Indonesia scraps all COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated arrivals

From 18 May 2022, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need a pre-departure PCR test, making travel to Indonesia completely test-free.

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

No more pre-departure testing for travel to Indonesia, if you’re vaccinated

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

✈️ Checklist for Travel to Indonesia
  • Fully vaccinated with any approved vaccine (exemption for children aged under 18)
    • Booster not required
  • Download PeduliLindungi app (Android | iOS) and complete profile
  • Take PCR test 48h before flight (regardless of age)
  • Purchase travel insurance with min. US$25K COVID-19 medical coverage
  • Complete customs declaration (travellers to Bali can do so here within 2 days before arrival)
  • Pay for visa-on-arrival (or obtain B211A visit visa beforehand; not required for APEC cardholders or ASEAN nationals)

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. 

🇮🇩 Indonesia: Eligible Visa-on-Arrival Countries
  • Argentina
  • Austria
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Brunei*
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia*
  • Canada
  • China
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • India
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Laos*
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia*
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • Myanmar*
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Philippines*
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore*
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand*
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Vietnam*
*Exempt from visa requirement, but must purchase visa-on-arrival if intending to stay >30 days

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

Entering ByPorts/Posts
Air
  • Batam Airport (BTH)
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK)
  • Bali (Denpasar) Airport (DPS)
  • Lombok Airport (LOP)
  • Medan Airport (KNO)
  • Manado Airport (MDC)
  • Surabaya Airport (SUB)
  • Makassar Airport (UPG)
  • Yogyakarta Airport (YOG)
Sea
  • Nongsa Terminal Bahari
  • Batam Centre
  • Sekupang
  • Citra Tri Tunas
  • Marina Teluk Senimb
  • Bandar Bentan Telani Lago
  • Bandar Seri Udana Lobam
  • Sri Bintan Pura
  • Dumai
  • Tanjung Balai Karimun
  • Benoa
Land
  • Entikong
  • Aruk
  • Mota’in
  • Tunon Taka

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. 

ASEAN countries exempt from visa requirement
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

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.

Testing Regime for Fully Vaccinated Travellers
CountryPDTOn-Arrival
🇧🇳 BruneiART (1 day) or PCR (2 days)ART
🇰🇭 CambodiaN/AN/A
🇮🇩 IndonesiaN/AN/A
🇱🇦 LaosN/AN/A
🇲🇾 MalaysiaN/AN/A
🇲🇲 MyanmarPCR (72h)ART
🇵🇭 PhilippinesART (24h) or PCR (48h)N/A
🇸🇬 SingaporeN/AN/A
🇹🇭 ThailandN/AN/A
🇻🇳 VietnamN/AN/A

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?

Aaron Wong
Aaron Wong
Aaron founded The Milelion to help people travel better for less and impress chiobu. He was 50% successful.

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Stephen Lee

I wonder if that also includes unvaccinated children

CCY

There appears to be an exemption for kids under 18 that are vaccinated

Evan

Great news! Any suggestions on how to get the best rate / deal for a 4 night stay @ Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay in August? If staying at the Marriott what is my best departure point from Singapore? Will be arriving from Perth (SQ224). Thanks

Tammy

Does fully vaccinated mean just the first two vaccines? or is the booster required?

Chris Joice

aFully vaccinated with any approved vaccine (exemption for children aged under 18)
Booster not required

  • Download PeduliLindungi app (Android | iOS) and complete profile
  • Take PCR test 48h before flight (regardless of age)
  • Purchase travel insurance with min. US$25K COVID-19 medical coverage
  • Complete customs declaration (travellers to Bali can do so here within 2 days before arrival)
  • Pay for visa-on-arrival (or obtain B211A visit visa beforehand; not required for APEC cardholders or ASEAN nationals)
Andrew

Time to break out the ABTC!

Daryl

Is requirement for pre-departure officially removed? Indonesia’s website still shows requirement for it.

Daryl

Thanks Aaron!

Martin

Good news. Foreigners are no longer required to purchase insurance as per 8 Jun to enter Indonesia

Source: https://kemlu.go.id/singapore/en/read/faq-selama-wabah-covid-19-bagi-wni-dan-wna-yang-akan-ke-indonesia/1047/important-information

Last edited 1 year ago by Martin

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