23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 113.
Call 118.
Call 119.
Call 110 or 112.
SMS 1717.
Call (+0361) 759 687.
Call (+201) 526 4073.
Do not travel to Indonesia, including Bali.
Do not travel to Indonesia due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There's a high threat of terrorist attack in Indonesia.
The Australian Government continues to receive information that terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia, including over Christmas.
Staff at the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya have increased security measures. They're also limiting their movements.
Since January 2016, Indonesian authorities have received threats from groups who say they are planning attacks in Indonesia, including Bali.
The terrorist threat level in Indonesia remains high. Attacks could happen anywhere and anytime. This includes places Westerners visit.
In March 2021, two suicide attackers attacked a church in Makassar. The terrorists injured dozens and killed themselves.
In May 2018, terrorists killed 30 people in suicide attacks in Surabaya and Pekanbaru. The attacks targeted police headquarters and churches.
In May 2017, two suicide attackers set off bombs at a police post in East Jakarta. The terrorists killed 5 people, including themselves.
In January 2016, terrorists attacked a Starbucks cafe and police post in Central Jakarta. The terrorists set off bombs and fired weapons. Eight people were killed.
Police have publicly said that terrorist suspects remain at large and may seek Western targets.
Indonesian security agencies continue to conduct operations against terrorist groups.
Extremists in Indonesia may carry out small-scale violent attacks with little or no warning.
Groups linked to, or inspired by, conflict in Iraq and Syria have anti-Western motivations.
Since 2010, police have stopped terrorist groups across the country, including in:
Be careful during holiday periods, such as:
Be alert in places of worship, especially during periods of religious significance.
Terrorists have targeted places of worship, particularly in:
Terrorists could attack these again.
When you plan your activities, think about places that could be terrorist targets.
Consider the level of security provided.
Terrorists have attacked or planned to attack:
Other possible targets include:
Suicide attackers have targeted places visited by foreigners. These attackers have killed and injured many people, including Australians. Examples of these attacks include:
Terrorists have targeted Indonesian government facilities, police stations and checkpoints.
Supporters have committed additional acts of violence in response to high-profile extremists being detained or killed.
To protect yourself during a terrorist attack:
Security remains at a high level at:
Staff and families need to be careful when travelling to and from the Embassy.
In Poso Regency in Central Sulawesi, Indonesian authorities have ongoing security operations:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people occur regularly and can turn violent with little notice.
Most events are announced before they happen.
Protests and events are often held near:
Protests may continue at:
If there are protests, you can expect traffic delays and restricted access to locations.
Phone ahead for an appointment before going to the Embassy or the Consulates-General.
See Local contacts
Demonstrations and acts of violence can happen when courts try and sentence extremists.
Conflict between different communities or sects can sometimes occur, including in Papua.
Local violence can also be directed at minority groups in other parts of Indonesia, including on Java.
To protect yourself from possible violence:
If your transport is affected, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.
More information:
Papua experiences regular violent clashes involving armed groups, civilians, Indonesian police and military.
Many people have died in these clashes. This includes members of security forces, armed groups and civilians.
Violent attacks have occurred in and around Jayapura. People have been killed and injured, including 1 foreign national. There's a risk of more attacks.
Violent attacks have occurred in recent years around the Freeport Mine, Papua Province.
Armed groups have:
In September 2019, 33 civilians were killed after protests and intercommunal conflict in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua.
In December 2018, members of an armed group killed 19 civilian construction workers in Nduga regency, Papua.
In November 2017, a police officer was shot and killed in Tembagapura.
More attacks are possible in Papua. Attacks could target infrastructure and national institutions.
A range of crimes, including violent crime, occur in Indonesia. Crimes occur in popular tourist locations in Bali.
To protect yourself from crime:
If you're travelling by foot, walk:
Theft, robbery and bag-snatching are common. These crimes can sometimes involve violence.
Be careful of thieves:
Thieves sometimes puncture car tyres to target victims. Keep bags and valuables out of sight.
If you're a victim of sexual assault:
Local police can't investigate a crime after you've left Indonesia unless you've reported it.
