Health Protocols for International Travels during the COVID-19 Pandemic
On 9 February 2021, Indonesia National Task Force for Covid-19 issued Circular Letter No. 8
of 2021 concerning International Travel Health Protocols during the Corona Virus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic (“CL 8/2021”). CL 8/2021 was issued to extend the validity period
of the implementation of health protocols for international travels, which was previously
stipulated under the Circular Letter No. 6 of 2021. CL 8/2021 was issued to protect Indonesian
citizens from the transmission of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), including new
strains and potential new variants of the virus from abroad.
CL 8/2021 stipulates that:
1. Indonesian citizens from overseas can enter Indonesian territory by strictly following the
health protocols provided for by the government;
2. Foreign international travelers from any countries who enter Indonesia, either directly or
by transiting in any foreign country, are temporarily prohibited to enter Indonesia, except
if the said international travelers meet the following criteria:
a. holders of valid visas and stay permits for service, diplomatic, visiting and permanent
stay;
b. holders of valid Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and
Traditional Border Crossers;
c. foreigners who meet the conditions prescribed in the Travel Corridor Arrangement
(“TCA”) bilateral agreement, between Indonesia and related countries; and/or
d. foreigners with written special consideration/permission from relevant government
institution(s);
3. Any international travelers, Indonesian citizens and foreigners, from any countries who
enter Indonesia, either directly or by transiting in any foreign country, must comply with
certain terms and conditions, among others:
a. comply with health protocols provided for by the Indonesian government;
b. present a negative RT-PCR test results from their respective country of origin, which
samples are taken within a maximum period of 3 x 24 hours before the departure;
c. conduct RT-PCR retests upon arrival;
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d. undergo quarantine for 5 x 24 hours, with the following terms:
(i) for Indonesian citizens, i.e., migrant workers, students/college students, government employees returning from foreign official trips, shall undergo the quarantine at Wisma Pademangan, at the expense of the government; and
(ii) for Indonesian citizens who do not meet the criteria as mentioned in point (i) above, and for foreigners, including foreign diplomats, shall undergo the quarantine at the quarantine accommodation (hotels and/or lodging) which have received certification to facilitate COVID-19 quarantine accommodation by the Ministry of Health at their own expenses; and
e. carry out self-quarantine at their respective residences for 5 x 24 hours (strictly for heads of foreign representative and their respective family members);
4. If the result of the RT-PCR re-examination on arrival shows a positive result, then the foreign travelers shall be treated in the hospital. The treatment for Indonesian citizens shall be borne by the government and for foreigners at their own expenses;
5. In the event that the foreigners are unable to pay for self-quarantine and/or treatment at the hospital, then the sponsor, the ministry/institution/state-owned company, that previously issued the recommendation and/or sponsor letters must be responsible for the costs;
6. After 5 x 24 hours of quarantine from the date of arrival, RT-PCR re-examination will be carried out. If the result is negative, the Indonesian citizens and foreigners can continue their journey. If the result is positive, the Indonesian citizens will be treated at the hospital at the expense of the government, and foreigners at their own expenses; and
7. The self-quarantine obligation is not mandatory for holders of diplomatic visas and official visas related to official/state visits of foreign officials at ministerial level and above. This obligation is also not applicable for foreigners who enter Indonesia through TCA scheme in accordance with the principle of reciprocity while still implementing strict health protocols.
The special provisions as stipulated in CL 8/2021 are effective as of 9 February 2021 and can be evaluated at any time.
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This client alert is intended to provide an overview only, thus, cannot be deemed as a legal advice. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need a more detailed discussion and/or advice.
BRIGITTA I. RAHAYOE & PARTNERS
Emails:
Brigitta I. Rahayoe
brigitta@brigitta.co.id
Ahmad Fadli
ahmad.fadli@brigitta.co.id
Michael H. Giovanni
michael.giovanni@brigitta.co.id