Indonesia: Visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements suspended due to COVID-19 March 19 /update 5

Event

The Indonesian government has suspended all visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements for one month, starting from Friday, March 20, to prevent further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All visitors must obtain a visa from Indonesia's overseas missions "in accordance with the purpose of their visit" to the country. Applicants are also required to provide a health certificate issued by the health authorities in their respective countries.

Meanwhile, an entry ban on all individuals who have arrived or transited from Iran, Italy, the Vatican City, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, South Korea (Daegu City and Gyeongsangbuk-do province), and China in the preceding 14 days remains in place as of Tuesday, March 17. For travelers who have visited parts of South Korea outside of the aforementioned areas, a medical certificate must be presented to the airline upon check-in.

As of Wednesday, March 18, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 55 cases of the virus nationwide, including 11 recoveries and 19 fatalities. The government has advised all Indonesian nationals abroad to return as soon as possible to avoid travel disruptions. Further spread of the virus is expected in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.