Your sworn statement, or statements by witnesses, can be used as evidence in criminal court proceedings.
You don't always need to be in Indonesia for trial. Neither do witnesses who live outside of Indonesia.
More information:
Be alert in bars and nightclubs. Drink-spiking occurs.
Drinks may be contaminated with drugs or toxic substances. See Health
Don't leave your food or drinks unattended.
Never accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met.
More information:
Credit card and ATM fraud happens often.
Check your bank statements.
Make sure your bank doesn't block your cards. Tell your bank you'll be visiting Indonesia.
Never let your card out of your sight. This includes when you pay in restaurants.
Shield your PIN from sight.
Some vendors install hidden cameras and use card skimmers.
Use ATMs at controlled and secure places, such as:
Beware of scams and confidence tricks.
All types of gambling are illegal in Indonesia.
Australians have lost large sums of money in card game scams run by organised gambling gangs, particularly in Bali. See Local laws
Some tourists have been robbed after taking new acquaintances back to their hotel rooms. In some cases, their drinks were spiked.
Legal disputes over the purchase of real estate are common in Bali, including:
Before entering into an agreement or providing financial details:
Crime involving taxis includes:
Lone female travellers are at higher risk of crime.
If you're in an incident involving a taxi, leave the taxi and the immediate area if it's safe to do so.
Only use official taxi companies. See Travel
Many businesses don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes transport and tour operators, hotels, restaurants and shops.
It may affect adventure activities, such as:
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Mountain treks suit only experienced climbers. This includes some treks on Mount Rinjani in Lombok.
Travel with a guide and check the level of difficulty beforehand.
Mount Rinjani is an active volcano. Check local conditions before climbing.
People have drowned in coastal areas, including in Bali, due to rough seas and strong currents.
Local beach rescue services may not be of the same standard as in Australia.
If you plan to spend time in or on the water:
Indonesia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
More information:
Floods and mudslides occur regularly during the wet season from October to March.
People have died and lost their homes due to floods and mudslides.
Heavy rains can cause significant flooding in wide areas of the greater Jakarta region.
Floods and mudslides can disrupt key services, including:
Walking and driving in flooded areas can be dangerous. Flood waters may hide uncovered drainage ditches.
The risk of contracting a waterborne disease is high during heavy rains and flooding. The risk remains high even after the water recedes.
Volcanoes
Indonesia's active volcanoes can erupt at any time.
Volcanic eruptions can cause widespread loss of life and destruction.
Volcanic ash can cause breathing difficulties. The risk is higher for people with chronic respiratory illnesses, including:
Volcanic alert levels may rise quickly. You may be ordered to evacuate at short notice.
If there is volcanic activity:
Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late September 2017.
Small scale eruptions began in late November 2017.
Ash from Mount Agung could disrupt flights and airport operations.
Stay outside the exclusion zone around the crater. The exclusion zone can change at short notice.
Contact your travel insurance provider to find out if the Mount Agung volcanic activity affects your policy.
Mount Tangkubanparahu, in Bandung, West Java, erupted suddenly in July 2019. Authorities have advised tourists not to stay in the active crater area and have prohibited the public from approaching the area around the Ratu and Upas Crater.
Mount Merapi, near Yogyakarta, has erupted many times.
After an eruption in May 2018, local authorities evacuated people in the area.
Mount Rinjani, on Lombok near Bali, has erupted numerous times in recent years. Eruptions have caused flight disruptions in Bali and Lombok.
Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra, has been erupting frequently since October 2013. Fast-moving rock and gas flows have killed and injured people.
Mount Sinabung eruptions have also caused illnesses and prolonged evacuations of nearby communities. An exclusion zone remains in place around the mountain.
Volcanic activity can disrupt domestic and international flights. This includes Bali.
If you're planning to travel to an area near an active volcano, check:
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance and check if any restrictions apply.
If a volcanic eruption occurs:
Make sure you have access to enough basics to last beyond your original departure date. This includes:
If you're concerned about your visa or have overstayed, talk to the Indonesian immigration authorities well before you plan to leave.
More information:
Indonesia is in an active earthquake region. It has a high level of earthquake activity, that sometimes triggers tsunamis.
