Indonesia is all set to open its gates for Bali; as the country resurrects its travel and tourism industry. However, only travelers from selected countries are allowed to visit the beautiful island. The country is following all sorts of COVID-19 protocols; taking all measures to contain the virus. A senior minister from the government; announced the news on Monday. The island is to open its borders; for select nations from next week.
Indonesia to Open its Borders for Tourism
Amid the ongoing pandemic situation; Indonesia is opening its resorts in Bali for selected travelers. The island nation is allowing travelers; from South Korea, China, Japan, and United Arab Emirates from next week.
However, reports suggest that the country is taking all precautions; and following all the COVID-19 protocols. The travel and tourism sector is a major source of income; for the nature-equipped country. Meanwhile, the industry had to suffer huge losses; since the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, the country has decided to partially open up its borders; for travelers from selected nations.
Only Travelers from Selected Countries are Allowed to Visit Bali
The country’s maritime and investment minister, Luhut Panjaitan; announced the new advisory on Monday. In his statement, Panjaitan announced that Indonesia; will open the Ngurah Rai International Airport; partially from October 14. However, only travelers from China, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Japan; are allowed to visit Bali for now. We expected that the country would allow Australians too, but they ended up not including them in the list. Moreover, Australia was a key source of tourism in the island nation; before the pandemic. Besides that, Panjaitan also mentioned; that they will follow all the COVID-19 protocols, including regular testings. Travelers will also have to follow necessary quarantine guidelines; upon their arrival.
Travel Guidelines
All travelers who wish to visit Indonesia; will have to pre-book their quarantine hotel; at their own expense. The Indonesian government; is not going to sponsor them at any cost. However, the visitors will have to quarantine for at least eight days upon their arrival; during which they will go through regular COVID-19 testing as well. So far, the government has not announced; any other guidelines. Besides that, it is also unclear whether tourists are allowed to visit the island only; or if only those with a residence permit could come.
COVID-19 Situation in Indonesia
Indonesia was one of the worst COVID-19 hit countries. The COVID-19 Delta variant was highly dominant in the country during mid-July; recording 56,000 cases just in one day. As a result, the government shut down all unnecessary businesses; and implemented harsh lockdowns. Moreover, Bali’s tourism sector was also hard hit due to the pandemic. But now the cases have started declining; as the country is ramping up its vaccinations. The country reported 922 new infections on Monday; alongside 88 fatalities.
