Indonesia scraps all COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated arrivals

With ASEAN countries removing testing requirements left and right, it probably comes as no surprise that Indonesia will follow suit by scrapping all COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated arrivals, effective 18 May 2022.

This will save travellers from Singapore at least S$80 per person, and make last-minute trips a lot more feasible (since there’s no need to wait 24-48 hours for a PCR result).

Indonesia scraps all COVID-19 testing

Previously, travellers to Indonesia were required to take a pre-departure PCR test within 48 hours of departure, regardless of age or vaccination status. 

There was an exemption for travellers who had recovered from COVID-19 within 30 days of departure, but they’d still need to take a PCR test on arrival, which kind of defeated the purpose!

From 18 May 2022, the pre-departure PCR test requirement has been removed for fully vaccinated travellers.

Speaking at a separate press conference, spokesman for Indonesia’s COVID-19 task force, Wiku Adisasmito said that the new policy will take effect on Wednesday. 

“The instructions will be elaborated in a number of regulations and will be effective on May 18,” he said.

“We hope the policy will be implemented well. However, people are expected to remain vigilant and adapt to future changes.” 

-CNA

On-arrival testing was already scrapped on 6 April, so travel to Indonesia is now completely test-free.

The new regulations are now reflected on IATA Timatic or Singapore Airlines’ Travel Advisory page.

Recap: Travel to Indonesia

With the scrapping of COVID testing, travel to Indonesia becomes relatively straightforward.

The only pre-departure matters to settle are to purchase travel insurance with at least US$25,000 coverage for COVID-19, and download the PeduliLindungi app. Non-Singaporeans will also need to apply for a visa, unless they hold a passport from an ASEAN country or a country eligible for visa-on-arrival. 

As a reminder, a visa-on-arrival is only available to those entering through the following air, sea and land posts/ports.

A visa-on-arrival costs IDR 500,000 and is valid for 30 days, with the option to extend it for a further 30 days for IDR 800,000. Payment is collected on-arrival at the airport via cash or card.

ASEAN nationals and APEC Business Travel Card holders with Indonesia listed on the back are exempt from the visa requirement, and may enter for a maximum stay of 30 days (non-extendable). If they plan to stay beyond 30 days, they will need to purchase a visa-on-arrival. 

If your nationality is not eligible for a visa-on-arrival, you will need to apply for a visit visa (B211A). This is valid for 60 days, and can be extended up to two times for a further 60 days each.

Which other ASEAN countries have scrapped testing?

With Indonesia’s decision to scrap pre-departure testing, only 3 out of 10 ASEAN countries  still require it for fully vaccinated travellers. We’re almost back to the pre-COVID state of frictionless movement among ASEAN countries, and it’s about time if you ask me.

For a list of the cheapest places to do a pre-departure ART or PCR test in Singapore, refer to the article below. 

Cheapest pre-departure COVID-19 ART and PCR tests in Singapore

Conclusion

Indonesia has scrapped all COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated travellers from 18 May 2022. This, coupled with the removal of outdoor masking, will make it a much more attractive holiday destination, and leaves Brunei, Myanmar, and the Philippines as the only ASEAN countries still requiring testing. 

Time for a Bali trip?