There are approximately 4000 earthquakes across Indonesia every year. Around 70 to 100 of these are over 5.5 magnitude.
Earthquakes can cause death, injury and significant damage.
In July and August 2018, strong earthquakes caused widespread death and damage in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands.
The Gili Islands were evacuated and closed to tourists while services were restored.
Tourist facilities on the Gili Islands may take some time to return to normal. However, all areas are now receiving visitors again. Ferry services are also operating normally.
On 28 September 2018, Central Sulawesi experienced a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The area also experienced strong aftershocks and a tsunami.
Communications and transport infrastructure in the Palu area were damaged and are now being restored.
Strong earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. They are less common in Kalimantan and south-west Sulawesi.
To stay safe during an earthquake:
More information:
Smoke haze is typical across much of the north-west part of the archipelago. It's mainly present from July to October.
Kalimantan and Sumatra are generally the worst affected.
Smoke haze could affect your health and travel plans.
More information:
Haze Action Online for a current smoke haze map
The Indian and Pacific Oceans experience more frequent, large and destructive tsunamis than other parts of the world.
There are many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches.
In December 2018, an undersea landslide at Mount Anak Krakatau volcano caused a tsunami. The tsunami hit coastal areas of the Sunda Strait.
The tsunami affected:
The tsunami caused significant loss of life.
High wave events can happen throughout coastal regions. They're caused by strong weather conditions and storms.
If you plan to surf or travel by sea, check local conditions regularly.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you need counselling services, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Some drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are illegal in Indonesia.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Indonesia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
If you're caught with illegal medicine, you could face detention, fines or harsher penalties. You could face charges even if an Australian doctor prescribed the medication.
Ask the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra for advice.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Indonesia. Indonesia has implemented strict COVID-19 quarantine controls for foreign nationals. See Travel for details.
If you’re an Australian visitor in Indonesia leave now – don’t delay. If you’re a long-term Australian resident of Indonesia, consider whether you have the support and access to effective health services you and your family will need. If in doubt, we recommend you return to Australia.
Foreign nationals are among those who have died from COVID-19 in Indonesia, including in Bali. COVID-19 transmission has now spread widely across the archipelago to all 34 provinces, including Bali. Testing and infection control facilities are limited. Critical care for Australians who become seriously ill, including in Bali, is significantly below the standard available in Australia. Testing rates are low given the size of the population and accurate data about the actual transmission of the virus is unclear. The Australian Government cannot guarantee your access to hospital and other health services in Indonesia. These services are already under significant strain.
If you're confirmed as having COVID-19, you'll likely be placed into quarantine by Indonesian authorities, and be directed to a designated isolation or health facility.
If you're in Indonesia, see our bulletin on COVID-19 for advice on measures to reduce the risk of infection.
For information on Indonesia's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to National COVID-19 Taskforce (Bahasa Indonesian), the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Bahasa Indonesian), or the COVID-19 Enquiries Hotline on 119. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Legionnaires' disease
Cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported in people who have travelled to the Kuta region of Bali. Travellers who are unwell with flu-like symptoms within 10 days of returning from Bali are advised to consult their GPs.
More information:
Cases of vaccine-derived polio virus (type 1) are reported in Papua Province.
Check that you're vaccinated against polio.
People have been poisoned by alcoholic drinks contaminated with harmful substances, including methanol.
Cases of drink poisoning have been reported in Bali and Lombok.
Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks.
Contaminated drinks have included:
People have died after drinking contaminated arak, a traditional rice-based spirit.
To protect yourself from drink poisoning:
Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be similar to drinking too much. However, they are usually stronger.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning include:
Vision problems may include:
If you suspect that you or someone you're travelling with may have been poisoned, act quickly. Urgent medical attention could save your life, or save you from permanent disability.
Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the Indonesian police.
Rabies is a risk throughout Indonesia, especially in:
You're at risk of contracting rabies if you visit a market where live animals and fresh food are sold because:
Selling dog meat for human consumption is a breach of government disease control regulations.
