Welcome to the ABA resource for Bali and Indonesia COVID-19 information meant to help ex-pats and travelers on Bali and in Indonesia with COVID-19 related visa issues and tracking the quickly changing situation here on Indo.
**LATEST UPDATES**
(Last Updated: April 7)
- The Indonesian government is mandating the requirement to wear masks when outdoors (Source)
- Indonesian intelligence agency expects the virus to peak in July (Source)
- Entrance to Bali from any other island is restricted to Bali residents (resident cardholders) only as a state of emergency declared by the governor (Source)
- The Indonesian government has just authorized emergency visas for travelers and ex-pats unable to leave Indonesia and Bali (I will continue to update as information comes through)
- To arrange an emergency visa contact an authorized visa agent. For more information jump to the Emergency Indonesian Visa section.
CONTENTS OF THIS BALI COVID-19 UPDATE
- Indonesia’s Corona Virus Stats
- Review of the Covid-19 Situation Globally
- COVID-19 Cases in Indonesia (Actively Updated)
- COVID-19 Cases in Bali and Other Provinces (Actively Updated)
- Indonesia And Bali Visa Situation Summary
- Emergency Visa Information
- Safest Places to Fly When Departing Indonesia For Good
- Review of COVID-19 in other Southeast Asian Destinations
- Latest Updates To Indonesian Travel And Visa Policy For Covid-19 (Actively Updated)
- Emergency Visa Regulation Update (March 20, 2020)
There are plenty of resources on news in Indo and the CoronaVirus, but I’ve received quite a few questions because the information is scattered and disparate across the resources we (as Bali based travelers and ex-pats) normally use.
This resource aims to gather the best information available on the Corona Virus and how it affects Bali travelers and ex-pats from several different sources (sourced when possible) and makes it easily accessible, digestible, and up to date. I’ve received several messages and emails about the situation on Bali and navigating it, and instead of answering individually I’m placing the summaries to frequently asked questions, and sources, in this document in hopes to help other travelers in Indo.
If you have any corrections to suggest, information to add or know of additional resources, please email me at [email protected] .
Thanks. Good luck and stay safe.
– Carlos
CURRENT WORLD COVID-19 STATS
| Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths (24hrs) | Active Cases |
| 1,343,275 | +70,374 | 74,612 | +5,186 | 990,453 |
Last Updated: April 7, 2020 | Source: Worldometer
CURRENT INDONESIA COVID-19 STATS
| Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths (24hrs) | Active Cases |
| 893 | 2,491 | 209 | +11 | 2,090 |
Last Updated: April 7, 2020 | Source: Indonesian Government
CURRENT BALI COVID-19 STATS
| Location | Cases | Deaths | Recovered |
| Bali | 43 | 2 | 0 |
Last Updated: April 7, 2020 | Source: Indonesian Govt Situation Reports
BOTTOM LINE UPFRONT COVID-19 SITUATION GLOBALLY
If you are coming from a non-high risk country and feel comfortable riding the pandemic out in Bali, come. If you don’t, don’t come. If you leave Bali, plan on not coming back for a while.
The Bali government has restricted access to the island from other islands, only allowing resident card holders to enter as flights to the island have all but stopped. The country’s top spy agency predicts the virus will peak with ~100,000 active cases in July.
ON BALI AND IN INDONESIA
- April 5: The Indonesian government has mandated the use of face masks. No fines are penalties are being levied for violators, though local authorities (Pecalang from the respective Banjars or neighborhood councils) are beginning to enforce more actively
- April 3: Beaches throughout Bali have been closed with road blocks setup by the pecalang for each banjar.
- Surfing has been banned for the foreseeable future on Bali beaches and that ban is being enforced by the Petaling. Some foreigners are reporting that surfing is still allowed/happening in the Keramas area.
