No More Self Quarantine for Visitors in Bali from March 7, 2022

Bali is welcoming a new era after above 2 years of striving with the significant decline of the tourism sector during the pandemic. Self quarantine is now officially out of the trend! Isn’t it amazing to hear? To answer the demand of the market insisting on relaxation on entry requirements, Bali finally arrives at the year to recover and turn around their economic situation. Bali can use these opportunities to create more business and job opportunities from March 7, 2022.

The Agenda for No More Self Quarantine Is Brought Forward 7 Days Earlier

The outbreak of COVID-19 forced Indonesia to implement strict entry requirements to keep the virus at bay. However, their tourism industry, as a result, has been seriously battered. Starting from March 7, Bali launched their latest travel regulation, self quarantine free for foreign visitors! The agenda is supposed to be on March 14, what’s the rush?

According to Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, the Government executes the policy 7 days earlier after tough considerations. However, this, of course, has been supported by reliable data and advice from experts.

The Background

Sandiaga Uno stated in an interview with CNN Indonesia that the citizens in Bali have got adequate immunity to tackle the high-risk transmission of COVID-19. Over 90% of the citizens have gotten their second jab of vaccine (the highest in any part of Indonesia). Moreover, Bali’s Provincial Government committed to working on booster vaccine distribution is above 30%.

Wayan Koster in his statement added that from a total of 2.909 visitors coming to Bali from the period of February 30 – March 6, 2022, only 16 people were COVID-19 positive. That means less than 1% of transmission. Green zones are also available far and wide in Bali. Furthermore, he mentioned that the first dose of vaccine has reached 104%. The second dose with 94%, and the booster vaccine with 22.3%.

Bali’s Preparations for Free Self Quarantine Starting from March 7, 2022

Following the instruction of Indonesia’s President, Joko Widodo, simulation has all been geared up to ensure everything works to perfection. All processes are conducted hand in hand by the local Government in Bali as well as the Central Government. This stage includes the preparation of a new circular letter, international health protocols, new visa policy, airline and airport readiness, transportation from the airport to hotels, campaigns to promote no self quarantine policy, and booster vaccine acceleration up to 30%.

To monitor the running of the policy to allow for further evaluation and adjustment in case there is a spike of cases after its implementation, the Government also puts these into priority:

The visitors’ commitment to comply with the advice to install PeduliLindungi,

The readiness for hospitals in Bali to supply the best healthcare services,

For accommodations in Bali to be equipped with the special task force and see the health protocols are well-observed.

This is to make sure that we can anticipate the worst cases yet to come with a proper scheme to perform.

Despite the No Self Quarantine Policy, Tourists Still Submit the Documents as Required

Other than quarantine and the reopening of visa on arrival, it is still necessary for tourists to:

Fully vaccinated and got their booster vaccine,

Giving a receipt of the accommodation they have booked,

Ensuring their travel insurance,

Showing their negative PCR test result taken before their departure,

Retake PCR once arrived at the airport and wait until the result is out in 1×24 hours.

If the tourist is COVID-19 positive, they have no other option but to carry out self quarantine on their reserved accommodation (aimed for those with mild symptoms). Else, they have to migrate to appointed hospitals along with the task force (for patients with heavy symptoms).

If the policy turns out successful, the Central Government will consider applying it to other provinces in Indonesia.