To protect yourself from rabies:
Talk to your doctor about getting a pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you're planning to:
Avoid contact with monkeys, even in places where you're encouraged to interact with them. This includes:
If bitten or scratched by an animal:
Rabies treatment in Indonesia may be limited. If you're bitten you may need to return to Australia, or travel to another country, for immediate treatment.
Periodic outbreaks of measles continue to be reported in Indonesia, including Bali.
You need 2 doses of vaccine 4 weeks apart to be fully vaccinated against measles.
If you have symptoms of measles, seek medical attention.
Measles is highly infectious. Call before attending a healthcare facility.
Don't consume magic mushrooms. They're illegal.
Australians have become sick or injured after taking magic mushrooms.
Australians have been in trouble with local police after taking magic mushrooms, particularly in Bali.
Magic mushrooms can cause major health problems, including:
Insect-borne illnesses are common throughout the year.
To protect yourself from disease:
Zika virus can occur in Indonesia.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
The Australian Department of Health advises pregnant women to:
Malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains, is widespread in rural areas. It isn't common in Jakarta.
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Dengue occurs in Indonesia, including Bali and other major cities.
Dengue is common during the rainy season.
Australian health authorities have reported an increase in dengue infections in people returning from Bali in recent years.
There's no vaccination or treatment available for dengue.
Japanese encephalitis and filariasis occur in Indonesia, especially in rural agricultural areas.
Japanese encephalitis has been present in Australian travellers returning from Indonesia, including Bali.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is a risk for travellers, particularly in Bali. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
To minimise the risk of food poisoning, only eat meat from reputable suppliers.
Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.
You can become sick from naturally occurring seafood toxins, including:
Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. The dye often causes serious skin reactions.
In June 2019, a serious case highlighted the risks of black henna tattoos.
The standard of medical facilities in Indonesia is generally lower than Australia. Many regional hospitals only provide basic facilities.
Hospital staff often use physical restraints on patients.
Hospitals expect families to provide support to patients.
Psychiatric and psychological services are limited in Indonesia.
There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Indonesia.
Before admitting patients, hospitals usually need:
Decompression chambers are available at:
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
More information:
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty.
You may face heavy fines or jail for possessing even small amounts of drugs, including marijuana.
Police target illegal drug use and possession across Indonesia. Police often target popular places and venues in Bali and Jakarta.
Magic mushrooms are illegal. Indonesian police work to prevent their distribution.
Some prescription medications that are available in Australia are illegal in Indonesia.
See Health
More information:
The Indonesian Parliament recently considered revising the Criminal Code. This included provisions that would have prohibited adultery, cohabitation, sex outside of marriage, indecent acts, insulting public officials or subverting the national ideology of Pancasila. Passage of the draft law has now been delayed.
A revised Criminal Code could have implications for foreign residents and visitors, including tourists. Any changes will only enter into force two years after new legislation is passed.
The death penalty exists for many crimes in Indonesia.
Local labour laws can change at short notice. This can affect expat workers.
Under Indonesian law, you must always carry identification. For example, your:
Gambling is illegal.
It's sometimes illegal to take photographs in Indonesia. Obey signs banning photography. If in doubt, get advice from local officials. See Safety
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Indonesia. Take care not to offend.
Find out what customs apply at your destination.
If in doubt, seek local advice.
LGBTI information
Same-sex relationships are legal in Indonesia, except in the province of Aceh.
Some laws and regulations can be applied in a way that discriminates against the LGBTI community. Including for pornography and prostitution.
In May 2017, police raided an all-male venue in Jakarta. They detained 141 men on suspicion of committing offences under Indonesia's pornography law. The police jailed 10 men for 2 years and fined them $A100,000.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in the province of Aceh. They may attract corporal punishment.
In March 2017, 2 men were found guilty of violating Aceh province's shariah laws on 'homosexual acts'. They were sentenced to 80 lashes of the cane.
More information:
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
Don't eat, drink or smoke in public or in front of people who are fasting.
Aceh is governed as a special territory, not a province, and has a degree of special autonomy.
Some aspects of sharia law are upheld. This includes punishments that don't apply in other parts of Indonesia.
Local sharia police enforce sharia law.
