Covid-19 Indonesia – Travel Restrictions update

Covid-19 Indonesia – Travel Restrictions update
Corona-virus-COVID-19-Indonesia-immigration-restrictions
Travel Restrictions in Indonesia due to Covid-19

This article discusses the travel restrictions imposed by the Indonesian government due to the Corona virus (COVID-19). Travel restrictions apply for both work and stay permit holders (ITAS) and visit visa holders. In case new information is made available by the government this article will be updated.

6 April - further ease on restrictions and opening visa facilities

The Covid-19 Taskforce has issued Circular number 17 of 2022, which removes the RT-PCR re-examination upon arrival for travelers (foreigners and Indonesian citizen) who have received their second dose of vaccination. The pre-departure RT-PCR test result requirement remains in place.  Travelers can continue traveling in Indonesia without quarantine and without RT-PCR re-examination upon arrival if the following requirements are met:  

  • vaccine certificate Covid-19 (physical or digital), written in English, apart from in the language of the country of origin, which shows that the traveler has received the second dose of vaccine at least 14 days before the departure date.
  • Negative RT-PCR test result in the country or region of origin which samples were taken within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours before the departure time.
  • Travel/health insurance policy which covers medical costs related to covid-19 and medical evacuation.
  • If the traveler has not yet received the second dose of vaccine, or has received the second dose of vaccine but less than 14 days before the departure date, the traveler 1) will undergo RT-PCR re-examination upon arrival and 2) must do a home quarantine for 5 x 24 hours.  At the 4th day of quarantine, they are required to do a second RT-PCR re-examination and if this result is negative, they are free to travel.  
  • In case the traveler is tested positive within a 30 days period prior to the departure, he/she is not required to show proof of vaccination or and a negative RT-PCR test result under the following conditions:
    • an RT-PCR re-examination upon arrival is performed upon arrival in Indonesia; and 
    • the traveler must show a doctor’s certificate from a government hospital in the departure country stating that the traveler is no longer actively transmitting Covid-19 

The directorate general of immigration issued circular letter no. IMI-0549.GR.01.01 of 2022 (Circular) concerning the facility of Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption for Tourist Purposes only.  

The Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption facility have been extended to airports in the following locations:

  • Soekarno Hatta Airport, Jakarta 
  • Ngurah Ray Airport, Bali 
  • Kualanamu Airport, Medan 
  • Juanda Airport, Surabaya 
  • Hassanudin Airport, Makassar 
  • Sam Ratulangi Airport, Manado 
  • Adi Sucipto Airport, Yogyakarta 
  • Batam Center Port, Batam 
  • Some ports in Riau Islands 

Nationals from the following countries can now enter Indonesia, using a Visa on Arrival for Tourist purposes only: 

(1) South Africa   

(2) United States of America  

(3) Saudi Arabia  

(4) Argentina  

(5) Australia  

(6) Netherlands  

(7) Belgium  

(8) Brazil  

(9) Brunei Darussalam  

(10) Denmark  

(11) Philippines  

(12) Finland  

(13) Hungary  

(14) India  

(15) United Kingdom  

(16) Italy  

(17) Japan  

(18) Germany  

(19) Cambodia  

(20) Canada  

(21) South Korea  

(22) Laos  

(23) Malaysia  

(24) Mexico  

(25) Myanmar  

(26) Norway  

(27) France  

(28) Poland  

(29) Qatar  

(30) New Zealand  

(31) Seychelles  

(32) Singapore  

(33) Spain  

(34) Sweden  

(35) Switzerland  

(36) Taiwan  

(37) Thai  

(38) China  

(39) Tunisia  

(40) Turkey  

(41) United Arab Emirates  

(42) Vietnam  

(43) East Timor 

  


Nationals from the following ASEAN countries can now enter Indonesia, using a for Tourist purposes only:  

(1) Brunei Darussalam 

(2) Philippines 

(3) Cambodia  

(4) Laos  

(5) Malaysia 

(6) Myanmar  

(7) Singapore  

(8) Thailand  

(9) Vietnam  

      

The Visa on Arrival is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days.  The Visa Exemption is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.   

The minimum requirements for a Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption are:
  • Passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months   
  • Return ticket, or a one-way ticket to another country   
  • Any other document requirement stated by the Covid-19 task force – eg. PCR test result, proof of full vaccination and health insurance.     

The Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption do not allow foreigners to have Business Meetings in Indonesia. 

The Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption cannot be converted to a Single Entry Visa (SEBV) or Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) in country (onshore).   

March 23 - quarantine requirement removed for foreign travelers

The covid-19 task force has issued circular 15 of 2022, which removes the quarantine requirement when traveling to Indonesia and reduces the RT-PCR re-examination to one time only for travelers (foreigners and Indonesian citizen) who have received their second dose: 

  1. The travelers must show the following documents: 
    1. vaccine certificate Covid-19 (physical or digital), written in English, apart from in the language of the country of origin 
    2. Negative RT-PCR test result in the country or region of origin which samples were taken within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours before the departure time 
    3. Travel/health insurance policy which covers medical costs related to covid-19 and medical evacuation 
  2. RT-PCR re-examination will be carried out upon arrival. After the RT-PCR test is carried out upon arrival, the travelers can directly go to their hotel/villa and they must remain inside until they receive their negative RP-PCR test result (home quarantine). In case the result is negative,
    1. and the traveler has received the second dose of vaccine at least 14 days before the departure date, the traveler is free to travel. 
    2. and the traveler has not yet received the second dose of vaccine, or has received the second dose of vaccine but less than 14 days before the departure date, the traveler must do a home quarantine for 5 x 24 hours. At the 4th day of quarantine, they are required to do a second RT-PCR re-examination and if this result is negative, they are free to travel. 

March 3 - Quarantine requirement FURTHER reduced

The Covid-19 task force has recently issued Circular number 12 of 2022 (Circular 12/2022) and Circular number 13 of 2022 (Circular 13/2022):  

Circular 12/2022 further reduces the quarantine period for foreign travellers who have been fully vaccinated but have not received their booster yet. Previously, these fully vaccinated travellers (2 doses) were required to quarantine for 3 days. The Circular has reduced this period now to 1 days. RT-PCR re-examination must be carried out 2 (two) times on foreign travellers who have entered the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, namely (i) upon arrival and (ii) on the third day of arrival (self-test) of which the result must be reported to the local health officer based on the location of stay of the foreign travellers. The entry requirements are as follows:

    • vaccine certificate Covid-19 (physical or digital), written in English, apart from in the language of the country of origin, which shows that the traveller has received the second dose of vaccine at least 14 days before the departure date 
    • Negative RT-PCR test result in the country or region of origin which samples were taken within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours before the departure time;  
    • Reservation of hotel for quarantine before arriving in Indonesia.  

