Bali opens Airport for International Flights?

Not yet confirmed! For the last couple of weeks, there’s been rumours circulating across media claiming that Bali International Airport is opened or is definitely going to open on 14th October for direct international flights.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, stated in a press conference, international flights in Bali international airport could be reactivated as long as the criteria and conditions are met.

“Bali Ngurah Rai Airport will be opened for international (flights) on 14 October,” said Luhut in a virtual press conference, Monday (4/10). However, the authority of Bali international airport and the ministry of transportation have not confirmed Luhut’s statement.

Luhut highlighted that international arrivals must comply with all quarantine, testing, and task force regulations and standards. “Every incoming foreign passenger must show documentation of a hotel reservation for at least an eight-day quarantine period at their own expense,” Luhut added.

Green Travel Corridor

Furthermore, South Korea, China, Japan, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Dubai (UAE), and New Zealand have been listed as some of the countries ready for travel corridor arrangement with Bali – Indonesia. Several hotels across Bali, mostly in the areas Nusa Dua, Ubud and Kuta, are also being prepared to accommodate seven nights and eight days of mandatory quarantine. Official updates will follow shortly.

Local Covid Restrictions (PPKM) until 18th October

Indonesia government has again extended the implementation of levelling Partial Lockdown (PPKM) in most country regions starting from 5 October to 18 October 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic situation has continued to show improvement over the past two weeks. National confirmed cases have dropped by 98%, and the average confirmed cases in Java-Bali also declined up to 98.7% from the peak on 15 July 2021.

During this PPKM Level 3, restaurants, cafes, and bars can operate until 21:00 Bali time. Customers are welcome to dine-in with a maximum capacity of 25% and a maximum dine-in time of 30 minutes.

Shopping centres and malls have started to reopen with strict health protocols since 8 September 2021. All visitors must log in to the PeduliLindungi app (National integrated app to monitor the vaccination, travel & visit history and other information needed to track the individual records related to the mitigation program on Covid-19). Visitors must have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to be allowed to enter the mall. However, Pregnant women, children under the age of 12 years old, and senior citizens above the age of 70 are not permitted to enter the mall.

Supermarkets, traditional markets, grocery stores, and supermarkets selling daily necessities are limited to hours of operation until 21:00 Bali time, with a visitor capacity of 50%. Pharmacies and medication stores can be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Traditional markets, businesses, and supermarkets that sell non-essential items may stay open until 16:00 Bali time with 50% of their maximum visitor capacity. Small stores, cell phone voucher shops, barbershops, laundromats, hawkers, small auto repair businesses, car washes, and other similar industries may stay open until 21:00 Bali time.

Public facilities (parks, beaches, tourist attractions, cultural venues, sports facilities and other public venues) must utilize the PeduliLindungi test and trace application at 50% of total visitor capacity.

Mosques, Churches, Temples, Viharas, Pagodas, and other religious venues will apply specific limitations on the numbers of visitors managed by the local Covid-19 task force.

When doing activities outside the house, make sure you’re wearing your mask correctly and consistently, and you can’t use a face shield unless you’re wearing a mask. Wearing a mask is still compulsory in public spaces.