The most important change is the removal of a 3rd PCR test on day 3 after arrival but there are some more details worth noting. Overall, another major milestone towards normalisation for our industry.
Indonesian authorities have decided to further ease the restrictions to arrive to Indonesia. The issued official document is rather complicated and some (minor) questions will remain until we know how it all works out in practice. The most important change is the removal of a 3rd PCR test on day 3 after arrival but there are some more details worth noting. Overall, another major milestone towards normalisation for our industry!
Note that these updates apply for all international arrivals to Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Manado and Lombok only.
The following requirements and procedures apply:
- Depending on the nationality, visitors must present a B211A visa approval letter or request a Visa-on-Arrival (VOA). A list of nationalities eligible for the VOA can be found in this newsletter;
- Physical or digital evidence in English that shows the visitor is fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure (no booster necessary).
- Children under 18 years are exempted from this rule (previously under 12 years). They follow the provisions imposed on their parents or caregivers.
- The traveller must present the PeduliLindungi application on one’s smartphone and fill out the e-Hac Indonesia within the application (the PeduliLindungi app is available for download on Apple and Android devices);
- Provide evidence of 1st negative PCR test taken in the country of origin not older than 48 hours before departure.
- Proof of ownership of health insurance covering Covid-19. No minimum coverage is mentioned in the latest regulation but we recommend a minimum coverage of 25,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies).
- A 2nd PCR will be taken at the airport directly after arrival. The payment for this test is currently 275,000 IDR and needs to be paid on spot by the client (other currency options and credit card payment is available).
- After leaving the airport the guest is required to immediately transfer to his/her accommodation and isolate in the room until PCR examination shows a negative test result. The average time until the test result is presented is 3-6 hours;
- While we still lack the details on how this works out in practice, we strongly recommend to have the first night pre-booked at an accommodation provider that is certified for cleanliness and safety (CHSE-certified). They will be much better equipped to manage government procedures and will help to ensure that the PCR test result is presented to the guest in a timely manner. Asian Trails Indonesia has an extensive list of contracted accommodation under this certification at its disposal;
- After a negative result, he/she can travel freely within Indonesia.
- A 3rd PCR test is no longer necessary. The 4 days pre-booked package is no longer necessary.
Should the 2nd PCR show a positive result but the patient is asymptomatic or shows only light symptoms, isolation or treatment is carried out in designated isolation hotels at the guests’ own costs. More serious cases will be moved to dedicated referral hospitals.
Note that the VOA is still only available for certain nationalities for arrivals to Bali, Bintan and Batam only. We therefore recommend starting all trips to Indonesia in Bali if your client is eligible for a VOA. He/She can then travel onwards to explore the other islands of Indonesia. For international arrivals at other ports of entry Asian Trails can assist with issuing a B211A visa.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
