On March 26, 2021, the Indonesian COVID-19 Task Force issued Circular No. 12/ 2021 on domestic travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The circular was issued to clarify the COVID-19 testing requirements for domestic travelling, specifically which tests are needed to be able to travel and what are required to travel to specific areas. In regards to this latest circular, the use of the GeNose C19 test has been expanded to cover all modes of public transportation.
Recently, we are informing you this news about using Genose. Now we give you some updates on the new regulation that the government implement for us in here. The recent news told us that in accordance with the implementation of the emergency public restrictive order (PPKM Darurat) in Java and Bali, starting 3 July 2021 passengers traveling from and to the islands of Java and Bali are required to present a vaccination card with minimum first dose and a negative PCR Test results valid for maximum 2 (two) x 24 hours before departure.
Large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in Jakarta, most of Java Island and Bali, currently covering the period of 3-20 July. Essential services are available, but public activities (including schools, offices, religious activities, social and cultural gatherings and public transportation) continue to be limited to maintain social distancing. It is mandatory to wear a face mask when outside.
Criminal sanctions may apply for violations of the restrictions. Non-essential businesses are closed and the public are advised to work from home from 3-20 July. Public health measures by the Indonesian authorities include restrictions on in-country air travel. Foreign tourists continue to be able to travel on domestic flights within Indonesia to catch connecting international flights.
Negative results from PCR swab tests are now the only acceptable document for air travellers visiting Bali, Governor Wayan Koster announced today, with other not-so-reliable COVID-19 test methods believed to have contributed to the infected slipping through the cracks and into the island. “So we are tightening restrictions at Bali’s entry points, [those] traveling with air transportation must use PCR-based tests. They can no longer use GeNose,” Koster said.
Results from GeNose tests are no longer acceptable for those traveling by land or sea either, Koster added, though rapid antigen swab tests are still accepted for travelers going by these modes of transport. In April, Bali officials started allowing all travelers to present negative results from the locally developed GeNose COVID-19 test to enter the province. At the time, public health experts raised concerns about GeNose’s accuracy, and said it shouldn’t be used so widely. Along with the newly announced traveling requirements, all negative swab test results must also come with a QR code to prevent fake documentation, Koster said.
“Because there has been many fake [and] paid documentation. So they have the results but they have never gone through a swab test,” he said. The new requirements are applicable starting today, though officials are likely to implement a transition period for a few days before making it completely mandatory.
The governor said Bali has seen an increase in domestic travelers in the last few weeks, averaging between 8,000 and 9,000 people coming in via air transport, while around 10,000 people pass through Gilimanuk Port daily. After about a month of reporting less than 100 daily cases, Bali’s daily count rose to triple digits on June 19 and has been climbing up since. Indonesia is battling its fiercest coronavirus outbreak yet, setting a new daily record just yesterday with over 21,000 cases.
Passengers travelling on domestic flights will need:
- A PCR certificate issued to confirm that they are free of COVID-19. Your certificate should have a readable barcode or QR code.
- A completed airline travel declaration form where required.
- A completed Indonesian e-HAC form (online)
- Proof of vaccination in the form of a vaccination certificate showing at least 1 Covid vaccination having been administered.
For domestic air passengers, if flying to Bali, you will need:
- A negative PCR swab test result taken within 48 hours of departure to Bali and a completed e-HAC Indonesia form (online). Your negative PCR test certificate must contain a barcode or QR code. If you do not have a barcode/QR code on your certificate, you will be required to take an additional PCR test at the airport on arrival in Bali. GeNose test is no longer valid. For those arriving by sea a PCR test with 48 hr validity or a negative rapid test, again with 48hr validity is required.
- Your vaccination certificate showing at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine having been administered.
- If flying to Jakarta you will require a negative PCR swab test taken a maximum of 48 hours prior to departure for Jakarta and a completed e-HAC Indonesia form (online).
- Your vaccination certificate showing at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine having been administered.
INTERNATIONAL
Travelers entering Indonesia are required to adhere to the following.
- All foreigners are temporarily prohibited from entering Indonesia except for those holding diplomatic visa, duty visa related to official visit of ministerial level or above, diplomatic stay visa, duty stay visa, temporary stay permit (KITAS), and permanent stay permit (KITAP).
- Upon arrival, present a negative result of RT-PCR test taken at origin country maximum 3 (three) x 24 hours before departure.
- Fill out an electronic health awareness card (e-HAC) which is available via the e-HAC Indonesia mobile application (Play Store | App Store) or http://sinkarkes.kemkes.go.id/ehac.
- Upon arrival, travelers are required to take another RT-PCR test.
- While waiting for the RT-PCR results, Indonesian citizens are required to be quarantined at facilities provided by the Government, whilst foreign citizens will be quarantined at certified accommodations (hotels/inns) at their own costs. RT-PCR tests will be performed again on the fifth day of quarantine, and if the results are negative, travelers may continue their journey.
- In the case of a positive result of RT-PCR test, Indonesian will receive medical care in hospital at the Government costs, while foreigners will be at their own costs.
Destination Denpasar: must show a health certificate with a negative RT-PCR test/negative rapid antigen test result issued within a maximum period of 24 hours before departure.
The Indonesian Government is vaccinating by cluster. You may be eligible for vaccination at this time if you are resident in a tourist area particularly where large-scale vaccination programs are initiated where the tourist sector is looking to restart or are a resident in possession of the correct documentation (KITAP/KTP). Please note access to the vaccine varies across the country.
You are also advised to check with your local health provider and also your local Government Office as to the status of your local rollout and eligibility. You can access the vaccine through online travel agent that the government already provide for the foreigner who stay in Bali through pandemic.
You can make an online appointment as it could make it easier to you than go directly to the hospital. We have been through this pandemic over a year and we already really tired with this pandemic. Especially Bali, which is rely it’s economic on the tourism side. Together we hope that this pandemic would be end soon so we can see and serve you again here in Bali. Stay safe every one!