With the Indonesian government further loosening restriction Tracks spoke to World Surfaris general manager Steve Adams to get all the updated information you need to know if you’re planning a trip to Indo:
“So, things are really opening up globally which is very exciting. The news out of Indo this week was that all quarantine requirements have been dropped for fully vaccinated travellers.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to visitors from 42 countries, however currently this only applies to arrivals coming via Bali. Furthermore, the requirement to have three nights’ accommodation booked at a Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental sustainability (CHSE) registered hotel in Bali was dropped to one night. The third day PCR testing requirement scrapped.
The expectation is that given this week’s developments, VOA will be available for entry via Jakarta, giving a more direct route to destinations like the Mentawai’s, however this has not yet been confirmed and you still need a B112A visa for entry (if not entering via Bali). We usually see a week or so lag as far as official decrees following public announcements!
There are still plenty of considerations for crew panning to head to Indo asap. Of course, you need to be double vaxxed as a minimum (vax certificate required), present a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure for Indo, make sure you’re across the relevant declarations you need to fill out on the Peduli Lindungi App, have one nights’ accommodation at a CHSE registered hotel and onward/return ticket, comprehensive travel insurance and plenty of patience!
You’ll also need to take a PCR test on arrival into Bali or Jakarta and proceed straight to your accommodation to await test results. But once you get the test back (provided it’s negative) you’re good to go.
“Looking at the boat schedules and resort availability, especially up in the Mentawai’s, I reckon if you can make it happen in the next three months, there is a small window of opportunity to really score”, Steve advises, “a lot of crews made the call to reschedule last month before restrictions eased, so there are some last-minute trips available with some great deals.”
