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Sep

22

Foreigner Visa Ban Lifted in Indonesia

On 15th September 2021, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna H. Laoly, officially enacted Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights No. 34 of 2021 regarding the Granting of Immigration Visas and Residence Permits in the Period of Handling the Spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 and National Economic Recovery (“MR 34/2021”) which revokes the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights No. 27 of 2021 concerning Restrictions on Foreigners Entering Indonesian Territory during the Enforcement Period of Restrictions on Emergency Community Activities (“MR 27/2021”).

Previously, in MR 27/2021, only holders of certain types of visas were allowed to enter or transit in Indonesia, such as diplomatic visas and service visas. However, with the enactment of MR 34/2021, foreigners holding valid visas or residence permits can enter the Territory of Indonesia through certain immigration checkpoints after fulfilling the health protocol set by the ministry or agency that handles COVID-19. The particular immigration checkpoints are determined by the Minister of Law and Human Rights, taking into account the readiness of the regional government and the ministries or agencies that handle COVID-19.

These valid visas or residence permits include service visas, diplomatic visas, visitor visas, limited stay visas, official residence permits, diplomatic stay permits, limited stay permits and permanent residence permits. Transportation crews who come using their transportation means, holders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card (KPP APEC) and traditional border crossers are also allowed to enter Indonesian Territory on condition that they fulfill the health protocol. Meanwhile, the granting of free visit visas and visit visas on arrivals are still suspended until the COVID-19 pandemic is declared over in Indonesia. The minister may prohibit and refuse entry to foreigners from certain countries with a high rate of COVID-19 spread.

In addition to meeting the general requirements to apply for a visitor visa and limited stay visa, an applicant must also attach:

  1. evidence of having received the full dose of COVID-19 vaccine;
  2. statement letter of their willingness to comply with all applicable health protocols in Indonesia; and
  3. proof of ownership of health insurance/travel insurance which includes health financing, and/or a statement letter indicating willingness to bear costs independently if exposed to COVID-19 in the Indonesian Territory.

The enactment of MR 34/2021 is one of the government’s efforts to encourage economic recovery and move the wheels of national trade, so it can be said that now is the ideal time to enter the Indonesian market. Schinder Law Firm has years of experience helping foreign investors get started and assisting with trade activities in Indonesia. If you need help or consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@schinderlawfirm.com.