Starting from mid-September 2021, foreign visitors who are the holders of a valid visa and/or limited stay permit can now travel to Indonesia for the first time in nine months since the doors closed to international travelers in January. However, visas-on-arrival are still not being granted and the use of visa-free access is still prohibited. Eligible foreign visitors entering Indonesia are required to undergo a mandatory eight days quarantine in designated facilities upon arrival. The country currently has a very low positivity rate (below 5%) and has maintained stable economic growth during the pandemic.

After being previously limited to indispensable categories of visitor, such as diplomats, government officials and cabin crew, or those holding limited and permanent stay permits, business travellers may now enter Indonesia subject to certain entry restrictions, as elaborated below.

What to prepare before entering Indonesia?

In addition to having a valid visa or limited stay permit, foreign visitors should also obtain:

• a negative result of the RT-PCR test in the country of origin within 72 hours prior to departure, which is to be shown during health check on arrival in Indonesia;
• a COVID-19 vaccination certificate/card, in physical or digital form, showing the visitor has received the completed dose(s) according to the vaccination standards in the country of origin;
• a signed statement containing the respective foreign national’s compliance with the prevailing health protocols in Indonesia; and
• evidence of health/travel insurance which will cover the medical expenses if the respective foreign national is infected with COVID-19 during their stay in Indonesia.

It should be noted that foreign visitors need to verify their vaccination certificate/card through a website designated by the Ministry of Health, which can be accessed here.

List of Entry Points

The government has designated entry points for foreign visitors entering into Indonesia, namely:

• Aruk Cross-Border Post, Aruk, West Kalimantan;
• Batam Center Harbour, Batam, Riau Islands;
• Entikong Cross-Border Post, Entikong, West Kalimantan.

Upon Arrival

At the government’s designated port of entry, international travelers will be required to re-take the RT-PCR test and submit to a mandatory quarantine of eight days at their own expense. The quarantine will be at hotels which have received certification as COVID-19 quarantine accommodation by the Ministry of Health. Foreign travelers departing Indonesia to their country of origin are required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken in the previous 48 hours along with proof of vaccination.

Use of Foreign Workers for Specific Projects

Although Indonesia has reopened its border, the Ministry of Manpower still limits the use of foreign workers for national strategic projects and national vital objectives or specific and urgent reasons, as per recommendations from the relevant ministries. The Ministry of Manpower will not grant use of foreign or expatriate workers if they are from countries which have high COVID-19 transmission rates.