Indonesia Issues New Circular for Overseas Travel by Air

TheIndonesia.id - The Ministry of Transportation issues Circular Letter No. 11 of 2022 for overseas travel instructions to carry out monitoring, control, and evaluation in order to prevent an increase in the transmission of COVID-19, including the new and future variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Circular Letter (SE) Number 11 of 2022 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of Overseas Travel by Air Transportation during the COVID-19 Pandemic, in line with the stipulation of Circular Letter of the Head of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 Number 4 of 2022 concerning Health Protocols for Overseas Travel during a Pandemic Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Foreign travelers with the status of Indonesian Citizens (WNI) from abroad are allowed to enter Indonesia while still following the strict health protocols set by the Government," said Director General of Civil Aviation Novie Riyanto in a written statement monitored by Antara in Jakarta, Sunday, February 7, 2022.

The government has also decided to make temporary restrictions on entering Indonesian territory, either directly or in transit in foreign countries, for foreign travelers who have the status of Foreign Citizens (WNA) unless they meet the criteria.

He said that this circular has been effective since February 3, 2022.

The criteria for foreigners who can travel by air transportation in Indonesia, first are those that comply with the provisions in the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 34 of 2021 concerning the Granting of Immigration Visas and Stay Permits in the Period of Handling the Spread of COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery. Second, according to the agreement scheme (bilateral), such as the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA). Third, get special consideration/permission in writing from the Ministry/Agency.

Director-General Novie also emphasized that all foreign travel agents, both Indonesian citizens (WNI) and foreign citizens (WNA) must follow terms and conditions, namely complying with the health protocols stipulated by the Government. Then, show that the card or certificate (physical or digital) has received the full dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before departure as a requirement to enter Indonesia.

Furthermore, travelers are asked to show negative results through the RT-PCR test in the country/ region of origin whose samples were taken within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours before departure and attached at the time of the health check or International e-HAC in Indonesia. "Foreigners who are already in Indonesia and will travel, both domestically and internationally, are required to vaccinate through a program or cooperation scheme under applicable laws and regulations," he said.

"Foreigners are required to use the PeduliLindung application as a condition for international travel to enter Indonesian territory," he said.

Director-General Novie also said that during the enactment of SE No. 11 of 2022, there will be restrictions on entry points for Indonesian citizens and foreigners traveling abroad for tourist purposes. The entrances are only through only I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, Hang Nadim Airport, Batam, and Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, Tanjung Pinang.

Meanwhile, Indonesian citizens and foreigners who travel abroad for purposes other than tourism can go through airports that are designated as entrances in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding Entrances, Quarantine Places, and RT-PCR Obligations for Indonesian Citizens Traveling Overseas.

Requirements for foreign tourists traveling for tourism purposes are required to show a COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate (physical or digital) and a negative RT-PCR test result, then must attach a Short Visit Visa or another entry permit in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

"They are also asked to show proof of ownership of health insurance with a minimum coverage value of US$25,000 which includes financing for handling COVID-19 and finally proof of confirmation of booking and payment (booking) for accommodation from accommodation providers while staying in Indonesia," he said.

He also emphasized that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation would supervise operators and the public for prospective air transportation passengers. For airlines that will serve passengers outside the territory of Indonesia, they are obliged to ensure that the passengers are transported to meet the conditions required by the country of flight destination.

"Air Transportation Operators are required to notify the planned arrival of prospective passengers and aircraft and provide the crew manifest and the cargo being transported to the Chair of the Airport Facilitation Committee, Airport Operators, Airport Task Force, and the Public Health Office."