- March 26: The Governor of Bali initiated a full lockdown for March 24 and 25 and is directing a “soft quarantine” until March 30. More information will be provided on March 30 (Source)
- March 23: Immigrasi decreed that all foreigners that arrived after February 4, 2020, will automatically have their visas extended and the visa is free (to avoid exposure and choas at the immigration office). The immigration department stated, “Foreigners’ Emergency Stay Permits will be automatically recorded on our system.” (Source)
- As of March 20, the Indonesian government has authorized emergency visas to allow travelers/ex-pats unable to leave to stay on Bali
- 30 day visa and visa waiver suspended for 30 days (as a start) beginning March 20, 2020
- Anyone entering Bali needs to have a pre-issued visa applied for outside of Indonesia (i.e. “6 Month Social Visa”, Multiple Entry “Business Visa”) with health clearance
- Travel to Gili Island suspended (Source)
- Sumatra is refusing to allow foreigners entry
- Bali Spirit Fest cancelled
IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
- Singapore is refusing entry to all foreigners, including flight connections and layovers
- Malaysia airport and travel under Lockdown: Restricted movement order in effect from March 18 to 31 (Source: Strait Times)
- Vietnam has refused issuance of visas to all foreigners bit is faring well with 64 cases and 0 deaths as of March 22
- Cambodia is still a viable “visa run” for some nationalities while restricting entry to others but lacks critical medical infrastructure
- Laos is still a viable “visa run” location but lacks critical medical infrastructure
- Sri Lanka has closed all arrival flights as of March 19 and is restricting foreigner’s movements for 14 days (limiting to beaches and hotels)
- Thailand is refusing to authorize entry of any foreigners who can’t prove they are corona virus free.
GLOBALLY
- US State Department has issued a Level 4 global health advisory, advising against any travel
- Travelers that have recently visited the following countries are being required to quarantine on arrival for 14 days in most countries or being denied visas for entry
- China
- Iran
- Italy
- Spain
- South Korea
- Germany
- Switzerland
- England
INCIDENT TRACKING IN INDONESIA
Current CDC Level Alert: Level Health Advisory 3 (Avoid Non-Essential Travel) for Indonesia, Level 3 Global Health Advisory (Source: CDC Travel Health Notices for Indonesia)
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for Indonesia (Exercise Increased Caution); Level 4 Global Health Advisory (Reconsider Travel) (Source: US State Department Travel for Indonesia)
| Date | Cases | New Cases (24 hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths | Active Cases |
| Apr 6 | 2,273 | 218 | 198 | 11 | 1,911 |
| Apr 5 | 2055 | 181 | 187 | 7 | |
| Apr 4 | 1874 | 106 | 180 | 10 | |
| Apr 3 | 1768 | 196 | 170 | 11 | |
| Apr 2 | 1572 | 113 | 159 | 13 | |
| Apr 1 | 1459 | 149 | 146 | 13 | |
| Mar 31 | 1310 | 114 | 133 | 14 | |
| – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Mar 21 | 450 | +81 | 38 | +6 | 392 |
| Mar 20 | 369 | +60 | 32 | +7 | 320 |
| Mar 19 | 309 | +82 | 25 | +6 | 269 |
| Mar 18 | 227 | +55 | 19 | +12 | 197 |
| Mar 17 | 172 | +38 | 7 | +2 | 156 |
Source: Indonesian Government COVID-19 Watch Page
CORONA VIRUS INCIDENTS IN INDONESIA BY PROVINCE
| Location | Cases | Deaths | Recovered |
| Bali | 43 | 2 | 18 |
| Banten | 187 | 17 | 7 |
| Jakarta | 1,232 | 99 | 65 |
| West Java | 263 | 29 | 13 |
| Cental Java | 132 | 17 | 7 |
| East Java | 189 | 14 | 38 |
| North Sumatra | 26 | 4 | 0 |
| West Sumatra | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| South Sumatra | 16 | 2 | 1 |
| Yogyakarta | 40 | 3 | 1 |
| Kalimantan Utara | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| East Kalimantan | 31 | 1 | 1 |
| Central Kalimantan | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| South Borneo (Kalimantan Selatan) | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Papua | 26 | 2 | 3 |
| Riau | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Lampung | 12 | 0 | 1 |
| West Kalimantan | 12 | 2 | 2 |
| West Nusa Tenggara | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Riau Islands (Kepulauan Riau) | 9 | 1 | 2 |
| Southeast Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara) | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Aceh | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| North Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara) | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Central Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tengah) | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Jambi | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Bengkulu | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Kepulauan Bangka Belitung | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| West Sulawesi (Sulawesi Barat) | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| West Papua (Papua Barat) | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Maluku | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| North Maluku (Maluku Utara) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total |
(Last Updated April 7, 2020)
Sources: Indonesian Govt. COID-19 Watch Page
INDONESIA AND BALI VISA SITUATION UPDATES
As most travelers and ex-pats on Bali do not have a KITAS visa guaranteeing an indefinite stay, the visa run becomes the norm every 1 to 6 months. With the CoronaVirus pandemic kicking in heavy around the world, navigating the visa situation and trying to find a destination is growing more difficult.