 Circular 13/2022 sets special entry requirements for foreign travellers who are entering Indonesia through Bali, Batam and Bintan: 

    • Upon entry foreign travellers must show the following documents:
      • vaccine certificate Covid-19 (physical or digital), written in English, apart from in the language of the country of origin, which shows that the traveller has received the second dose of vaccine at least 14 days before the departure date 
      • Negative RT-PCR test result in the country or region of origin which samples were taken within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours before the departure time;  
      • Proof of tour package or hotel/villa booking. In Bali this booking must be at least cover 4 days. This requirement does not apply to travellers who are living in Bali, Batam or Bintan – they can show proof of domicile instead. 
      • Travel/health insurance policy which covers at least SGD 20,000 of medical costs and which covers medical costs related to covid-19;  
    • RT-PCR re-examination must be carried out 2 (two) times on foreign travellers who have entered the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, namely (i) upon arrival and (ii) on the third day of arrival (self-test) of which the result must be reported to the local health officer based on the location of stay of the foreign travellers. After the RT-PCR test is carried out upon arrival, the travellers can directly go to their hotel/villa and they must remain inside until they receive their negative RP-PCR test result (home quarantine). Quarantine at a quarantine hotel is no longer required. 
    • Travellers can leave Bali, Batam or Bintan after they have received their second negative RT-PCR test result (and after they have stayed for 4 days in Bali (applies to Bali only)) 

November 2 - Quarantine requirement reduced to 3 days

The covid task force has released an amendment to the circular 20 of 2021 (Amendment), which amends Letter F (3)(d) of the circular 20/2021 as follows: 

  • Foreign travelers who have receive their full vaccination are required to quarantine for 3 days. 
  • Foreign travelers who have received their first vaccination shot are required to quarantine for 5 days. 

 The Amendment seems now to allow foreigners into Indonesia who have only received their first shot of vaccination. The Amendment has however not revoked Letter F (3)(b) of the circular 20/2021, which requires that all foreigners to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival in Indonesia. We are going to ask clarification from immigration on this point. 

September 15 - Partially reopening of borders

On 15 September 2021, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights issued regulation number 34 of 2021 (Regulation). The Regulation revokes its previous Regulation 27 of 2021 and partially lifts the international travel ban for foreigners. Foreigners are now allowed to enter Indonesia again if they hold any of the following visas or permits:

  1. Service visa;
  2. Diplomatic visa;
  3. Visit visa – we will need to confirm if all types of visit visa are open now, or only the Single Entry Business Visa (which previously was the case)
  4. Limited stay visa;
  5. Service stay permit;
  6. Diplomatic stay Permit;
  7. Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) – this includes all types of ITAS, including working ITAS, Spouse ITAS, Investor ITAS and Retirement ITAS; and
  8. Permanent Residence Permit (ITAP).
  9. APEC card holders

 

The visa exemption and visa on arrival are still suspended until further notice. In addition, the Ministry will deny entry to foreigners who are coming from specific countries with a high number of Covid-19 infections. These specific countries announced by the Ministry. At this moment such list has not yet been released by the Ministry.

 

The following entry requirements have not changed:

Foreigners (12 years of age and above) are required to show:

  1. Negative PCR test result valid 72 hours before departure, with QR code
  2. a physical and digital proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

When entering Indonesia. International travelers must:

  1. Perform a PCR test valid upon entry; and
  2. Undergo quarantine in a quarantine hotel for 8 days
  3. Perform a PCR test on the 7th day of quarantine

Once the foreigners are released from quarantine, the task force recommends them to do an additional 14-day home quarantine.

AUGUST 12 - AMENDMENT OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

The Covid-19 taskforce has issued a new circular, no. 18 of 2021, which has made some amendments to the international travel restrictions for foreigners willing to enter Indonesia. The new circular adds two exemptions to the travel ban for foreigners. Foreigners who fly to Indonesia and satisfy below criteria are now allowed to enter Indonesia:

  • Foreigners who travel under a bilateral Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA); and/or
  • Foreigners who received a special permission from the ministry or government body

These exemptions are added to the below exemptions which were already in place before the issuance if this new circular:

  • Diplomatic and official visa and permit holders
  • Holders of temporary stay permits (ITAS) and permanent stay permits (ITAP)
  • Travelers who enter Indonesia for medical purpose and humanitarian reasons (special recommendation required)
  • Active crew members of ships etc.

The new circular stipulates that children below the age of 18 are not required to show proof that they have been fully vaccinated. However, if they are not vaccinated, they are required to receive their vaccination in Indonesia during their quarantine.

July 19 - further restrictions to enter Indonesia

On 19 July, the ministry of Law and Human rights issued regulation 27/2021, which further restricts international travels to Indonesia. The regulation regulates that all international travels are banned for entry, except for the following cases:

  1. Diplomatic and official visa and permit holders
  2. Holders of temporary stay permits (ITAS) and permanent stay permits (ITAP)
  3. Travelers who enter Indonesia for medical purpose and humanitarian reasons (special recommendation required)
  4. Active crew members of ships etc.

Under the new regulation, the following visa holders are no longer allowed to enter Indonesia:

  • E-Visa holders of regular stay permits (ITAS), investor stay permits, retirement stay permits and spousal stay permits
  • Single Entry Visit Visa holders 

Given the current restrictions, the Ministry of Manpower and Directorate General of Immigration are now suspending both offshore work permit and single-entry visit visa applications until further notice.

July 5 - new restriction due to Covid spike

On 5 July 2021, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (“MLHR”) issued circular number M.HH-01.GR.02.07/2021 and IMI.3-GR.01.01-1450 which are implementation of the recently issued circulars from the Covid-19 task force.

1)      The MLHR Circular requires applicants of single entry visit visas and limited stay permits (ITAS) to attach the following documents:

–          Negative PCR test result, with QR code

–          Evidence of being fully vaccinated

–          Statement letter of willingness to quarantine for 8 days in a designated facility (hotel)

The requirements above do not apply for applicants who apply while being in Indonesia (on-shore application)

2)      Visit Visa or APEC Card holders who are currently in Indonesia and whose visa/APEC card expires during the lockdown period (PPKM), can extend their visit visa / APEC Card:

  1. For Java and Bali: online through the immigration web portal. The application will be processed after the PPKM ends;
  2. Outside Java and Bali: online through the immigration web portal

Note: actual implementation of the pure online application is not yet implemented by all local immigration offices. Some offices are still open for manual applications for urgent applications.

