Bali wants its most valuable asset back – Australian tourists — but don’t pack your bags just yet.
Indonesia’s best-known tourist destination has announced it will reopen for international travellers on September 11, despite the country experiencing its worst spike in coronavirus cases this week.
And while Bali is keen for the economic boost tourists would bring, the Australian Government has told Australians to stay away.
“Do not travel to Indonesia, including Bali,” the government’s Smartraveller site reads.
“If you’re an Australian visitor in Indonesia leave now – don’t delay.”
Flights to the country are severely limited, with Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar suspending travel and Garuda offering a limited schedule.
Travel booking sites show return tickets cost at least $1000 after September 11 and until travel restrictions are lifted by the Australian Government, you will be unable to buy travel insurance.
COVID-19 has spread widely across Indonesia to all of its 34 provinces, including Bali, and the risk of transmission increases daily.
“Critical medical care is significantly below the standard available in Australia,” government travel advice states.
“Testing rates are low given the size of the population and accurate data about the actual transmission of the virus is unclear. Health services are under significant strain.”
The Australian Government has warned that Australians who become infected with the virus while in Indonesia cannot be guaranteed healthcare.
At the same time, those infected will not be able to leave Indonesia until they can provide a negative COVID-19 test result.
All travellers to Indonesia are subject to strict quarantine controls, and Australians are need to complete two weeks of mandatory hotel quarantine when returning home.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment.
