11 things to know about travelling to Indonesia right now
[Disclaimer] *All information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. For the most updated requirements for travellers to Indonesia, please check with the official website of the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia.
Hooray for holidays! From 21 March 2021, tourists can enter Indonesia without any quarantine. But the era of COVID-19 travel isn’t so straightforward afterall. Before you board that flight for Jakarta or Bali or the ferry bound for Bintan or Batam, make sure you have checked our list and be well prepared for that island getaway.
Before you depart
1. Visa
Nationals from this list of 23 countries are eligible for the Visa-On-Arrival. The Visa-On-Arrival is payable upon arrival, costs IDR500,000 and is valid for 30 days, with the option to be extended once for another 30 days.
Travellers of other nationalities will have to apply for the Single Entry B211 e-Visa in advance.
Visiting Indonesia for business? You will have to apply for a Business Visa instead.
2. COVID-19 vaccination
Get both vaccination jabs at least 14 days before departing - children under 12 are exempted. Boosters are not necessary. Make sure you have your vaccination certification or card in English in physical and/digital form for your trip.
3. Download the PeduliLindungi app
The PeduliLindungi app is designed by the Indonesian government for contact tracing purposes - similar to Singapore’s TraceTogether app. You will be required to check in to certain places like tourist attractions, malls and more via the PeduliLindungi app when in Indonesia.
Download the PeduliLindungi app.
4. Verify your vaccination
For your vaccination status to be reflected on the PeduliLindungi app, complete the verification process through the Non-Indonesia Vaccination Verification website. This takes a few days so we suggest doing this in advance.
5. Register for the electronic Health Alert Card (e-HAC)
The e-HAC registration can be done on the PeduliLindungi app.
6. Complete the customs declaration form (e-CD)
7. Get travel insurance
Tourists will have to show proof that they have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 25,000 and coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses. For travellers heading to Bali, the regulated minimum coverage is SGD 20,000. But we recommend you double check with your airline as the different airlines may stick strictly to the regulation of USD 25,000 even for flights to Bali.
8. Book a CHSE-certified hotel
Another document that you will have to produce is a reservation of a CHSE (Clean, Health, Safety and Environment)-certified hotel for a minimum of three nights.
9. Do a Pre-departure PCR test 48 hours before your flight
You will have to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test done within 48 hours before flying into Indonesia.
Upon Arrival
10. On Arrival PCR test
Once you land, you will have to do a PCR test at the airport or ferry terminal before heading directly to your hotel to wait for the result. Once you receive a negative result, you are free to roam Indonesia! The Indonesian government has capped the price of a PCR test at IDR 275,000. Some hotels have included the on arrival and Day 3 PCR tests into the cost of accommodation so it will be a good idea to check in with your hotel.
Day 3 of your trip
11. Day 3 PCR test
On day 3, travellers are required to do another PCR test at their hotel (IDR 275,000). If you do not or forget to take the test, this will be reflected on the PeduliLindungi app and you could be prevented from entering areas that require you to check in on the app.
So, what happens if I test positive upon arrival or on Day 3?
For those who receive the dreaded positive result, if you have no or mild symptoms, you will be sent to be isolated in designated isolation hotels or centralised isolation facilities. Those with moderate or severe symptoms will go to a hospital for treatment. All costs are borne by travellers if they are foreigners - hence the requirement of proof of travel insurance.
Looks like you’ve made it to the last point. All set?
If you haven’t yet booked a room for the upcoming trip, check out the hotels available on BlackBook. Indonesian hotels are on sale till 10 April 2022.
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