When Bali will open?
We are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel! Indonesia plans to open Bali for international tourists starting from October 2021. This plan was announced by officials at a virtual press conference last Friday and the realization will follow if the Covid-19 situation in Bali and Indonesia showing a constant improvement. With the positivity rate under 5 percent in recent weeks, Indonesia is optimistic that Bali can be reopened by October 2021.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investments Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that Indonesia is carefully taking steps to reopen Bali for international travelers. Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan are said to be the countries that will be prioritized to be welcomed to the Island of Goddess.
According to this source, another scenario that is taken into consideration is to open Bali starting from November 2021. Vice Governor of Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana admits that the international reopening won't be as easy as it is for domestic tourists. He suggested that if the reopening occurs in November, then it should be announced in late September, hence all the involved parties can prepare for it.
How to enter Indonesia?
According to the updates released by Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affair on 5 July 2021, no foreigner is allowed to enter Indonesia's borders, except those who hold these permits:
- Diplomatic and service visas for ministerial-level officials.
- Diplomatic and official residence permits holders.
- KITAS and KITAP holders
- Foreigners from the country with bilateral Reciprocal Green Lane or Travel Corridor Arrangement.
- Foreigners with a special permit authorized by ministerial-level institutions.
International travelers entering Indonesia or traveling on domestic flights will be required to show proof (a physical or digital vaccination card) of full vaccination against COVID-19 and a negative result from PCR test done within 72 hours prior to the departure. International travelers are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine at the facilities pointed by the government as well as taking two PCR tests, the first one is within 24 hours upon arrival and the 8th day of the quarantine.
The terms and conditions might sound complicated, but once Indonesia opens its door, Singaporeans can fly to Bali and enjoy the tropical holiday like we used to! Let's hope for the best and keep our dream of the Bali holiday on the top of our bucketlist!
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