Indonesia Ends Quarantine Requirements for Overseas Travelers

Sandiaga Uno said on Monday that Indonesia has lifted the quarantine requirements for all overseas travelers, where infections have remained low.

Sandiaga Uno, The Indonesian Tourism Minister, indicated during a press conference, that the decision came after the successful implementation of the abolition of quarantine during this month for visitors who were vaccinated against COVID-19 in the islands of Bali, Batam, and Bintan, according to "Reuters".

"With the handing of the epidemic more under control, we announce today that the no-quarantine policy has been expanded throughout Indonesia, but a negative COVID-19 test is still required," the minister added.

Indonesia's abolition of quarantine for overseas arrivals follows similar steps taken by Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and most recently Malaysia, which are seeking to rebuild travel sectors that have collapsed under tight restrictions.

About 143,000 foreign tourists came to the country last January, up 13.6% from last year. Although the number was well below pre-pandemic levels, which were usually above 1 million a month.

While the minister said at the press conference that the Indonesian government has not yet revised its target of 1.8 million to 3.6 million visitors this year, he was somewhat optimistic that "there will be an upward surprise."

Contributed by Israa Farhan