This section of this Indo/Bali COVID-19 info tracker will stay as up to date as possible with Visa info and updates on nearby visa run destinations
OVERVIEW OF VISA OPTIONS AND STATUSES
(Last updated April 7, 2020)
- As of March 20, 2020, the Indonesian government has authorized emergency visas for travelers/ex-pats on the island that are unable to leave or make visa runs. Contact your visa agent to arrange an emergency visa (Click to see full emergency visa message from the Indonesian Government) — due to the heavy risk of spreading COVID-19 in crowds, the Indonesian government has authorized the emergency visa for all foreigners who arrived after February 5, 2020. There will be no fine and no fees for the emergency visa.
- 30 Day Visa waiver: Suspended beginning March 20
- Visa on Arrival (30+30 Days): Suspended beginning March 20 for 30 days
- Social Visa (6 Months): Still attainable, but only in advance and only from outside of Indonesia
- Multiple Entry/Business Visa (1 year, leaving every 60 Days): Still attainable, but only in advance and only from outside of Indonesia
(Click here to jump to translations of full, visa information messages from the Indo government)
EMERGENCY VISAS IN INDONESIA
(Last updated April 7, 2020)
Indonesian law does have a statue for emergency visas – the Justice and Human Rights Ministerial Decree no. 27, 2014, which allows for a “Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa” (Emergency Stay Permit) for humanitarian reasons and natural disasters.
Update: As of March 20, 2020, the Indonesian government has authorized emergency visas allowing travelers and ex-pats currently on the island to get an extension stamp without leaving the island or doing a visa run. The extension applies for foreigners who arrived after February 5, 2020. There will be no fine and no additional fees for this visa. (Source: March 21 Indonesian Ministry of Immigration Message on Suspension of Visa Free Entry and Visa on Arrival, and Authorization of Forced Stay Permits)
(Click here to jump to the March 20 Emergency Visa Regulation Message from the Indo Govt.)
How to arrange an Indonesia Emergency Stay Permit (Emergency Visa Extension)
The Indonesian Immigration Ministry has announced that ALL foreigners may apply for an Emergency Stay Permit (Emergency Indonesian Visa Extension) and the process to apply will be easy to follow.
To apply for an Indonesian Emergency Stay Permit visit the Immigration office (located here) and you will be guided through the process. In an effort to avoid the spread of COVID-19, the Indonesian government is automatically applying the emergency stay visa to all foreigners that arrived after February 5, 2020.
However, as of March 19, several individuals have inquired about this emergency visa at Imigrasi and none have been authorized for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note: This page will be updated as information comes through, so please check back as information continues to trickle down for Indonesian Imigrasi
VISA RUN AND DEPARTURE INFO
If you are in Bali and currently on a multiple entry visa, which already authorizes your return, or have been authorized for a social visa, you’ll need to do a quick visa run to make that happen.
Here are the statuses of the common and nearby visa run locations. Click each to jump to a full overview section.
