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Law and Human Rights Ministry relaxes foreign arrival ban with the latest regulation
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Illustration of international traveler.
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aw and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly has issued an updated regulation on immigration visa and stay permit issuance as part of Indonesia’s bid to contain COVID-19 and accelerate the national economic recovery.
With the regulation issued on Wednesday, the previous restrictions on foreign nationals wishing to enter Indonesia based on Law and Human Rights Ministerial Regulation No. 27/2021 have been annulled.
Directorate General of Immigration head of public relations and general affairs Arya Pradhana Anggakara explained the new Law and Human Rights Ministerial Regulation No. 34/2021 allowed foreign nationals who held a valid visa or stay permit to travel to Indonesia.
“Previously, Law and Human Rights Ministerial Regulation No. 27/2021 stated that foreign nationals could not enter Indonesia, except for work and diplomatic visa holders. Law and Human Rights Ministerial Regulation No. 34/2021 reopens access for foreign nationals who have obtained a visit visa or limited stay visa,” he said.
Along with visa holders, foreign nationals allowed to enter Indonesia include diplomatic and service stay permit holders, limited stay (ITAS) and permanent stay (ITAP) permit holders, APEC Business Travel Card holders, cross-border pass holders, and transportation crews arriving with their cargo.
“These subjects may enter Indonesia through certain Immigration Border Control Offices (TPIs) after fulfilling COVID-19 health protocols as mandated in the law.”
Offshore visa services have also resumed, and visa approval requests can be submitted online via visa-online.imigrasi.go.id, while work visa requests can be made through tka-online.kemnaker.go.id.
“It should be noted that there are additional requirements that need to be satisfied in advance, including a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card, a statement letter agreeing to submit to Indonesian health protocols, and proof of medical or travel insurance. Suppose the foreign national does not possess health insurance. In that case, they must include a statement agreeing to cover their medical expenses should they be exposed to COVID-19 during their stay in Indonesia," Angga explained.
Along with amending the entry policy and visa service, Law and Human Rights Ministerial Regulation No. 34/2021 also allows the government to deny entry to foreign nationals arriving from certain countries with high rates of COVID-19. The ban is based on information from ministries or institutions responsible for the handling of COVID-19.