Sharia law applies to anyone in Aceh, including:
Sharia law doesn't allow:
It also requires a conservative standard of dress.
Learn about the laws in Aceh. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Indonesia doesn't allow dual nationality for adults.
A child of Indonesian and Australian parents can maintain citizenship of both countries until the age of 18 years.
More information:
Indonesia has suspended visa on arrival for all visitors including Australians. To apply for a visa you'll need a health certificate, including a negative COVID-19 test result issued within the 7 days prior to departure. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Indonesia for details.
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) is no longer automatically extending expired visas or stay permits under the COVID-19 emergency arrangements. Summary information on the changes is available on the DGI Instagram account.
Overstaying your permit may result in fines, detention and/or deportation. Flight options to Australia are already very limited and may reduce further. Be aware there are mandatory quarantine requirements if you return to Australia. You may be required to pay for the cost of your quarantine in Australia.
Failure to comply with prevailing COVID-19 health and travel protocols may result in fines or, in some cases, deportation.
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place in Indonesia.
If you plan to stay more than 30 days, apply for a visa from an embassy or consulate of Indonesia.
Visa on arrival remains valid for 30 days and can be extend for another 30 days.
You can get a visa on arrival only from some entry points. If you plan to enter Indonesia by land, contact the embassy or consulate of Indonesia for details.
The period of your stay starts on the day you arrive. Part days are counted as whole days.
You face fines if you overstay your visa.
Some airlines flying from Australia to Jakarta and Bali offer on-board visa processing.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
You can't work or conduct research in Indonesia unless you have the appropriate visa. Fines of 1,000,000 IDR (approx. AU$100) per day apply for the maximum 60 day overstay period.
If you breach Indonesian immigration regulations, you may face:
You may not be allowed to enter Indonesia if you have a criminal record. This is regardless of how long ago the offence took place. If you're concerned, contact an embassy or consulate of Indonesia before you travel.
Indonesian immigration decisions are final. The Australian Government can't help you.
If you're travelling on an emergency passport, you can only enter Indonesia if you have a visa from an embassy or consulate of Indonesia.
Indonesia has implemented strict COVID-19 quarantine controls for foreign nationals. It has ceased international tourist travel and international transits are generally not allowed. Your airline will require you to show evidence of a negative COVID‑19 test result before allowing you to board your international flight to Indonesia or domestic flight within Indonesia.
Indonesia has restricted entry to only those foreign nationals already holding a valid type of visa or stay permit. All such travellers must undergo hotel quarantine. They also require a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken and result received within 72 hours prior to departure. You will be required to undergo a further COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival, quarantine at a designated hotel for five days, undergo a further PCR test and then await the result of that test in the designated hotel. If any of the tests are positive you will be required to be hospitalised at a designated COVID-19 referral hospital until testing negative. If these PCR tests are negative, you should still then complete the remainder of the 14 days self-quarantine at your residence or hotel.
Entry, exit and transit conditions can change at short notice. Follow the advice of Garuda Indonesia and the local authorities, and monitor media for the latest update.
Flight options to Australia are already very limited and may reduce further. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin have ceased flights. Garuda continues to fly a limited number of flights. Contact airlines or travel providers for the latest information.
If you’re in Indonesia consider whether you have the support and access to effective health services you and your family will need. You should also:
Inter-provincial testing and other COVID-19 requirements change frequently, including for travel to Bali and Jakarta by air, land or sea. Random testing may also be conducted by local authorities on inter-provincial travellers using public transport or private vehicles.
You should consult with your airline or other travel provider about the latest requirements or with the relevant provincial authority’s website or social media. Garuda Indonesia may be a useful reference for the latest requirements if travelling by air.
Failure to comply with prevailing COVID-19 health and travel protocols may result in fines or, in some cases, deportation.
If you choose to stay, be aware our ability to provide consular assistance may be very limited due to restrictions on movement and other services. For passport or consular services call or email in advance for an appointment.
More information:
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place in Indonesia.
If you're staying in a private residence, not a hotel, register when you arrive with both:
If you plan to be in Indonesia for more than 90 days:
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Declare cash in excess of 100,000,000 IDR or equivalent when you arrive and leave. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
100,000,000 IDR is worth about $A10,000.