3)      The application of new visit visa / limited stay permit (ITAS) must be submitted before the expiry date of the current visa/permit. In case the visa/permit is not issued before the expiry date of the current visa/permit, it will not be counted as overstay, as long as the submission of the application of the new visa/permit is done before the expiry date of the current visa/permit.


4)      Visit Visa and Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) holders in Indonesia which are in their last extension of their visa/permit, will be granted a new visit visa / stay permit after obtaining Visa Approval. Prior to the application of a new Limited Stay Permit (ITAS), ITAS holders must process the cancellation of their current stay permit (EPO).


5)      Foreigners will not be granted a new visit visa or limited stay permit in the following cases:

a.       Overstay of more than 60 (sixty) days;

b.       Foreigners who are deported; and/or

c.       Rejection of the application for a new or extension of a visa/permit 

February 10 - Travel Ban partially lifted

The Indonesian covid-19 task force has issued a circular 8/2021 (Circular), which removes some of the travel restrictions for foreigners entering Indonesia. In line with the circular, the directorate general of immigration has also updated its immigration policy on their social media.
 
The main changes are as follows:

Types of Visas or Permits that are allowed to enter Indonesia
The Circular states that foreigners are not allowed entry unless they fall under the exceptions mentioned in MLHR regulation 26/2020. Foreign holders of the following types of visas / permits are now allowed to enter Indonesia: 

Single and Multiple Entry Visit Visas
Only Single Entry Visa holders can enter Indonesia, and only for certain purposes, i.e.:

  • emergency and urgent work;
  • business talks;
  • purchases of goods in Indonesia;
  • expertise testing for prospective foreign workers;
  • medical and food assistance;
  • crew on a vessel.

Please note that for new visa application outside Indonesia (offshore) is still being suspended by the Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) system, but it is likely this suspension will be lifted in the coming days following the Circular.
 
Stay Permit (ITAS/ITAP)
Foreigners holding valid visas for the following stay permits can enter Indonesia:

  • Work ITAS
  • Investment ITAS
  • Spouse ITAS
  • Retirement ITAS

This means that all categories of ITAS are open. Please note that for the Work ITAS a work permit (RPTKA and Notification) from the Ministry of Manpower is required. Until now, the MOM has suspended new work permit applications, but it is likely this suspension will be lifted in the coming days following the Circular.

Travelers using BCA
In case there is specific bilateral travel corridor arrangement (BCA) between Indonesia and a foreign country, the foreigner may enter Indonesia following the rules set in this BCA.

Health protocol upon entry into Indonesia
The health protocol for entering Indonesia is as follows:

  1. Every individual who comes from abroad must show at the time of arrival a PCR Negative COVID-19 test results from the country of origin which is not older than 3 x 24 hours from departure time;
  2. After arriving in Indonesia, the traveler is supervised by officers in the form of:
  1. body temperature check;
  2. validation of the PCR health certificate;
  3. re-examination of the PCR Test for Indonesian citizens and foreigners.
  1. There is a mandatory 5-day quarantine requirement for:
    1. Indonesian citizens are required to undergo quarantine at special quarantine accommodation provided by the government (Wisma Atlet) or at own expenses (hotels); and
    2. foreigners at the certified quarantine accommodations at own expenses (hotels)
  2. In addition after the 5-day quarantine at the quarantine accommodation, there is a mandatory 14-day home quarantine requirement

The quarantine requirement does not apply to diplomats (minister level and up), and in case a bilateral travel corridor arrangement (BCA) regulates a different quarantine procedure, this procedure will apply

December 29 - Travel Ban for all foreign travelers

Indonesia has further restricted international travels to Indonesia based on the newly issued Circular Letter Number 4 of 2020 (attached):

  • All foreigners are not allowed to enter Indonesia from January 1st until January 14th, 2021 except:
    • Diplomatic Visa and Official Visa which are issued to foreign officials at ministerial level;
    • Diplomatic Stay Permit and Official Stay Permit holders (representative from another country);
    • Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) and Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP) holders. This exemption does not include foreigners who have obtained their e-visa (limited stay visa); and
    • Indonesian Citizens are allowed entry Indonesia.
  • Foreigners who are exempted (see point above) and Indonesian Citizens who travel to Indonesia, either directly or through transit in another country, must show at the time of arrival a PCR Negative COVID-19 test result which is not older than 2 x 24 hours before departure.

DECEMBER 23 - Amendment circular 3 of 2020​

In a response to the mutated virus in the United Kingdom and the rising Covid-19 cases in the European Union and Australia, the Indonesian government has issued an amendment of the recently issued circular 3 of 2020. For foreign travels the following new restrictions apply:

  • Foreigners who travel from England, either directly or through transit in another country, cannot enter Indonesia;
  • Foreigners who travel from European Countries or Australia, either directly or through transit in another country, must show at the time of arrival a PCR Negative COVID-19 test result which is not older than 2 x 24 hours before departure;
  • Foreigners who travel from a country other than European Countries and Australia must show at the time of arrival a PCR Negative COVID-19 test results from the country of origin which is not older than 3 x 24 hours before departure;
  • After arriving in Indonesia, the traveler is supervised by officers in the form of:
    • body temperature check;
    • validation of the PCR health certificate;
    • re-examination of the PCR Test for Indonesian citizens and foreigners.
  • In the event that the re-examination result of the PCR Test upon arrival in Indonesia is either Negative or Positive:
    1. Indonesian citizens are required to undergo quarantine for 5 (five days) at special quarantine accommodation provided by the government (Wisma Atlit) and
    2. foreigners are required to undergo quarantine for 5 (five days) at the certified quarantine accommodations at own expenses (hotels)

After the quarantine for 5 days, the Indonesian citizen and foreigners must do a re-examination of the PCR Test; or

Note: the accredited hotels for quarantine are:

  • Novotel Gajah Mada
  • Mercure Jakarta Kota
  • Mercure Jakarta Batavia
  • Pullman Jakarta Central Park
  • Grand Mercure Kemayoran
  • Grand Mercure Harmoni
  • Holiday Inn Kemayoran

We must confirm whether the quarantine requirement will be strictly implemented by officers. In any case these restrictions will be valid only during the holiday period between 22 December and 8 January (unless further extended depending on developments of Covid-19 cases and the mutation thereof in the UK, Europe and Australia)

December 21 - COVID-19 test requirements amended

On 19 December 2020, the Indonesian covid-19 task force issued circular number 3 of 2020. The circular regulates the revised Covid-19 test requirements for both domestic and international travelers.