- Thailand: Viable Option – Expect an “advisory” to self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival
- Vietnam: Borders Closed – As of March 20, Vietnam is no longer authorizing visas for foreigners
- Cambodia: Risky – Accepting travelers but the medical infrastructure is inadequate for the crisis. Certain nationalities are being refused entry
- Laos: Risky – Traveler entry policies are lax but the medical infrastructure is inadequate for the coming crisis
- Singapore: Borders Closed – Singapore is refusing entry of all travelers, both for stay and for connections/layovers. Travelers have been refused boarding for Malaysia bound flights
- Malaysia: Borders Closed – No foreigners are allowed entry to Malaysia sooner than March 31
- Sri Lanka: Borders Closed – As of March 19, Sri Lanka has closed the airport to arrivals and is unofficially quarantining foreigners enforced by local law enforcement, for a 14 day observation period which appears to have started March 20. Curfews are being intermittently applied by city and provincial governments – contact local authorities to confirm dates and time curfews will be applied.
WHERE TO FLY THROUGH WHEN DEPARTING INDONESIA FOR GOOD
If you are required to depart Bali, consider flights that connect through the UAE and Turkey. At current these are the international travel hubs that show the least instances of CoronaVirus and Deaths ( 113 for UAE and 119 for Turkey as of March 19)
By avoiding the other major travel hubs (Japan, China, Taiwan, the UK), you’ll avoid the 14 mandatory quarantine and higher risk associated with passing through the airports
TRACKING OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN DESTINATIONS
Backup plans are great, and you should have one. As the major corridors of international travel to Asia are closing or high risk (e.g., China, Taiwan, Japan) it may become necessary to move to another country, whether for a visa run or to hunker down indefinitely.
The following list of options is varying degrees of viable, depending on your budget, needs, and health. Not all are open at the moment, but I’ll continue updating this list to make options (and risks) clearly understandable
- Malaysia: Closed for business until March 31
- Singapore: Refusing entry to all foreigners, boarding on Malaysia bound flights is being refused
- Thailand: Viable option with low cases and limited travel restrictions, but health certification of being “COVID-19 free” is required
- Vietnam: Visa issuance to foreigners has been suspended indefinitely
- Cambodia: Entry is possible, but the underdeveloped medical infrastructure is alarming and some nationalities are being denied entry
- Laos: Entry is possible, but the underdeveloped medical infrastructure is alarming
- Sri Lanka: Borders close for entry on March 19, travelers in the country are being monitored and have restricted movement.
(Last Update: April 7, 2020)
MALAYSIA
Malaysia is currently not a viable visa run or travel destination at current as there is a full ban on foreign tourists and visitors and a full lockdown is in effect across the country.
Malaysia is currently under travel lockdown, starting March 18 to March 31.
There is currently a ban on all foreign tourists and visitors
All businesses and houses of worship are closed, with the exception of supermarkets, markets, minimarkets, and convenience stores (Source: Strait Times)
All government and private operations will be closed, with the exception of essential services
Find updates at the Malaysian COVID-19 update page
Current CDC Level Alert: Warning Level 3, Avoid Non-Essential Travel (Mar 3, 2020) (Source: CDC Malaysia Travel Site)
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Malaysia Travel Page)
| Date | Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths (24hrs) | Active Cases |
| April 7 | 2,491 | +218 | 209 | +11 | 2,090 |
| March 21 | 1030 | +130 | 3 | +1 | 940 |
| March 20 | 900 | +110 | 2 | 0 | 823 |
| March 19 | 790 | +117 | 2 | 0 | 728 |
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
SINGAPORE
(Update: Mar 20, 2020) Singapore has executed an “effective immediately” entry ban of any non-residents or travelers transiting through Singapore.
A traveler and her husband (source of the latest info) were due to stay for a short period but were denied boarding by Air Asia due to the new, effective immediately regulations. The pair also witnessed other travelers with connecting flights through Singapore denied boarding
All non-residents should avoid travel to or through Singapore until the pandemic passes. (Last Updated March 20, 2020, Source: Firsthand account by traveler)
For travelers in Southeast Asia, Singapore is no longer a viable destination or visa run, as incoming travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of origin.
From March 20 onward, all incoming travelers to Singapore are required to self-quarantine for 14 days (Stay at Home Notice) on arrival providing proof of where they will stay for 14 days.
