Visa applications open and existing holders may enter Indonesia as travel restrictions eased

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights has relaxed restrictions on foreign arrivals in Indonesia, allowing for the resumption of offshore visa applications and access into the country for existing permit holders.

The ministry, which oversees immigration-related matters in the country, yesterday published Permenkumham (Ministerial Regulations) No. 34/2021 on visa and stay permit grants during the pandemic, which updates its previous edition with notable lifting and easing of restrictions.

At the height of the country’s devastating second COVID-19 wave in July, the ministry issued Permenkumham No. 27/2021, which narrowed the exemptions list of Indonesia’s foreign arrivals ban to just holders of the diplomatic visa and the service visa, holders of the diplomatic stay permit and service stay permit, holders of the temporary stay permit and the permanent stay permit, and foreigners on health and humanitarian missions.

“Permenkumham No. 34/2021 reopens access to Indonesia for foreigners who hold valid visit visas and temporary stay visas,” Immigration Directorate General spokesman Arya Pradhana Anggakara said in a press release.

While the issuance of on-arrival and free visit visas are still suspended as it has been throughout the pandemic, foreigners without a valid visa or stay permit may now submit applications from abroad electronically. Visa applications can be submitted through here and work permits applications can be submitted through here.

“It must be noted that there are additional requirements that visa applicants must fulfill. They are proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, a letter stating willingness to comply with health protocols in Indonesia, and proof of health and travel insurance. Should a foreigner not be covered by health insurance, they must be prepared to cover their own medical bills should they get COVID-19 in Indonesia,” Angga said.

Under the new regulations, the government may periodically decide to refuse entry for visitors coming from countries with high COVID-19 transmissions.