Domestic

  • For trips to Bali island using air transportation (plane) it is required to show the PCR Test Negative Covid-19 result which is not older than 7 x 24 hours before departure and fill in the e-HAC Indonesia forms. Travelers using land and sea transportation are required to show a negative test result certificate using the antigen rapid test which is not older than 3 x24 hours before departure as a trip requirement.
  • For trips to and from Java Island as well as within Java Island (between Provinces / Districts / Cities), travelers using air, intercity rail transportation and land (public or private) are required to show a negative test result certificate using the antigen rapid test which is not older than 3 x24 hours before being before departure as a trip requirement.
  • Children under 12 years of age not required to have a PCR Negative Covid-19 result nor are they required to show the antigen rapid test as a trip requirement.
  • In case the result of the antigen rapid test is non-reactive or negative but the traveler show symptoms, then the traveler is not allowed to continue the trip and is required to carry out a PCR test and self-isolation until the results of the examination are issued.

International

  • Every individual who comes from abroad must show at the time of arrival a PCR Negative COVID-19 test results from the country of origin which is not older than 3 x 24 hours;
  • After arriving in Indonesia, the traveler is supervised by officers in the form of:
    • body temperature check;
    • validation of the PCR health certificate;
    • re-examination of the PCR test for Indonesian citizens and foreigners.
  • Indonesian citizens are required await the test results of the PCR test at a special quarantine accommodation provided by the government (Wisma Atlet) and foreigners need to wait at the certified quarantine accommodations (hotels) at own expenses 

We will need to confirm whether the re-examination of the PCR test is a standard procedure, which essentially would mean that all international travelers must go into quarantine before being able to enter Indonesia, or that this is only applies to specific cases where travels bring a negative PCR test result but show symptoms when being checked at the airport.

Update october 7 - Regulation regulates updated immigration procedures during covid-19

The ministry of law and human rights has issued Regulation number 26 of 2020 (New Regulation), which repeals and replaces Regulation number 11 of 2020. The New Regulation updates the immigration procedures during Covid-19. Below is an overview of the updated procedures:

Visa on Arrival & Visa Exemption

Under the New Regulation, the issuance of Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption remains suspended. This suspension will be lifted once the Covid-19 pandemic is declared over.

Single and Multiple Entry Visit Visas

New Applications

The New Regulation does allow foreigners to enter Indonesia using a Single Entry Visa only, and only for certain purposes, i.e. for:

  1. emergency and urgent work;
  2. business talks;
  3. purchases of goods in Indonesia;
  4. expertise testing for prospective foreign workers;
  5. medical and food assistance;
  6. crew on a vessel.

The visa for social purposes (social budaya) visa is not yet open for foreigners outside Indonesia. Also foreigners are not able to apply for a multiple entry visit visa.

Current Visa Holders

Foreigners who have entered Indonesia using a visit visa and have received an emergency permit, can apply for an extension of the emergency permit for up to 30 days per extension. A Single Entry Visit Visa and Visa on Arrival can be converted into a limited stay permit (ITAS)

Stay Permit (ITAS/ITAP)

New Applications

Foreigners can obtain the following stay permits:

  1. Work ITAS/ITAP
  2. Investment ITAS
  3. Spouse ITAS/ITAP
  4. Retirement ITAS

This means that all categories of ITAS / ITAP are open. Please note that for the Work ITAS a recommendation from the investment authority (BKPM) is required in addition to a work permit (RPTKA and Notification) from the Ministry of Manpower.

Current ITAS/ITAP holders

  1. Holders of a limited stay permit (ITAS) or permanent stay permit (ITAP) and who have received an emergency permit, can apply for an extension of their ITAS/ITAP. In case the ITAS cannot be extended, foreigners can apply for a new ITAS. Since the visa approval is in the form of an eVisa, it looks like that they are not required to leave Indonesia.
  2. Holders of an ITAS/ITAP who are currently residing outside Indonesia and whose permits have expired will need to apply for a new ITAS/ITAP. In case the Re-entry Permit (MERP) for ITAP holders has expired, this will also result in the expiration of the ITAP.
Stricter Requirements

The New Regulation sets some new requirements for the application of a single entry visit visa and stay permit (ITAS):

  1. When applying for the limited stay visa, guarantors (company or spouse) must attach the following documents:
    1. Covid-19 PCR test result, with negative test result;
    2. Statement letter that the foreigner is willing to enter into quarantine at its own expense whenever tested positive in Indonesia;
    3. Statement letter of the foreigner’s willingness to have its health monitored during quarantine; and
    4. Proof of Health Insurance or statement letter which states that the foreigner is willing to cover its own health costs in case infected by Covid-19 in Indonesia.
  2. The Guarantor must show proof that it has at least USD 10,000.00 (or equivalent other currency) in its bank account. Previously this was USD 1,500.0. This requirement does not apply to single entry visitors for medical and food assistance purpose or crew on vessels.
eVisa

Both the single entry visa and the limited stay visa (required for ITAS), are issued in the form of an eVisa. This eVisa is issued electronically and this seems to mean that foreigners are no longer required to pick up their visa sticker at the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Foreigners who have received their eVisa for their single entry visit visa, can use this eVisa as proof of their permission to stay in Indonesia. Foreigners have obtained their eVisa for their ITAS/ITAP, they will need to report to local immigration to process their ITAS/ITAP.

Holders of telex visas which have been expired and who have not entered Indonesia, must now apply for a new visa again. It seems therefore it is no longer possible to re-activate expired telex visas.

UPDATE AUGUST 19 – DGI NOTIFIES FOREIGN INDONESIAN EMBASSIES TO OPEN VISA SERVICES

On 14 August 2020, the Directorate General of Immigration has sent a Notification Letter to the Indonesian Consulates which states the following:

  • Foreigners who have obtained a telex visas (this can be either telex visa for a work permit of for a business visa (single or multiple entry)) after 2 April 2020 can obtain their Visit Visa or Stay Visa at the Indonesian embassies abroad. This seems to indicate that telex visas which are issued between 1 December 2019 and 2 April 2020 will need to be reactivated again, while telex visas which are issued after 2 April 2020 can immediately apply for their visa at the embassy without the need to reactivate the telex visa. This however will need to be confirmed with the related embassies.
  • Once the foreigners have obtained their Visit Visa and Stay Visa at the Indonesian embassy, they are able to enter Indonesia using this visa.

