Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has temporarily closed the entry of foreign nationals from 14 countries in a bid to prevent the spread of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron).

This provision is contained in the Circular Letter of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 Number 1 of 2022 on Health Protocols for Overseas Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic that was issued on January 4, 2022.

According to the circular, the government temporarily closed entry for foreign nationals, who within 14 days had lived and/or visited countries that had confirmed cases of Omicron transmission at the community level, specifically South Africa, Botswana, Norway and France.

The government has also temporarily closed the entry of foreign citizens from countries or regions that are geographically close to nations with cases of transmission of the Omicron community, such as Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho.

In addition, the government has temporarily closed entry for foreign nationals, who within 14 days had lived or visited the UK and Denmark, countries with more than 10 thousand Omicron cases.

Indonesian citizens (WNI) who travel from abroad are allowed to enter Indonesian territory by following strict health protocols set by the government.

Related news: Surabaya to boost surveillance amid spread of Omicron

All overseas travelers, Indonesian citizens, and foreign nationals are required to comply with the health protocols set by the government and show a COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate.

Indonesian citizens and foreigners, who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 abroad, will be vaccinated at a quarantine place after arriving in Indonesia. They are required to undergo PCR examination.

Particularly for foreigners, vaccination services at quarantine places are provided for residents aged 12 to 17 years, holders of diplomatic residence permits and official residence permits, as well as holders of limited stay permits and permanent residence permits.

Travelers from abroad are required to get a PCR test and undergo quarantine at a centralized facility for a week. However, citizens coming from countries, with cases of Omicron transmission, are required to undergo quarantine at a centralized facility for 10 days.

Related news: Yogyakarta steps up contact tracing amid Omicron threat


Translator: Andi F, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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