The last two years have changed how people travel, live, and interact with one another. Vaccine certificates, PCR tests, and mask mandates are now a part of the global vernacular.
As exhaustive as the procedures are to meet the requirements for travel, it’s important to remember that there are many who would trade places with you in a heartbeat. This article recounts the writer’s experience of having recently taken a trip to Bali in Indonesia.
If you’re disabled (OKU) or require assistance, AirAsia has a special desk to assist you with your checkin and wheelchair request. For everyone else, checking in online is mandatory.
It’s a good idea to arrive two to three hours prior to your departure time. But also be prepared for the likelihood of a flight delay – bring some snacks, a good book, or games to pass the time. Alternatively, make sure your devices are well charged!
Aside from your tickets and passports, the gate agent will need your hotel-booking confirmations. As of yesterday, Indonesia has scrapped all Covid-19 pre-testing for fully vaccinated arrivals, which previously were mandatory and valid for only 48 hours.
With the Visa Exemption Agreement granting an automatic 30-day visa on arrival for citizens of nine Asean countries including Malaysia, the other requirements can be completed three to five days before your flight.
You will need to activate Indonesia’s PeduliLindungi app, and it is recommended you submit a copy of your vaccine certificate online via its website a week beforehand, to be safe.
Most travellers will receive a confirmation reply within three days, but some have reported that their replies took a little longer. Those who have not updated their MySejahtera app recently will have to do so before being able to download a copy of their vaccine certificate.
Travel insurance is mandatory, and the most popular recommendation is the Jagawisata 30-day option for RM150.
To expedite the customs process on arrival, it’s advisable to fill out the e-CD (customs declaration) form online prior to boarding, to avoid having to fill out the physical form that is still available during your flight.
During your journey, you might be surprised to observe some uninformed travellers who believe themselves exempt from wearing masks. Keeping one on during the three-hour journey is mandatory, and extra masks are available on every flight.
Before you know it, you will be descending into Bali. As you disembark and walk through the tunnel, you will be hit with your first warm, welcoming dose of Bali humidity.
Remember to activate your international roaming, as this will make scanning the first QR code at the health check line so much easier. Otherwise, you will quickly discover that the airport Wi-Fi is spotty due to the rush of arrivals.
Well-spaced seats await you at the counters where your vaccination certificates will be checked. Having a printed copy would come in handy, but your digital copies will be accepted with no issues.
For OKU, the elderly, and anyone needing assistance, there are clearly posted signs for a designated lane at these counters, and also one at customs.
You might, however, encounter a disproportionately large number of able-bodied travellers in these designated lanes. Pay them no heed and simply follow the lead of airport officials to proceed to the customs line.
Once you’re stuck in Bali’s traffic maze, watching the coconut trees wave and soaking in the scent of the gentle sea breeze, you’ll once again be reminded of both context and perspective.
Despite the hassles to be cleared for travel – and the gross display of disregard by certain travellers towards those of less privilege – after an involuntary two-year hiatus, you’ll be thankful to be experiencing a slice of paradise once more.
Find out more about Jagawisata, the PeduliLindungi app, and other requirements when travelling to Bali.