Bali’s travel ban lifted but nobody came

Bali’s travel ban lifted by the Indonesian government after two years, but all tourists must still pass through quarantine, which deters most international visitors.

Guests visiting Bali have a choice between staying in approved hotel or liveaboard ships by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Visitors who have received two vaccines plus a booster are only required to stay for three days, while those who have received two vaccines must stay for five days, and those who have received one or zero vaccines must stay for seven days.

Meanwhile, Bali’s governor hopes to eliminate the quarantine entirely, stating, he doesn’t think quarantine is still necessary as long as Bali’s guests are fully vaccinated and test negative upon arrival. He added, he will keep asking the central government to shorten the quarantine period to only one day.

At the governor’s office, Koster had also spoken to 15 ambassador candidates, urging them to promote Bali as a tourist destination in an attempt to revive Bali’s economy.

At the moment, all overseas visitors arriving in Bali must present confirmation of vaccination at least 14 days before entering Indonesia, as well as a negative RT-PCR test result in hand no more than 48 hours prior to departure.

According to sources, the Indonesian government has previously stated that 20,000 international visitors are expected to visit Bali this month, with the majority of them arriving through Garuda flights from Japan.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has authorized two more quarantine sites in Bali: a “bubble quarantine” at five hotels with 447 rooms in Nusa Dua, Ubud, Sanur, and Jimbaran, and a liveaboard quarantine ships moored offshore.

According to the Minister, the decision to use liveaboard quarantine ships was based on ideas from tourists and tour operators who wanted to substitute a humdrum hotel quarantine with a stay at sea where guests could indulge in much-needed leisure activities like diving and swimming. “This is especially important as the winter holidays in December and March are approaching,” he added in a previous online news conference.

Meanwhile, Rizki Handayani, the Deputy Tourism Minister, said her team is working with the Ministry of Health to review and certify tourist ships.

Bali’s travel ban lifted

The first aircraft, Garuda Indonesia GA 881, landed from Narita, Japan, on February 3, with 12 foreigners and six Indonesians on board, according to the Bali Government Tourism Office.

Singapore Airlines said last week that flights to Bali from Singapore will resume on February 16th.

Bali, like other nations across the world, has strict border controls, and while they are ready to welcome visitors back, Omicron is still spreading across the island. The debate is whether this plan should be abandoned, and whether it is the genuine cause of travelers’ reluctance to visit Bali. Nonetheless, there are encouraging signals elsewhere, as cases in Southeast Asia or even the US are declining or stabilizing.

As of February 1, tourists can apply to visit Thailand without having to undergo a seven-day quarantine as the government revives its Test-and-Go tourism program. Furthermore, on February 10, the Philippines will relax its almost three-year restriction on leisure travel. Meanwhile, US airports remain open as the Omicron variant fades, California had an average of 30,381 COVID-19 cases per day as of Superbowl Sunday, and the state’s indoor mask ban has subsequently been lifted.

Despite long visa processing timeframes and restricted entrance routes, many visitors are considering Bali as their last-minute holiday to escape their cold climate. Travelers are encouraged to book directly with an airline, hotel, or tour operator that permits them to alter dates or locations without incurring expenses, as entrance requirements continue to vary or even change at the last minute.

Meanwhile, the island’s public activity restrictions (PPKM) policy for the economic sector has been loosened by reopening malls, supermarkets, traditional markets, and stores with a maximum capacity of 50% and rigorous health procedures in place.

They’ve also opened hotels that are certified by CHSE (cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental sustainability) issued by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Since the return of international flights, the provincial government has been eager to welcome foreign tourists who have satisfied the Central Government’s conditions, while expressing the hope that these measures will aid in the economic recovery of the island.

National COVID-19 Task Force Circular Note No. 7/2022 Update February 16th

The Government of Indonesia has implemented a policy to enter Indonesia as follows;

All foreign travelers entering the Republic of Indonesia should double-check their travel documents to ensure that they satisfy the necessary requirements, such as vaccination certificates, PCR test requirements, and quarantine length.

To enter Indonesia, foreign travelers must show a negative RT-PCR test result in the country or region of origin which samples were taken within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours before the departure time.

International quarantine requirements

1. Quarantine period 3 x 24 hours for those who have received third dose of vaccination.
2. Quarantine period 5 x 24 hours for those who have received the second dose of vaccination.
3. Quarantine period 7 x 24 hours for those who have received the first dose of vaccination.
4. Quarantine period for minor under 18 years or required exceptional protection is followed the provisions of the parents/legal guardians/travel companions.​

Who can enter Indonesia under the new regulations:

1. Diplomatic and official visa holders (to apply, click here );​
2. Diplomatic and official stay permits
3. Holders of Indonesia’s Temporary Residence Card (KITAS) and Indonesia’s Permanent Residence Card (KITAP). Visit https://izintinggal-online.imigrasi.go.id/ for more information;
4. Visitor visas, including but not limited to:
5. Limited stay visa, including but not limited to:
6. C312 Visa (work visa);
7. C313 Visa(1-year foreign investment projects in Indonesia);
8. C314 Visa (2-year foreign investment projects in Indonesia);
9. C316 Visa (educational visits);
10. C317 Visa (family reunification)​
11. All non-immigrant crew members or cabin crews arrive on any vessel or aircraft from any port or place outside Indonesia.
12. traditional border crossing pass or card holder.
13. Under the bilateral agreement (Travel Corridor Arrangements).
14. Granted legal permission from the Ministry/Agency.

Foreign nationals with the purpose of leisure travel can enter the territory of the Republic of Indonesia with the following conditions:

1. Through the airport entrance in Bali or the port of Riau Islands;
2. Having received a COVID-19 vaccine;
3. A negative RT-PCR test result;
4. A short-visit visa or other entry permit;
5. Proof of ownership of health insurance with a minimum coverage value of USD25.000 which includes financing for handling COVID-19;
6. Proof of booking confirmation and payment for accommodation while in Indonesia.​

To apply for visitor and limited-stay visas, visit https://visa-online.imigrasi.go.id/. International travelers who wish to apply for those visas are required to have a local guarantor/sponsor while visiting Indonesia.

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