Bali is looking at reopening its borders to foreign visitors as of October but only to those from select countries. Co-ordinating Minister Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan told the media that preparations are ongoing to enable the island to welcome tourists again.
At first, Bali will only be looking at welcoming countries that have a low spread of Covid-19 such as South Korea, Japan, Singapore and New Zealand. Mr Luhut said these visitors will still need to serve quarantine. Australia could join the list if it reaches its target of 80 per cent of citizens fully vaccinated by November. As of September 19, at least 46 per cent of Aussies had been double jabbed.
Currently, Indonesia only allows foreign nationals who hold diplomatic or working visas, or are eligible for other exemptions, to enter the country.
Bali was due to open in July this year but a sharp surge in cases put plans on hold. It recorded upwards of 50,000 new Covid cases each day at the peak of its outbreak in July. However, now that daily infections have fallen by nearly 95 per cent, officials eased restrictions this week for locals.