Coronavirus: Bali opens up for travellers; Malaysia scraps curbs for Thailand and Cambodia arrivals
- Indonesia and Malaysia have imposed some of the strictest entry procedures in Asia, but the restrictions have battered their tourism sectors
- Moves follow the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, which have waived quarantine in return for Covid testing before departure and upon arrival
Indonesia will allow quarantine-free entry for foreigners travelling to Bali from March 7, bringing the plan forward by a week, officials said on Saturday, while neighbour Malaysia announced the removal of curbs on travellers from Thailand and Cambodia.
Indonesia and Malaysia have imposed some of the strictest entry procedures in Asia to try to contain Covid-19 outbreaks and keep new variants at bay, but the restrictions have battered their tourism sectors.
The Indonesian waiver for visitors vaccinated against the coronavirus was under discussion but likely be decided by President Joko Widodo on Monday, said a spokesperson for the coordinating maritime affairs and investment ministry.
Jodi Mahardi also said visitors from 23 countries, including Australia, the United States, the UK and Germany would qualify for a visa on arrival under revised rules.
Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini of Bali’s government tourism office also confirmed the quarantine waiver plan but said the final decision was with the central government.
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Bali reopens to foreign tourists despite surging Covid-19 cases across Indonesia
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said in a notice on Friday, that travellers must be fully vaccinated and test negative for Covid-19 prior to departure. They will be tested again upon arrival on the island, with those positive for the virus required to isolate in a hotel or hospital until a follow-up swab on the third day.