TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan announced that the government would allow foreign tourists from 19 countries to fly internationally to Bali and the Riau Islands.

The 19 countries are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary and Norway.

In a virtual coordination meeting in Jakarta, Wednesday, October 13, Luhut said that Indonesian borders are open for the countries based on the WHO's standards, with their confirmed cases at levels 1 and 2 with low rates of positivity.

"This list of 19 countries entering Indonesia only applies specifically to direct flights to Bali and Riau Islands," said Luhut, adding that travelers must provide proof of full vaccination within a minimum of 14 days prior to departure, and show a negative RT-PCR test result taken at least 3 days before.

Meanwhile, travelers from other countries, including those outside the list of 19 countries, can still enter Indonesia via Jakarta or Manado, provided they follow the quarantine and testing provisions.

"This quarantine period is for 5 days and it does not only apply in Bali or Riau Islands, but also at other gateways whether by air, land, or sea. It applies to all types of travelers, including the general public," he said.

During the quarantine process in Bali and Riau Islands, foreign tourists entering Indonesia are not allowed to leave their rooms/private villa/ship (live on board) until the quarantine period ends. A PCR test will be carried out again on the 4th day of quarantine.

In addition, Luhut also said that travelers will have to finance all their quarantine independently, with no aid from the Indonesian government.

"Therefore, before boarding to Bali / Riau Islands, they must show accommodation bookings documents," he said.

Prior to arrival, international travelers heading to Bali and Riau Islands must have health insurance with a minimum coverage value of Rp1 billion, which includes Covid-19 insurance.

Read: Bali Reopens; 6 Countries Approved in International Travel Corridor

TEMPO.CO