has enabled the resumption of business for shops, bars, and restaurants, although their capacity is limited to 50% to maintain social distancing of 1 meter. Restrictions on large public gatherings remain in place.
Make the most of your Indonesia trip by staying informed, adhering to the regulations, and traveling responsibly. Bon voyage!
Images are for illustrative purposes only and sourced from the original article.