Anyone who half-hears news stories about Indonesia might be think it is a place to avoid due to issues getting into the country or that it will cost you a small fortune while you are there.
However, several misconceptions have built up and this beautiful part of the world is not nearly as tricky a holiday venue to visit as you may have thought.
So, let’s blow away some of the myths you might have heard about Indonesia.
Covid testing makes it a nightmare to get into the country
Entering Indonesia is nowhere near as complicated as it was a year ago.
Anyone who is fully vaccinated (two jabs) can now get in without having to provide a PCR test and those with boosters are not even required to show an antigen test. All you need is proof of having received your vaccination – either digital or printed – and you can freely enter the country.
Unvaccinated travellers can enter Indonesia but only if they are medically exempt from having the jabs. In this case a letter from a doctor explaining the reason for vaccination exemption is needed.
There are no more quarantine requirements as you either you meet the requirements for entry or you cannot come in.
As for Covid itself, the virus is fully under control with over 170 million nationals vaccinated and the need to wear masks has now been lifted.
Komodo National Park fees are prohibitively high
Not so….
There was a proposed increase in Komodo National Park entry fees but it has been scrapped.
The existing cost IDR150,000 (around $10) remains in place instead of the planned IDR3.75 million (US$240) which was due to come in at the start of 2023.
However, with Emperor Divers you get our No Hidden Extras guarantee. That means all park fees, fuel surcharges, Nitrox and port fees are included in our price so you wouldn’t have to pay any more if you travel with us anyway.
Getting through customs and passport control takes an age
Much like the stories around accessibility being hampered by Covid tests, so there is a theory going through airport checks can be a pain.
This is not the case. Passengers coming to Indonesia need to complete an electronic form to declare any goods they will bring into the country. This is a mandatory requirement to go through customs clearance and it takes a few minutes to fill out.
A QR code will be given which can be scanned if asked and allows customs to decide if any further checks are required.
When entering Indonesia you need a Visa on Arrival (VoA) which costs IDR 500,000 (31 EUR) and is valid for 30 days. There’s a VoA counter located before immigration check points in the arrival hall and you can also get it online.
Both Jakarta and Denpasar international airports offer a fast lane option which needs to be booked online and paid for in advance. This is not a necessity but it can help hasten the process at high season when airports can get very busy.