You need a travel permit or Surat Keterangan Jalan to travel to some areas of Papua and West Papua.
Check if you need a permit with the nearest embassy or consulate of Indonesia.
To drive in Indonesia, you need either:
Check that your licence or permit is appropriate for the type of vehicle you're driving.
Your Australian licence isn't enough.
Your travel insurer will deny any claims you make if:
Traffic can be extremely congested.
Road users are often unpredictable or undisciplined.
According to the World Health Organization, you're almost 3 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Indonesia than in Australia. Drive defensively. Some traffic incidents can escalate into violent disputes quickly.
Consider hiring a taxi or a driver who is familiar with local roads and traffic conditions.
More information:
Motorcycle accidents have killed and injured foreigners, including Australians. This includes in tourist areas, particularly Bali.
If you're riding a motorbike and there's an accident, you'll often be assumed to be at fault. You may be expected to compensate all parties.
If you hire a motorbike:
Always wear a helmet.
Buses can be crowded, particularly:
Safety standards may not be observed.
More information:
Only use official taxi companies. You can book these:
Check your taxi is official.
Unofficial operators can have taxis that look similar to those run by reputable companies.
See Safety
Inter-city rail networks operate on the islands of Java and Sumatra.
Commuter trains operate in Jakarta.
Trains can be crowded, particularly:
Travel by ferry or boat can be dangerous.
Passenger limits aren't always observed.
Equipment may not be properly maintained.
There may not be enough life jackets. It's unlikely that the crew will have life jackets for children.
In June 2018, a ferry sank on Lake Toba in Sumatra and 100s of people died.
If you plan to travel by sea between islands:
If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Avoid travelling by water after dark unless the vessel is properly equipped.
More information:
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Indonesia.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Indonesia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that have operating bans or restrictions within the EU. See the EU list of banned airlines.
A Lion Air plane fatally crashed on 29 October 2018. Since then, Australian government officials and contractors in Indonesia have been instructed not to fly on Lion Air or subsidiary airlines that operate outside of Australia.
The instruction was based on work health and safety responsibilities to staff.
The decision will be reviewed when the full findings of the official crash investigation are made.
Australian travellers should make their own decisions on which airlines to travel with.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 113.
Call 118.
Call 119.
Call 110 or 112.
SMS 1717.
Call (+0361) 759 687.
Call (+201) 526 4073.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
More information:
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Contact Centrelink on 001 803 61 035.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australians remaining in Indonesia should register with the Australian Embassy at covid19.dfat.gov.au. Registration will enable us to contact you directly if required during the COVID-19 epidemic in Indonesia. We also continue to encourage you to subscribe separately to this travel advice for Indonesia.
Jalan Patra Kuningan Ray Kav. 1-4
Jakarta Selatan 12950
Phone: (+62 21) 2550 5555
Fax: (+62 21) 2550 5467
Email: consular.jakarta@dfat.gov.au
Website: indonesia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia
Twitter: @DubesAustralia
Instagram: @KeDubesAustralia
Make an appointment online or call (+62 21) 2550 5500 or (+62 21) 2550 5555.
Jalan Tantular 32
Renon
Denpasar Bali 80234
Phone: (+62 361) 2000 100
Fax: (+ 62 361) 2000 195 (general enquiries)
Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au
Website: bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @KonJenBali
Wisma Kalla Lt. 7
Jalan Dr Sam Ratulangi No. 8
Makassar South Sulawesi 90125
Phone: (+62 411) 366 4100
Fax: (+62 411) 366 4130
Email: consular.makassar@dfat.gov.au
Website: makassar.consulate.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Consulate-General, Makassar, Sulawesi
Twitter: @KonJenMakassar
Level 3 ESA Sampoerna Center
Jl. Dokter.Ir. H. Soekarno No. 198
Klampis Ngasem, Sukolilo, Surabaya
Phone: (+62 31) 9920 3200
Email: consular.surabaya@dfat.gov.au
Website: surabaya.consulate.gov.au
Instagram: @KonJenSurabaya
Check the websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.