Bali Announces They Will Not Require Booster Vaccinations For International Travelers

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Documents released by the Indonesian government confirm that the changes in travel mandates that come into effect on the 17th of July are only applicable to Indonesian citizens. 

As of the 17th of July, Indonesian citizens who wish to travel domestically or internationally by air will have to show proof of their booster vaccine. If they have yet to have their booster vaccine for any reason, they can get a booster vaccine at the legal entry points to Indonesia, including airports.

As of the 17th of July, Indonesian citizens who wish to travel domestically or internationally by air will have to show proof of their booster vaccine. If they have yet to have their booster vaccine for any reason, they can get a booster vaccine at the legal entry points to Indonesia, including airports.

There are new mandates in place for unvaccinated Indonesian travelers and for those for whom it’s too soon to have a booster vaccine after getting their second jab. The full details of the new travel rules for Indonesian citizens can be found on the government’s Covid-19 Information website. 

Bali has confirmed that there is no change in vaccination requirements for international travelers. It remains the case that fully vaccinated travelers do not need a PCR test prior to their arrival in Indonesia.

A booster vaccination is not compulsory for international travelers to Bali, but there is no issue for travelers who already have one. Border control authorities and other airport staff will continue to check Covid-19 Vaccine certificates as travelers pass through the arrivals terminal.

Countries where many international Bali visitors come from, like Australia and New Zealand, are starting national conversations about the potential need for booster vaccines in the near future. Last week Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said there’s a need for booster vaccines for all demographics.

He told the press that Australia’s rollout of a booster vaccination program is ‘a matter of urgency’ and simply an ‘inevitable’ part of this stage of the pandemic.

The change in travel requirements for Indonesian citizens comes as the government is making efforts to hit vaccination targets. For booster vaccinations rollout is only at 24% of the fully vaccinated population, whereas uptake of the second vaccine is at 81%. Renewed focus on the booster vaccination program in Indonesia comes as caseloads across the country, including in Bali, are steadily creeping up.

This has informed a decision by President Joko Widodo to reinstate the outdoor mask mandate in crowded public places. Just 54-days after the outdoor mask mandate was scrapped, the legislation has been bought back into place. 

All people, Indonesian citizens, and visitors, across all of Indonesia, must now wear masks in crowded outdoor settings. President Widodo told the nation on Sunday evening that ‘‘I also want to remind all of us, that Covid-19 still exists. Because [of this] both indoors and outdoors wearing a mask is still a must’.

Both travelers and locals must wear masks when walking along busy streets, are on crowded beaches and parks. As a general rule, wearing a mask is required in any outdoor space where social distancing cannot be maintained for all people at all times. 

The mask mandate for indoor settings remains in place and includes the mandate to wear masks on public transport, in shops, and inside hotel buildings.

During his speech, President Widodo said that he wants to see an increase in the use of the PeduliLindungi Track and Trace app. Now that Indonesian citizens must present their booster vaccination certificate it is likely that it will be easier for venue management to get people to scan into a public space.

Travelers to Indonesia, including Bali, are advised to download the PeduliLindungi Track and Trace app as authorities across the island are being encouraged to make sure people are using the service to help track any contacts of positive cases.

For travelers of all kinds who are heading to Bali, the advice remains to check in with government information sites before setting off for the airport in case of any sudden changes.