Travelers who have traveled through the following countries in the last 14 days will be refused entry
– France, Germany, Italy, Spain (with effect from 15 Mar 2020, 2359h)
– Iran, northern Italy, Republic of Korea (with effect from 4 Mar 2020, 2359h)
– Daegu city or Cheongdo county, Republic of Korea (with effect from 26 Feb 2020, 2359h)
– Mainland China (with effect from 1 Feb 2020)
(Source: Singapore MOH COVID-19 update page)
Follow updates for the Singapore airport and coronavirus at the Singapore Airport COVID-19 Advisory page and updates from the Singapore Ministry of Health COVID-19 page
Current CDC Level Alert: Warning Level 3, Avoid Non-Essential Travel (Source: CDC)
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) (Source: US State Department Singapore Travel Page)
| Date | Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths (24hrs) | Active Cases |
| April 7 | 1,375 | +66 | 6 | 0 | 1,025 |
| March 21 | 385 | +40 | 0 | 0 | 254 |
| March 20 | 345 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 221 |
| March 19 | 313 | 47 | 0 | 0 | 199 |
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
THAILAND
Thailand is still currently a viable option in Southeast Asia with life proceeding as normal, given normal precautions. No specific health advisories have been issued for Thailand
Widespread quarantine is not in effect, and travelers from at-risk countries (“countries of local transmission”) are advised (but not required) to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Travelers from “disease infected countries” require proof of health for entry.
Any individuals displaying symptoms will be quarantined on arrival
Track updates from the Thai Department of Disease Control at the Thai DDC COVID-19 page
Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions (Source: CDC Thailand Travel Page) | Global Level 3 CDC Health Advisory: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Thailand Travel Page)
Travelers from “disease infected zones” according to the Thai department of disease control are required to submit specific documents outlined here prior to entry including health certification (no evidence of COVID-19 in last 48 hours, no signs of sickness in last 14 days), and health insurance covering $100,000 USD.
Thai defined “disease infected zones” include China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran as of March 18, 2020
Travelers from “Countries of local transmission” will be screened on arrival and any travelers displaying symptoms will be quarantined at a local hospital.
All travelers are advised to self-quarantine for no less than 14 days upon arrival
Thai defined “Countries of local transmission” include France, Spain, USA, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain, Germany.
| Date | Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths | Active Cases |
| April 7 | 2,200 | +51 | 26 | +3 | 1,401 |
| March 21 | 322 | +50 | 1 | 0 | 279 |
| March 20 | 272 | 60 | 1 | 0 | 229 |
| March 19 | 212 | +35 | 1 | 0 | 170 |
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
VIETNAM
Vietnam is doing an excellent job of tracking, quarantining, and reporting COVID-19 cases (visible here, at the Vietnam MOH homepage) but will likely restrict incoming travel soon, and may soon require medical screening and 14-day mandatory quarantine of incoming travelers.
Mar 20 Update: Vietnam has suspended the issuance of any visas to foreigners as of March 18 for a period of 30 days (Source: Firsthand accounts by travelers in the country; The Vietnam Briefing)
Though being in Vietnam appears less risky based on the numbers (as of March 18, 2020), travelers from Europe, the US, and throughout Southeast Asia stand a high chance of being quarantined, if admitted. At the moment, no Vietnamese visas are being issued.
Vietnam is claiming to test thousands of samples per day to clear the populace and is vigilantly quarantining with over 1,000 travelers from China and 500 “close contacts” currently under quarantine (source: Vietnam MOH).
According to the US Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam will soon take the following measures against COVID-19 affecting travelers
- All travelers still allowed to enter Vietnam must undergo a health check and mandatory 14-day quarantine
(Sources: Vietnam Ministry of Health Home Page, US DOS Vietnam Advisories for COVID-19)
Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions (Source: CDC Vietnam Travel Page) | Level 3 Global Health Advisory from CDC: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Vietnam Travel Page)
| Date | Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths | Active Cases |
| April 7 | 245 | +4 | 95 | ||
| March 21 | 91 | +6 | 0 | 0 | 74 |
| March 20 | 85 | +10 | 0 | 0 | 69 |
| March 19 | 75 | +9 | 0 | 0 | 59 |
Source: Vietnamese Ministry of Health; Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
CAMBODIA
As of March 14, Cambodia has a 30-day suspension in effect prohibiting entry of travelers “traveling from” the United Staes, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Beware that though the restriction is against those “traveling from” it has been extended to passport and nationality in some instances.