The new notification letter allows application of new ITAS applications for foreigners currently outside Indonesia. It should be noted that the Ministry of Manpower has not yet opened their facility for new work permit applications (with the exception of new work permit applications with prior recommendation from the Investment Authority (BKPM).

UPDATE AUGUST 3 – DGI ISSUES A CLARIFICATION ON PREVIOUS ISSUED CIRCULARS

On 30 July, the Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) published a new announcement regarding the newest procedures:

ITAP HOLDERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN INDONESIA
  • Holders of a valid ITAP can process the extension at the local immigration office
  • Holders of an expired ITAP have the following options: (1) They must leave Indonesia before 20 August, or (2) process a new limited stay visa (VTT) or visit visa in-country.
ITAS HOLDERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN INDONESIA
  • Holders of a valid ITAS which can be extended can at the local immigration office: (1) Convert their ITAS to ITAP, or (2) extend their ITAS.
  • Holders of an expired ITAS which and cannot be extended must leave Indonesia before 20 August
ITAP OR ITAS HOLDERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ABROAD
  • Holders of an expired ITAP or ITAS (with valid or expired MERP) have the following options: (1) they can enter Indonesia after approval letter from the ministry or technical institution (RPTKA/notification), or (2) in case they are unable to obtain such approval letter, they must process a new limited stay visa (VTT) to enter Indonesia
  • Holders of an expired ITAP or ITAS (with valid or expired MERP) which is sponsored by spouse can directly enter Indonesia
  • Extension of ITAP/ITAS and MERP must be done before 8 September which might be extended to 31 December in case of a technical issue during the extension application
SINGLE ENTRY VISIT VISA HOLDERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN INDONESIA
  • If the visa is still valid and extendable, they can at the local immigration office: (1) extend their visa, or (2) convert their visa to ITAS.
  • If the visa is expired and cannot be extended anymore (1) they must leave Indonesia before 20 August. However in case there is no transportation out of Indonesia, then the visa can be extended for periods of 30 days until the covid-19 crisis is declared over, or (2) they can process a new limited stay visa (VTT) or visit visa in-country.
MULTIPLE ENTRY VISIT VISA HOLDERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN INDONESIA

If the stay permission period in Indonesia (60 days) is expired: (1) they must leave Indonesia before 20 August. However in case there is no transportation out of Indonesia, then the visa can be extended for periods of 30 days until the covid-19 crisis is declared over, or (2) they can process a new limited stay visa (VTT) or visit visa in-country, or (3) they can convert their visa to ITAS.

VOA HOLDERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN INDONESIA

If the visa is expired and cannot be extended anymore, (1) they must leave Indonesia before 20 August. However in case there is no transportation out of Indonesia, then the visa can be extended for periods of 30 days until the covid-19 crisis is declared over, or (2) they can process a new limited stay visa (VTT) or visit visa in-country.

FOREIGNERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN INDONESIA USING VISA EXEMPTION
  • they must leave Indonesia before 20 August; or
  • they can process a new limited stay visa (VTT) or visit visa in-country.
FOREIGNERS WHO ALREADY HAVE A TELEX VISA WHICH WAS ISSUED AFTER 1 DECEMBER 2019 AND WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN INDONESIA

They can apply for ITAS or visit visa in-country

UPDATE 22 JULY – DGI ISSUES CIRCULAR WHICH FURTHER CLARIFIES THE CIRCULAR ISSUED ON 10 JULY

On 22 July, the directorate general of immigration issued circular number IMI-GR.01.01-1102 Tahun 2020, which further clarifies the previous circular number IMI-GR.01.01-1102, which was issued on 10 July. The new circular clarifies the following:

  • APEC Card holders and MEBV holders are allowed to extend their permits for 30 day periods at a time (until the covid-19 emergency status is declared over), provided that there is no transportation out of the country.
  • SEBV and MEBV holders who have already extended their license may convert their visit permit to a stay permit (ITAS), provided that they fulfill all mandatory requirements of the ITAS. This would likely mean that foreigners who convert their visa must first apply for a work permit in case they are sponsored by a company. Foreigners who are sponsored by their spouse are under no obligation to apply for a work permit.
  • ITAS and ITAP holders who are still in Indonesia and have received an emergency permit because their permit expired, can apply for 1) a telex VTT or 2) a telex MEBV/SEBV online while they are in Indonesia. Once they have received their telex visa, they can proceed to pay the required government fees at the local immigration office. They are thus not required to leave Indonesia and do this process at the Indonesian embassy.
  • Foreigners on Visa Exemption can apply for 1) a telex VTT, or 2) a telex MEBV/SEBV while they are in Indonesia. Once they have received their telex visa, they can proceed to pay the required government fees at the local immigration office. They are thus not required to leave Indonesia and do this process at the Indonesian embassy. 
  • Foreigners who have a telex visa which is issued since 1 December 2019 and are currently in Indonesia can apply for their respective visa for SEBV, MEBV or ITAS at the local immigration office and are not required to pick-up their visa at the Indonesian Embassy abroad.

Please note that the actual implementation of this circular may be different in each local immigration office. 

UPDATE 10 JULY – DGI CIRCULAR REGULATES THE END OF EMERGENCY PERMITS

On 10 July, the directorate general of immigration issued circular number IMI-GR.01.01-1102 TAHUN 2020, which regulates the updated procedures form foreigners currently on emergency permit and ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) /ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) holders currently residing outside Indonesia. The circular explains as follows:

