Officials representing Bali, Indonesia, announced that the island destination will begin welcoming some international tourists next month. The islandâs reopening will start with travelers from four countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Baliâs Reopening Will Begin With 4 Countries
In a statement on Monday, Baliâs Vice Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace) clarified that the destinationâs reopening process is going to be measured by the length of stay of tourists from other countries.
âWe have selected multiple countries such as Russia, America, Germany and England to start implementing the travel bubble program based on their length of stay in Bali. And visitors from those countries usually spend around 2 weeks on the island,â the Vice Governor remarked.
Indonesia Loosening Travel Restrictions
The announcement follows a travel restrictions update this week from the Indonesian Government. From September 28th, 2021, more international visitors are now allowed into Indonesia, including:
- Diplomatic and Official visa holders
- Diplomatic and Official stay permit
- Holders of Indonesia Temporary Residence Card (KITAS) and Indonesia Permanent Residence Card (KITAP)
- Visitor and limited stay visas
You can find more information about visas on the official government website.
Vice Governor Cok Ace also mentioned during his announcement that Bali is prepared to welcome international travelers once again because a significant amount of the islandâs eligible population is fully inoculated against Covid-19.
âAccording to the recent data, around 97% of Bali residents have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and 75% of people have completed the second dose. The vaccination program is expected to finish in the beginning of October.â
The Island Is Prepped For A Reopening
As reported in the Bali Sun, the island has prepared over 60 hospitals on the island for potential Covid patients. Labs throughout the island are ready to administer molecular tests for travelers, at a capacity of approximately 4,000 tests/day.
Indonesia Entry Restrictions Update: Vaccinations and Pre-Departure Tests Required
All travelers entering Indonesia (Bali included) must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. A coronavirus vaccine card displaying the travelerâs dosage information and dates must be shown at departure and arrival in Indonesia. Vaccinations that are accepted for travel to Indonesia are Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Johnson & Johnson.
Eligible travelers to Indonesia must also provide proof of a negative Covid PCR test result taken no later than 72 hours from departure, as well as a barcode from their electronic Indonesia Health Certificate (e-HAC) to show airport officials during the check-in process and after arrival.
To get the barcode for travel, you can fill out the form by downloading the âPedull Lindungiâ app to your smartphone. Once the form is completed you will receive a barcode to show at check-in and upon arrival in Bali. If you are traveling with kids, you can put your childrenâs names on the e-HAC form so you donât need to create multiple accounts.
Check The Requirements For Any Stopovers
With limited direct flights available from the U.S. and the UK to Bali, many travelers will have to transit through a third country on a stopover. If you are planning your trip to Bali or somewhere else in Indonesia in the next few weeks or months, make sure to check the entry requirements for any countries you will be passing through on your trip.
Singapore, for instance, mandates that all travelers must show proof of a negative Covid test taken only 48 hours before departure. Always double check with your airline as well as any transiting countries prior to travel.
A New Type Of Tourist In Bali
Over the past few months, there have been reports that the island paradise is working to rebrand itself as a tourist destination. After decades of being a sought-after hub for 20-something backpackers as well as a quick long weekend getaway destination for visitors from nearby Australia, officials in Indonesia want to attract a more upscale type of tourist towards Bali as travel starts to reopen.