Note: Travelers have reported that Cambodian borders (air, land, and sea) are closed all foreigners, and no new visas are being issued, though official government channels don’t confirm this. Tourists coming from cruise ships have been refused entry.
Though reported cases are low in Cambodia, the medical system, including staff and facilities, is reported to be overtaxed an unable to provide an adequate level of care for severe COVID-19 cases. Be wary of riding out the COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia
From the US State Department website on the situation in Cambodia:
“Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a limited number of internationally-run clinics and hospitals that can provide basic medical care and stabilization, however, they are severely taxed by the current COVID-19 crisis. Medical care outside of these two cities is almost non-existent. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications, but the quality of locally obtained medications can vary greatly. You should be wary of purchasing local medication. Counterfeit medication is readily available, often indiscernible from authentic medication, and potentially lethal.”
“Provincial healthcare facilities may be underdeveloped and lacking the resources to provide an expected level of care. For instance, provincial hospitals in Cambodia expect family members to provide admitted patients with bed linens, meals, and supportive hygiene care.”
“Quarantine policies in Cambodia are not well-established and may be unpredictable. Travelers traveling or residing in Cambodia who are required to observe a public health quarantine may experience austere, unsanitary, or ad-hoc conditions.”
Source: US Embassy in Cambodia COVID-19 information page
Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practiced enhanced precautions (Source: CDC Travel Cambodia Page)
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise normal precautions (Source: US State Department Cambodia Travel page)
| Date | Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths | Active Cases |
| April 7 | 114 | 61 | |||
| March 21 | 51 | +14 | 0 | 0 | 50 |
| March 20 | 37 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| March 19 | 35 | +2 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
LAOS
“On March 17, the Government of Laos declared that individuals not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms entering Laos from a country without a common border with Laos but with more than 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are required to undertake 14 days of self-quarantine after entering Laos.”
“Lao authorities will send all entrants exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms to a Vientiane hospital for treatment.”
Laos has stopped issuing visas to Chinese passport holders and entry via the Laos – China land border is no longer authorized.
Travelers from all other countries are authorized travel and can apply for e-Visas, but travelers from countries with confirmed cases may be asked to self-quarantine.
Bear in mind that the medical infrastructure in Laos is inadequate for the level of COVID-19 epidemic being experienced in other places, so if you do spend your time in Laos, beware of the risk if the virus begins to spread quickly
As of March 15, Laos still claimed to be COVID-19 free.
(Source: US State Department COVID-19 Health Advisory for Laos)
Current CDC Level Alert: No Alert (Source: CDC Laos Travel Page)
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Laos Travel Page)
(No Data Reported for Laos as of March 19, 2020)
| Date | Cases | New Cases (24hrs) | Deaths | New Deaths | Active Cases |
| April 7 | 12 | +1 | 12 |
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
SRI LANKA
As of March 21, the borders to Sri Lanka are closed to new foreigners entering. Foreigners/travelers that arrived recently are being “asked” by local authorities (town police) to remain in their town of arrival and at their declared hotel for 2 weeks of observation. Reports on the drop-ins by police to check on travelers have stated the police have been cordial, friendly and generally professional, still allowing travelers under observation to go to the beach as long as they remain in town and limit their movements.
According to the US Embassy in Colombo:
“On March 17, 2020, the government of Sri Lanka announced that all international airports in Sri Lanka will be closed to arriving international commercial passenger flights from 19 March to 25 March 2020.”
“According to Sri Lankan authorities, during this period, aircraft departures, passenger connections, and transits to other flights will be permitted. Flights arriving without passengers for the purpose of picking up departing passengers will also be permitted.”