  • ITAS/ITAP holders currently residing outside Indonesia whose permit has expired:
    • In case they have obtained an approval from Ministry/Technical institute, and they enter Indonesia for the reason of family reunification, they are allowed to enter Indonesia, under the condition that they extend their ITAS/ITAP within 60 days as of the issuance date of the circular (10 July).
    • Foreigners who do not fall under category (a), must apply for a new ITAS
  • ITAS/ITAP holders, and Single Entry Visit Permit holder who are residing in Indonesia with a valid permit. They are allowed to extend their permits in accordance with the standard extension procedures.
  • Single Entry Visit Permit holders who are residing in Indonesia and who have received an Emergency Permit because their Single Entry Visit Permit has expired and have no means to leave Indonesia. Within 30 days as of the issuance date of the circular (10 July), the Single Entry Visit Permit holders must:
    • Extend their visit permit; or
    • Convert their visit permit to a stay permit (ITAS).
  • ITAS holders who are residing in Indonesia and who have received an Emergency Permit because their ITAS has expired. Within 30 days as of the effective date of the circular (10 July), the ITAS holders must:
    • Extend the ITAS (Long Term ITAS – extendable); or
    • Leave Indonesia (Short Term ITAS – non extendable).
  • ITAP holders who are residing in Indonesia and who have received an Emergency Permit because their ITAP has expired. Within 30 days as of the effective date of the circular (10 July), the ITAP holders must extend their ITAP.
  • Visa on Arrival (VOA) holders who are residing in Indonesia and have no means to leave Indonesia. Within 30 days as of the effective date of the circular (10 July), the VOA holders must extend their VOA.
  • Foreigners who are residing in Indonesia based on a Visa Exemption. These foreigners must leave Indonesia within 30 days as of the effective date of the circular (10 July).
  • Foreigners are in the possession of a Telex Visa (Business Visa or Limited Stay Visa) and who are currently residing in Indonesia. This group of foreigners is able to apply for a Single or Multiple Entry Visit Visa or Stay Permit (ITAS) to the Local Immigration Office without collecting their visa at Indonesian Embassy abroad.

In case foreigners decide not to extend/convert their permit or visa, they must leave Indonesian within 30 days as of the issuance date of the circular (10 July). It is important that foreigners follow the new regulations set by the circular to avoid administrative sanctions which may include overstay penalties (IDR 1 million per day) and deportation.

Foreigners are advised to confirm the actual implementation of the circular at the local immigration office.

UPDATE 17 JUNE – BPKM RECOMMENDATION LETTER FOR NEW WORK PERMIT APPLICATIONS

Since April 8th, 2020, the Ministry of Manpower has suspended the standard new work permit application for foreign workers in Indonesia due to Covid-19 and only accepts applications for the extension of work permit and new work permit applications for National Strategic Projects which are listed in the President Regulation Number 56 of 2018 and its derivatives.

On June 11th, 2020, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) has issued an Announcement Number: 8/PENGUMUMAN/A.5/2020 (“BKPM Letter”). The BKPM Letter explains that new work permits applications by Foreign Investment Companies (PT PMA) (which are not related with National Strategic Project) could be approved by Ministry of Manpower as long as there is a Recommendation Letter from BKPM.

The requirements to obtain a Recommendation Letter from BKPM are:

  • submit the purpose of bringing the representative of the company and/or foreign workers during the Covid-19 period;
  • submit the detail implementation of investment activities (total investment and project locations);
  • submit the plan of employ Indonesian workers;
  • submit the list of representatives of the company and/or foreign workers mention the name, passport, nationality, position/job title;
  • willing to comply with the provisions of the health protocol Covid-19

After the requirements are submitted to BKPM, BKPM will review the application and either approve or reject the application. It is currently not know what the processing time is for the Recommendation Letter.

UPDATE 12 MAY – CLARIFICATION ON EXPIRING PERMITS FOR ITAS AND ITAP HOLDERS

On May 7th, 2020 the Ministry of Health issued Circular Letter Number HK.02.01/MENKES/313/2020 Concerning Health Protocol for the Handling of Returning Indonesian Citizens and Foreign Arrivals from Abroad (“Circular Letter”). The main points of Circular Letter for Foreigners (ITAS and ITAP holders) are:

  • Additional Health Check, including:
    • Interview;
    • Examination of temperature, signs and symptoms of covid-19;
    • Examination of Oxygen saturation;
    • Examination of Rapid Test and/or PCR.
  • Every foreigner who enters Indonesia must have a Health Certificate in English which state the results of examination the PCR negative Covid-19 test. The issuance of the Health Certificate must be no later than 7 days since the date of arrival in Indonesia and will be validated by the Indonesian doctor at the Airport/Port of arrival.
  • Every Foreigner who enters Indonesia by carrying Health Certificate that proves negative PCR Covid-19 results:
    • needs to carry out an additional health examination (this does not include a Rapid Test or PCR); If no diseases and / or risk factors are found in the health examination, the officer issues health clearance and Health Alert Card (HAC) to that person;
    • can continue the travel to the destination area by bringing a travel permit from the officer and is required to use a mask during travel;
    • conducts self-quarantine at home for 14 days. Health clearance is handed over to the representative of his country (Embassy or Consulate) to be forwarded to the local Health Department so that monitoring is carried out during the self-quarantine period.
  • Foreigners who do not bring a health certificate or carry a health certificate which is older than 7 days or carry a health certificate but do not prove the results of a negative PCR examination:
    • The additional medical examinations are still being carried out including Rapid Tests;
    • Foreigners who have comorbidities, if the results of the Rapid Test are reactive, are taken to an  emergency hospital / Covid-19 referral hospital;
  • Foreigners will be deported if:
    • they have no symptoms and have no comorbidities, where the result of the Rapid Test is reactive;
    • the result of the Rapid Test examination is non-reactive

This means that foreigners are required to carry a recent health certificate (which includes a PCR Covid-19 test) with them when entering Indonesia. If they do not carry the required certificate, they are likely deported by the Immigration officers.

UPDATE 8 MAY – CLARIFICATION ON EXPIRING PERMITS FOR ITAS AND ITAP HOLDERS

On 6 May, the Directorate General of Immigration issued circular letter no IMI-GR.01.01-2493, which regulates the following:

  • ITAS and ITAP holders who are currently outside Indonesia and whose stay permits are expired (either for the ITAP/ITAS and MERP), are allowed to enter Indonesia without their expiry is being questioned at the immigration checkpoint at the airport, if the reason of entry is family reunification. This permission to enter Indonesia is not regarded as an automatic extension of the work and stay permit, and this should be performed at the related authorities once possible.
  • Holders of ITAS / ITAP and other excepted foreigners from the entry ban, must follow the following procedure:
    • Medical examination by the health quarantine officer
    • Health certificate or fit to fly letter issued by the health authority from the respective country the foreigner is coming from
    • Statement letter which states the willingness to be quarantined
  • The telex Limited Stay Visas (VTT) which are issued since 1 January 2020 (which have a validity period of 60 days) are extended automatically during the Covid-19 crisis and can be used to pick up the Limited Stay Visas (VTT) at the Indonesian Embassy after the Covid-19 crisis is declared over by the Indonesian. This is not applicable for Telex Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV) and Telex Multiple Entry Business Visa (MEBV).
  • The Limited Stay Visas (VTT) (which has a validity period of 90 days) which has been collected from the Indonesian Embassy and has not been used yet and are issued since 1 January 2020 are extended automatically and can be used by foreign holders of these VTT after the Covid-19 crisis is declared over by the Indonesian government. This is not applicable for Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV) and Multiple Entry Business Visa (MEBV).
  • Holders of ITAS and ITAP who are in Indonesia can extend after the Covid-19 crisis is declared over by the Indonesian government.

