Travel industry has to be regulated strictly as high mobility can be a new source of COVID-19 transmission.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The COVID-19 Handling Task Force has issued a circular regulating air travel for foreigners under which all regions will apply blanket testing rules.

“Travel industry has to be regulated strictly as high mobility can be a new source of COVID-19 transmission," the COVID-19 Handling Task Force’s spokesperson, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito, said in a written statement received here on Wednesday.

According to Circular Letter Number 18/2021 on International Travel Health Protocols amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in accordance with the enforcement of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) Level 1-4, all regions at all PPKM levels will now require the same COVID-19 tests – a real-time PCR test taken up to 48 hours before travel or a rapid antigen test taken up to 24 hours before travel, he informed.

Moreover, a vaccination certificate requirement has also been applied to all regions under which travelers will need to carry certificates showing they have received at least one dose, he added.

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However, such certificates will not be required by foreigners holding diplomatic or service visas and Limited or Permanent Stay Permit Cards, or those entering Indonesia only for transit flights out of Indonesian territory, those who are under 18 years of age, and those who have been unable to get vaccinated due to health conditions, the spokesperson informed.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government is also providing vaccinations for foreigners aged 12 to 17 and those holding Limited or Permanent Stay Permit Cards, he said.

Regarding quarantine sites, travelers have to obtain a recommendation from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force after fulfilling the requirements of the Indonesian Association of Hotels and Restaurants as well as the Health Office on COVID-19 health protocols certification, Adisasmito informed.

Furthermore, travelers will have to take a comparative real-time PCR test against the results of a second examination by filling out a Health Ministry form at their own expense. The test will be carried out at a designated hospital or other government-owned health facilities, he informed.

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Translator: Hreeloita Shanti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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