(Source: US State Department COVID-19 Health Advisory for Sri Lanka)
Current CDC Level Alert: No Alert, but beware of Dengue outbreak (Source: CDC Sri Lanka Travel Page)
Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution (Source: US State Department Sri Lanka Travel Page)
| Date | Cases | Increase in Cases (Last 24 hrs) | Deaths | Increase In Deaths | Active Cases |
| April 7 | 178 | +2 | 5 | 135 | |
| March 21 | 73 | +13 | 0 | 0 | 70 |
| March 20 | 60 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 57 |
| March 19 | 51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 |
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
VERBATIM NOTES FROM MY INDONESIA VISA AGENT
The following are verbatim notes forwarded by my visa agent on March 18, 2020 summarizing the visa situation on Bali
- Government of Indonesia has decided that the Visa Free Arrival (BVK), Visa on Arrival and Free Diplomatic / Service Visa policies are suspended for 1-month start from 20 March 2020
- Every foreigner who will visit Indonesia is required to have a Visa from an Indonesian Representative (211 Visa) in accordance with the purpose. When applying for a visa, you must attach a health certificate issued by the health authority in each country.
- The policy towards China, Italy, Iran, South Korea for Daegu City and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province is still valid according to the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Migrants/travelers who within the last 14 days visited the countries below are not permitted to enter / transit to Indonesia. These countries are Iran, Italy, Vatican, Spanish, France, German, Switzerland, and England. If the travel history shows that in the last 14 days the person concerned has visited these countries, then the person concerned may be refused entry to Indonesia.
- Extension of residence permit for foreigners/travelers who currently reside in Indonesia and has expired, then the arrangement is carried out in accordance with Permenkumham No. 7 in 2020 (please wait for clear statement until 21 March).
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
Translated Update for Emergency Visa Regulation (Passed March 20, 2020)
The following is a translation of the Emergency Visa Regulation updated on March 20, provided by my visa agent at Bali Business Consulting
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT REGULATION AND EMERGENCY VISAS
Regulation of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia No. 8 of 2020:
– Temporary suspension of the issuance of free visas on arrival for 30 days and visas on arrival VOA
– The issuance of a temporary permit to stay in Indonesia in case of an impossible return to their home country – country lockdown.
A temporary suspension of the issuance of a visa applies to foreigners regarding a free visa on arrival for a period of 30 days and a VOA visa (visa on arrival for 30 days with the possibility of extension for another 30 days inside Indonesia), as indicated in the annex to the order of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights No. 39 from 2015.
At the moment, foreign citizens can obtain a visa to Indonesia only after applying for a visa at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia abroad in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Conditions before applying for a visa at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Abroad:
1. Health certificate in English from health authorities;
2. Before arriving in Indonesia, a foreign citizen must spend 14 days in a
region / country free of the COVID-19 virus
3. A statement of readiness to be quarantined within 14 days upon arrival in
Indonesia, if necessary.
If one of the requirements is not met, the visa will be refused.
If it is impossible to comply with the immigration rules and it is impossible to return to the native country due to the border being closed, a foreign citizen has the right to obtain a temporary residence permit, a permit for a limited stay in Indonesia, a permanent residence permit, and an entry permit.
The granting of temporary residence permits, limited residence permits, permanent residence permits, and entry permits are applied subject to the necessary changes to the Resolution of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights No. 7 of 2020 “On the issue of visas and residence permits in the framework of the fight against COVID-19”.
This regulation comes into force on March 20, 2020.
To apply for an emergency visa [for Indonesia] you should visit the Immigration office and submit following list of documents:
– Passport (Original)
– Copy of Passport ID Page and Visa Page
– Printed out of Hotel Booking or domicile letter (the accommodation has to be in Ngurah Rai Immigration territory area; Kuta, South Kuta, North Kuta )
Currently, you need to visit the Immigration Office yourself to apply for a visa. If agents are allowed to assist in obtaining this type of visa, we will inform you.
Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking
UPDATED VISA POLICY FROM INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT
POSTED AND TRANSLATED ON MARCH 18, 2020
ADDITIONAL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN INDONESIA *
RELATED TO PEOPLE’S CROSSING FROM AND TO INDONESIA *
The government continues to pay close attention to reports from WHO regarding the development of the spread of COVID-19.
Bearing in mind that more and more countries have been infected with COVID-19, the Government strongly urges Indonesian citizens to limit their travel abroad except for urgent matters which cannot be postponed.
For Indonesian citizens who are currently traveling abroad, they are expected to return to Indonesia immediately before experiencing further flight difficulties.
A number of countries currently have policies to restrict traffic. Therefore, all Indonesian citizens are requested to keep a close watch on information in the safe-travel application or contact the nearest RI representative hotline.
Regarding foreign visitors from all countries, the Government of Indonesia has decided that the Visa Free Arrival (BVK), Visa on Arrival and Free Diplomatic / Service Visa policies are suspended for 1 month.
Therefore, every foreigner who will visit Indonesia is required to have a Visa from an Indonesian Representative in accordance with the purpose and purpose of the visit. When applying for a visa, you must attach a health certificate issued by the health authority in each country.
In addition to the above, there are special policies that concern the following countries:
First, the policy towards China is still valid according to the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on 2 February (https://kemlu.go.id/portal/id/read/1128/siaran_pers/peritif-pers-kemlu-tentang-update-prepulang-wni -from-wuhan-as well-policies-pemri-concerning-arrivals of travel-travelers-from-rrt) and Permenkumham number 7 year 2020 (https://www.imigation.go.id/uploads/14-15-07-PERMENKUMHAM_NOMOR_7_TAHUN_2020_TENTANG_PEMBERIAN_VISA_DANIZUS_YU_US_US_CYLE_US_COM_GREG
Second, the policy towards South Korea for Daegu City and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province is still in accordance with the Foreign Minister’s statement dated March 5, 2020. https://kemlu.go.id/portal/id/read/1104/berita/indonesian-government- policy-on-the-development-of-covid-19-outbreak
Third, migrants / travelers who within the last 14 days visited the countries below are not permitted to enter / transit to Indonesia. These countries are:
a. Iran;
b. Italy;
c. Vatican;
d. Spanish;
e. France;
f. German;
g. Switzerland;
h. English
11. Fourth, all arrivals / travelers must fill out and submit a Health Alert Card to the Port Health Office prior to arrival at the entrance of the Indonesian International Airport.
12. If the travel history shows that in the last 14 days the person concerned has visited these countries, then the person concerned may be refused entry to Indonesia.
13. Fifth, for Indonesian citizens who visit the aforementioned countries, an additional inspection will be carried out by the Port Health Office upon arrival in the homeland:
a. If additional investigations find the initial symptoms of Covid-19, there will be an observation at a government facility for 14 days;
b. If no initial symptoms are found, it is strongly recommended that the person perform an independent quarantine for 14 days.
14. Extension of residence permit for foreigners / travelers who currently reside in Indonesia and has expired, then the arrangement is carried out in accordance with Permenkumham No. 7 in 2020.
15. For KITAS / KITAP holders and holders of diplomatic / official residence permits currently residing abroad and their entry permits will expire, the arrangements are also in accordance with Permenkumham No. 7 in 2020.
16. This policy will take effect on Friday 20 March at 00.00 West Indonesia Time.
17. This policy is temporary and will be evaluated in accordance with developments.
Original Source: Kompas
Translation: user – nyenkaden on Reddit
ONGOING INFO SOURCES ON BALI
- https://www.imigrasi.go.id/
- https://www.bali.com/corona-virus-bali-indonesia.html
- https://www.detik.com/search/searchall?query=bali&siteid=2
- Case Counter: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
ONGOING INFO SOURCES ON COVID-19
- WHO Situation Reports: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports
- Worldometer CoronVirus Case Tracker: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
- Case Tracker By Country: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
- Indonesian Government COVID-19 Response Page https://www.covid19.go.id/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.