UPDATE 26 APRIL 2020 – INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ARE NO LONGER GROUNDED AND CAN FLY WITHOUT RESTRICTION

The ministry of foreign affairs has issued a clarifying circular no D/00867/04/2020/64 on the Ministry of Transportation Regulation no. 25/2020. The circular clarifies the that the travel ban only applies to domestic transportation (including domestic flights. International flights, both regular and special charter flights, from and to other countries, including for evacuation/repatriation purposes are NOT affected by the travel ban.

 Foreign travelers are thus allowed to leave Indonesia. And ITAS and ITAP holders are allowed to enter Indonesia as long as they have the required health certificate and statement letter.

UPDATE 24 APRIL 2020 – ALL COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS ARE GROUNDED

The Minister of Transportation has just issued a Regulation 25 of 2020 Concerning Controlling Transportation During the Eid Al-Fitr Period in Order to Prevent the Spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), which issues a temporary ban for the use of transportation for:

  • Land transportation;
  • Railroad transportation;
  • Sea transportation; and
  • Air transportation.

With regards to the ban on Air Transportation, the government will temporary ban any international and local commercial flights from April 24th, 2020 until May 31st, 2020. The ban could be extended depending on the situation of Covid-19.

During this period it is thus for all foreign workers and foreign travelers impossible to travel in our out Indonesia. Previously ITAS and ITAP holders were still able to travel to Indonesia, by showing a health certificate and statement letter. This is under the new rules no longer possible.

The flight ban does not apply to:

  • High government officials and state guest;
  • operations of embassies, consulates general, and foreign consulates as well as representatives of international organizations in Indonesia;
  • special aviation repatriation (light repatriation) operations which carry out repatriation of Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals;
  • law enforcement, order and operational operations;
  • cargo transport operations; and
  • other operations based on the permission of the Director General of Civil Aviation.

UPDATE 1 APRIL 2020 – NEW POLICY INTRODUCED BY MINISTRY OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS

On 31 March, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights has issued Regulation Number 11 of 2020 Concerning Temporary Prohibition for Foreigners to Enter Indonesia (Regulation 11/2020). The regulation regulates the following:

Temporary prohibition for Foreigners to enter/transit in Indonesian Territory. Previously the ministry had already suspended the issuance of Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption. Under Regulation 11/2020, holders of a Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV) or Multiple Entry Business Visa (MEBV) holders are no longer allowed to enter Indonesia. Moreover, foreigners are no longer allowed to transit in Indonesia The prohibitions as mentioned in point 1 do not apply to:

  • Foreigners holder of Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP) in Indonesia, including foreigners who have collected a Limited Stay Visa (VTT) from the Indonesian Embassy abroad;
  • Foreign holders of Diplomatic and Officials Visa or Stay Permit;
  • Medical aid, food support and humanitarian purposes
  • Crews (Air, Sea or Land Transport); and
  • Foreigners working on Strategic National Projects.

Exempted foreigners may enter Indonesian Territory after fulfilling the requirements:

  • Possess a health certificate in English from the health authorities of respective country;
  • Residing for at least 14 (fourteen) days in the region / country free of Covid-19 virus; and
  • Statement of willingness to enter quarantine for 14 (fourteen) days carried out by the government of the Republic of Indonesia.

We note that point the second point above would effectively mean that exempted foreigners cannot enter or transit in Indonesia, as almost all countries have Covid-19 cases. We are still confirming with authorities how this is implemented.

Foreign holders of a Stay Visit Permit (Visa Exemption, Visa on Arrival, Single Entry Business Visa [SEBV], and Multiple Entry Business Visa [MEBV]) which is expired and / or cannot be extended, are granted an Emergency Stay Permit automatically without submitting an application to the immigration office.

For Foreign holders of a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP) which is expired and / or cannot be extended, their obligation to renew / apply for a new ITAS/ITAP is suspended by being granted an Emergency Stay Permit automatically without submitting an application to the immigration office.

UPDATE, 24 MARCH 2020 – WAIVER OF OVERSTAY PENALTY FOR VISIT VISA HOLDERS AND VISA EXEMPTION TRAVELERS

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights – Directorate General of Immigration has been issued Circular Letter Number IMI-GR.01.01-2114 Year 2020 (“Circular Letter”). The Circular Letter regulates that stay permit holders who have entered Indonesia before 5 February 2020 are not required to obtain an emergency stay permit and they can overstay without an overstay penalty is being charged (usually overstay is charged IDR 1,000,000 per day).

We have checked the actual implementation with the immigration office in South Jakarta and Central Jakarta, and the actual implementation is different than the Circular Letter:

  • Stay permit (ITAS) holders still require to apply for an emergency permit in case their stay permit expires;
  • All Foreigners who entered Indonesia with Visa Exemption, Visa on Arrival (VOA), Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV) or Multiple Entry Business Visa (MEBV) after February 5th, 2020 are not required to extend their visit permit at the Local Immigration Office. The penalty of overstay will be IDR 0.00 per day instead of the normal IDR 1,000,000 pe day.

This new regulation applies until further notice from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

UPDATE, 18 MARCH 2020 – NEW TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED TO FURTHER CURTAIN THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS

On Friday, 20 March the following new policy will be implemented by the Government of Republic Indonesia in response to the COVID-19:

1. The Indonesian government will suspend Visa Exemption, Visa on Arrival (VOA), and Diplomatic/Service Free Visa for all Countries, for a period 1 month;

2. All foreigners/Travelers who wish to visit Indonesia must obtain a Visa (Single Entry Business Visa or Multiple Entry Business Visa or Limited Stay Visa). Upon submission at the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate abroad, the foreigners/travelers must provide a health certificate issued by the relevant health authorities from their respective countries.

3. Entry into Indonesia or transit is denied for visitors/travelers who have travelled to the following countries, in the past 14 days:

  • Iran;
  • Italy;
  • Vatican;
  • Spain;
  • France;
  • German;
  • Switzerland;
  • United Kingdom;
  • South Korea (from Daegu and the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do). All foreigners who have been in South Korea, but have not traveled to above mentioned regions / cities, require a valid health certificate which is issued by the health authorities in each respective country

4. The extension of Stay Permit (STWP) for foreign travelers who are currently in Indonesia and have expired, shall be conducted in accordance with the Regulation of Ministry of Law and Human Rights No. 7 of 2020 (only applicable for Chinese citizens; foreigners who have stay permit in China; or spouse or children of Chinese citizens)

5. All foreigners/travelers must fill out a Health Alert Card upon arrival in Indonesia

These measures are temporary and shall be evaluated pursuant to further development.

