Bali to Implement Quarantine-Free Trial in Mid-March

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government planned to scrap the quarantine requirement for foreign tourists coming to Bali on a trial basis starting March 14. The island of the Gods has been receiving tourists since February 4, 2022.

“It is planned to take effect on March 14 with several conditions,” said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in a press statement, Sunday, Feb. 27.

Foreign travelers coming to Bali are now required to undergo quarantine for three to five days depending on their vaccination status. They are also allowed to choose to quarantine under the travel bubble system or not.

According to Luhut, the quarantine-free trial can even be implemented before March 14 if the province sees an improving trend of COVID-19 in the next week. 

“The target [of the quarantine-free trial] on March 14 can be sped up if the [COVID-19] trend improves in the evaluation next week,” he remarked.

During the trial, international travelers are required to present proof of hotel payment for at least four days, have been fully vaccinated or received a booster, and take an entry PCR test then wait in hotel rooms until negative test results come out.

“After the results come out negative, they are allowed to do activities while implementing the health protocols,” he added.

On the third day, tourists are required to take another PCR test at their respective hotel for mutual safety.

The government also planned to revoke the obligation to have a sponsor for tourist e-visa requests during the trial of quarantine-free travel. “Because it is considered burdensome for foreign tourists who will enter Bali,” Luhut said.

Read: Bali, Yogyakarta Remain at PPKM Level 3 as Govt Extends COVID-19 Rules

ANTARA