Bali to allow foreign visitors
Bali to allow foreign visitors
Bali has reopened the doors to international tourists from all countries for the first time in almost two years. Visitors must still quarantine on a live aboard or in hotel certified by the Ministry of Tourism; five days for fully vaccinated visitors seven for those that have only had one shot.
The popular holiday island had originally to visitors from a select group of countries that had their covid-19 cases under control opened back in October but there were no direct international flights.
Before the pandemic Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport handled more than 200 international flights per day. Garuda Indonesia landed the first flight in two years from Tokyo in the first week of February. Singapore Airlines are planning restart direct flights from the middle of February, no doubt others will follow.
The move follows decisions by the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos to start allowing tourists back. Though conditions of entry vary from country to country proof of vaccination seems to be a constant for all.
Indonesia had been winning its battle against covid-19 during the latter half of last year but the omicron variant has seen cases rise again in Jakarta and other parts of Java as well as new cases in Bali.
The pandemic dealt a huge blow to Bali’s economy. Tourism accounts for more than 50 percent of the its income. The island welcomed around 6.2 million foreign visitors in 2019. The reopening is intended to give it a boost and also to serve as a trial for other parts of the country.
Photo: Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Bali
See also:
Philippines to allow foreign visitors
Cambodia, Thailand entry requirements
Laos opens with green zones