UPDATE, 6 MARCH 2020 – NEW TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED TO TRAVELERS FROM IRAN, ITALY AND SOUTH KOREA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released an update on their website on Thursday, 5 March 2020. The ministry explains that the following travel restrictions are imposed on travelers from Iran, Italy and South Korea:

  • The entry into or transit in Indonesia is suspended for all foreigners who have been in the following regions 14 days prior to their arrival to Indonesia: 
    • Italy: Lombari region, Veneto, Emilia, Romagna, Marche or Piedmont. 
    • Iran: Tehran, Qom and the province of Gilan. 
    • South Korea: Daegu and the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do.
  • All foreigners who have been in Italy, Iran or South Korea, but have not traveled to above mentioned regions / cities, require a valid health certificate which is issued by the health authorities in each respective country.
  • All foreigners who have been in Italy Iran or South Korea must fill out a Health Alert Card upon arrival in Indonesia.
  • Indonesian nationals who have been in above mentioned regions are allowed entry into Indonesia, however they are required to undergo a health examination upon arrival in Indonesia

The new measures will become effective as of 8 March 2020.

UPDATE, 2 MARCH 2020 – NEW MINISTRY REGULATION REPLACES REGULATION 3/2020

On 28 February 2020, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights issued regulation Number 7 of 2020 (Regulation 7/2020) concerning Granting of Visa and Stay Permit in effort to prevention spreading of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Regulation 7/2020 replaces and revokes Regulation 3/2020 which expired on 29 February 2020.

There will remain a temporary suspension in place on the granting of Visa Exemption (Free Visa) and Visa on Arrival (VOA) for all foreigners who stayed in or visited China in the 14 days preceding the date of entry into Indonesia.

Visit Visas (Single Entry Visit Visas or Multiple Entry Visit Visa) and Limited Stay Visas (VTT) are able to be granted to foreigners who submit their application at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in the China in case the following requirements are met:

  1. Health Reportthe application must submit a health report from a local state health authority in English, which confirms the applicant is not infected by the Coronavirus;
  2. Virus free regionhas stayed for 14 days prior to entry into Indonesia in a region China which is free from the corona virus;
  3. Statement of willingnessstatement of willingness which states the willingness to:
    1. enter into quarantine for 14 days carried out by the government of Indonesia;
    2. transit 14 days to other countries which are free from the corona virus before entering Indonesia.

Chinese citizens can apply for Visit Visas (Single Entry Visit Visas or Multiple Entry Visit Visa) and Limited Stay Visas (VTT) at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in a country that is free from the Coronavirus, by attaching a health report in English which confirms that they are not infected by the Coronavirus and a statement of willingness which states the willingness to enter into quarantine for 14 days carried out by the government of Indonesia and to stay in a region which is free from the corona virus before entering Indonesia. This seems to imply that Chinese nationals are not allowed to apply for a Visit Visa in countries which have already reported Coronavirus infections. Therefore, the ability of Chinese Citizens to apply for these types of Visit Visas is getting increasingly limited, as more and more countries are reporting Coronavirus infections.

Under Regulation 7/2020 both Chinese Citizens and their family and foreigners who have a residence permit in China can apply for an emergency stay permit in case. The regulation explains that Chinese nationals can process their extension of current long-term stay permits. However, it will need to be confirmed with the Ministry of Manpower whether they are also willing to process the extension of the work permit.

Chinese Citizen Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP) holders whose re-entry visa has expired can re-enter Indonesia on urgency grounds by submitting a statement of willingness similar to point 2(c) above.

The Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) and Permanent Stay Permit of foreigners (including Chinese Citizens) who are currently in China, can be renewed without their attendance being required at the local immigration office. Usually presence is required for a biometric session. Once the foreigners arrive in Indonesia, they are required to report to the local immigration office.

UPDATE, 5 FEBRUARY 2020 – TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FURTHER DETAILED IN NEW MINISTRY REGULATION

The ministry of law and human rights has just issued regulation 3/2020 regarding the temporary suspension of visa exemption, visas and the issuance of emergency stay permits to Chinese Nationals. The regulation is effective immediately and will remain valid until 29 February 2020, after which the regulation will be re-evaluated.

The regulation applies for:

  • Chinese citizens who have stayed in or visited China in the 14 days preceding the date of entry into Indonesia; and
  • Foreigners who have stayed in or visited China in the 14 days preceding the date of entry into Indonesia

In case Chinese citizens or Foreign nationals have stayed in or visited China in the 14 days preceding the date of entry into Indonesia, the following travel restrictions apply:

  • No Visa on Arrival or Visa exemption will be granted
  • A visit visa or limited stay visa will not be granted
  • Current holders of APEC cards and holders of a limited or permanent stay permit (ITAS/ITAP) with multiple re-entry permits will not be allowed entry
  • Service Stay Permits and / or Diplomatic Stay Permits will not be allowed entry

The regulation does not mention to travel restrictions to holders of multiple entry visit visa’s, however we believe that the same restriction will apply to holders of these visas.

In the following cases Immigration may issue an emergency stay permit to Chinese citizens:

  • There is an outbreak of the Corona virus; and
  • There is an absence of conveyance that transports them outside the territory of the Republic of Indonesia.

Travelers from China mainland and Chinese travelers will thus be severely restricted in their travels to Indonesia. Our firm will closely monitor the situation and will share updates whenever available.

2 FEBRUARY 2020 – TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGNERS TO PREVENT CORONA VIRUS FROM SPREADING

On 2 February 2020, the Indonesian government has announced that it will implement entry bans into Indonesia in an attempt to prevent the corona virus from spreading to Indonesia.

The following travel restrictions are set:

  • Any person arriving from mainland China who has been there for 14 days or more, will not be allowed to enter Indonesia or transit in Indonesia;
  • The issuance of Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption to Chinese nationals is suspended until further notice. Chinese nationals who are not arriving from China mainland and have not been on China mainland recently for 14 days or more, will only be allowed entry on a single or multiple entry visit visa, or limited stay visa. 

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Travel Options to Indonesia during covid-19 - update April 2022
April 13, 2022 at 2:25 am

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