Governor Of Bali Proposes Policy For Foreign Tourists Without Quarantine And Visa Free Starting March 7

Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Garuda Managing Director Irfan Setiaputra at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport/PHOTO: DAFI VOI

BADUNG - Bali Governor Wayan Koster emphasized that the no-quarantine policy for foreign tourists and foreign travelers (PPLN) is proposed to be implemented on March 7, 2022.

The no-quarantine policy was carried out because the COVID-19 condition in Bali had decreased and the vaccination rate was high.

"We are working through the central government with data (COVID-19 cases) that are getting better, both regarding vaccinations and the development of cases that continue to decline. We propose to the central government that the arrival of foreign tourists to Bali as well as foreign travelers should be carried out a no-quarantine policy starting March 7, 2022", said Koster during a press conference at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Friday, March 4.

According to Koster, originally the central government proposed a no-quarantine policy on April 1. The Bali Provincial Government then proposed date of March 14.

"But we ask that it be implemented starting on March 7", he said.

In addition to the no-quarantine policy, his party also proposes visa-free or Visa On Arrival (VOA) for PPLN and foreign tourists.

"Because there are many games in the field related to this visa, we propose a Visa On Arrival policy starting on March 7th. So that there will be no more quarantine mafia, no more visa mafia. Because our efforts to restore Bali tourism should not be tarnished by games that are not healthy, damaging the image of tourism in Bali", said Koster.

Regarding the two policies, the Bali Provincial Government has held a central government meeting. Coordination is also carried out with experts related to quarantine-free policies.

"This includes the implementation of visa on arrival and I contacted Mr. Luhut (Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs) in principle he is willing. However, these two policies will be finalized this afternoon at 17.20 (WIB) which will be led directly by Mr. Luhut", said Koster.