Last month, Bali had reopened for international travellers, who were mandated to undergo a quarantine on arrival. The Indonesian government is contemplating removing the quarantine requirements from March 14. It is also planning to begin a visa-on-arrival system for international tourists and conduct trials on incoming tourists without quarantine. By Karan Kaushik
Bali plans to remove mandatory quarantine; here’s what you need to know
According to a news report, the Indonesian government and its officials want to remove the mandatory 3-day quarantine and resume visa-on-arrival. After Bali reopened last month, the country has garnered a somewhat lukewarm response from international travellers, especially those from Europe. They have avoided travelling to Bali because of its extensive and costly quarantine.
According to the report, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan has said the trial may also begin before March 14, given some positive development is witnessed in the coming days.
As per the new rules, international travellers will have to present their proof of hotel booking payments for at least four days. They must be fully vaccinated or must have gotten booster jabs. An RT-PCR test will be done upon arrival, but travellers will be allowed to wait for the result at their hotels. Another RT-PCR test will be conducted at their hotels on the third day of arrival.
If the foreign travellers test negative, they will be free to take part in all tourism activities provided they abide by the health protocols set up by the Indonesian government. According to minister Panjaitan, the rate of double dose vaccination has been higher in Bali than in any other province in Indonesia.
If the pilot project trial turns out to be successful, the government of Indonesia will implement the same quarantine-free travel policy in other parts of the country as well before April 1.
