It is for the safety of each traveler and to ensure that the person will not become a source of (virus) transmission when they return.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian citizens (WNIs) aged over 18 years who plan to travel abroad must get the third or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, government spokesperson for COVID-19 handling, Wiku Adisasmito, has said.

"It is for the safety of each traveler and to ensure that the person will not become a source of (virus) transmission when they return," he explained at a press conference on “The Development of COVID-19 Handling in Indonesia," which was accessed from here on Wednesday.

This has been regulated in Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Number 22 of 2022 on Health Protocols for Overseas Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic, he added.

Meanwhile, overseas travelers (PPLNs) who want to visit Indonesia must have at least received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Health screening for (COVID-19) symptoms will be applied to all PPLNs at all entry points," the spokesperson informed.

The provisions for adult domestic travelers (PPDNs) have been regulated in Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Number 21 of 2022, he added.

He informed that all travelers aged over 17, using any transportation, who have taken the booster dose are not required to show COVID-19 antigen or RT-PCR test results.

However, those who have only received the second dose must show the results of a negative antigen taken within 24 hours before departure or a negative RT-PCR result taken within 72 hours before departure, he said.

PPDNs can get a booster shot at terminals, stations, or airports before departure.

Meanwhile, people who have only received the first dose are required to bring a negative RT-PCR result taken within 72 hours before departure.

"Furthermore, those who have not or cannot be vaccinated (at all) due to certain health conditions must show a negative RT-PCR result taken within 72 hours before departure and a medical letter issued by state hospital," Adisasmito informed.

Meanwhile, PPDNs aged 6–17 years are only required to show their certificates for the second dose, without bringing any COVID-19 test results.

"If they have only got the first vaccination dose, they have to comply with the provisions of (the adult travelers who have not been) vaccinated," the spokesperson said.

Travelers under the age of six do not need to show any vaccine certificate or negative COVID-19 test results, he added.

Still, they must be accompanied by another traveler who meets the COVID-19 vaccination and health screening requirements, he said.

The two regulations will take effect from July 17, 2022, he added.

"The time given since the announcement of the new travel policy (to the date of enforcement) aims to ensure that the transition and preparation process run well, especially for transportation officers and facilities," he added.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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