Aktual Indonesia - Good news from Indonesian tourism. Starting 12 January 2022, the Government of Indonesia has decided to lift restrictions on the entry of foreign tourists to Bali and the Riau Islands. Previously, only 19 countries were eligible for Visitor Visa for tourism to visit Bali and Riau Islands, considering the situations on Covid-19 handling in these countries. Now, travelers from all countries can enjoy the natural beauty of the Island of Gods and Riau Archipelago.
The Sub-Coordinator of Public Relations of the Directorate General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh, emphasized that immigration regulations for tourists visiting Bali and Riau Islands require foreigners to obtain a visitor visa.
"Tourism in Bali and Riau Islands has been opened to all foreign tourists. He said that foreign travelers must apply for a B211A Visitor Visa for tourism with a travel agency as a sponsor, not an individual," he said.
In addition to having a valid passport and visa, Achmad highlighted that foreigners who will travel in the two areas must follow the arrival procedures for international travelers as specified in the Circular Letter of the Head of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force Number 2 of 2022.
Foreign tourists must have a complete dose of Covid-19 vaccination certificate, RT-PCR test results, evidence of having health insurance with an insured value of 30,000 USD, and proof of accommodation payment confirmation while in Bali.
"It should also be remembered that they are also required to undergo quarantine according to the Covid-19 Handling Task Force regulations," said Achmad.
The entry point for foreign tourists, Achmad explained, according to the Covid-19 Handling Task Force regulations, only 2 (two) airports, in Bali and the Riau Islands, respectively.
Achmad also demanded that foreign tourist sponsors comply with immigration regulations and health protocols. The Directorate General of Immigration will continue to support Indonesian tourism recovery by issuing visitor visas for tourism.
"The supervisory function continues to be carried out for foreign tourists' compliance with immigration rules and also to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in tourist attractions," he concluded.