As you may have heard, Indonesia will not be issuing entry to foreigner as of 20 March. It’s believed the restrictions are in place for one month, and include entry to Bali by Australians.
Following an uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Indonesia, the risk of transmission is increasing across the Indonesian archipelago, including in Bali.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs announced on 18 March that there is a limited availability of testing and infection control facilities in Indonesia. Critical care for Australians who become seriously ill, including in Bali, is significantly below the standards available in Australia. Medical evacuation to Australia may be not be possible and, if it is, very expensive.
From 20 March, Indonesia will suspend its visa exemption policy for short-stay visit, visa-on-arrival and diplomatic/service visa-free facilities for all countries, for a period of 1 month.
– Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra. Source
The announcement made on Smartraveller adds that if a traveller returning to Australian is suspected or confirmed to have COVID19, they will likely be placed in quarantine and be unable to leave Indonesia until cleared or recovered.
Measures to reduce the spread
Indonesian authorities have implemented a raft of measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID19 including travel restrictions, cancellation of events, closure of tourist attractions and schools, and asking people to avoid large public gatherings.
Australian diplomatic missions in Jakarta, Bali, Makassar and Surabaya have restricted entry to all but essential visitors and for urgent business only. For passport or consular services call or e-mail in advance for an appointment.
Returning home
If you’re in Indonesia, and wish to return to Australia, it’s recommended you do so as soon as possible by commercial means.
For urgent consular assistance contact:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 from within Australia
- +61 421 269 080 from SMS
For non-urgent inquiries, email smartraveller@dfat.gov.au
Transparency and accuracy: Today’s announcement by DFAT does not include a statement on when Indonesia’s COVID19 entry visa policy will be revoked. Information regarding the 1 month period was sourced from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra.
See the announcement by Smartraveller
See the update by Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra
