Bali Welcomes Back Singapore Airlines – A Sign of Hope for Travelers
On February 16, 2022, a Boeing B787 from Singapore Airlines made its long-awaited landing at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after a two-year hiatus. Flight SQ938 carried 156 passengers, including 47 Indonesians and 109 international visitors, marking a significant turn for Bali’s travel scene. Shortly after, the same aircraft took off with 61 passengers back to Singapore on flight SQ939, further connecting the island to the world.
Bali Reopens International Flights – Singapore Airlines Leads the Charge
In a statement from PT Angkasa Pura’s President Director, Faik Fahmi, the revival of international flights is a beacon of hope aimed at revitalizing Bali’s tourism, which has been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further enhancing passenger inflow, Koster mentioned that Jet Star and AirAsia would soon resume flights with their Airbus A320 aircraft from Singapore, expected to commence on March 16, 2022, with hopes for an earlier launch.
Bali’s Preparations to Welcome International Travelers
With international flights resuming, the Bali Provincial Government has put in place stringent measures to ensure the safety and health of all incoming travelers. This includes screening protocols, quarantine hotel arrangements, and hospital readiness for any COVID-19 positive cases among foreign visitors.
The Governor of Bali Province, Wayan Koster, in collaboration with tourism stakeholders, has been dedicated to overseeing the health screening processes at the airport. Here’s what you need to know about the entry requirements:
- Complete the e-HAC form before departure via PeduliLindungi.
- Provide proof of health, including a full vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.
- Undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Bali.
- Wait for the test result for up to 24 hours while reviewing other necessary documents, such as hotel bookings, customs declaration (e-CD), immigration paperwork, and travel insurance.
If a passenger tests positive for COVID-19, the task force will coordinate with hotel management to ensure proper quarantine arrangements, while seriously ill passengers will be transferred to designated hospitals. On the bright side, if the PCR test result is negative, travelers are free to explore Bali!
No More Quarantine for Foreign Visitors as of March 7, 2022!
Following the extension of PPKM level 3 in several regions, Indonesia relaxed some travel restrictions. As of March 7, 2022, foreign travelers no longer face mandatory quarantine upon arrival. The reactivation of the visa on arrival system further eases travel for visitors to the beautiful island.
With vaccination rates soaring in Bali—104% for the first dose and 94% for the second dose—The Bali Provincial Government aims for 30% of the population to receive booster shots quickly. Currently, 22.3% of residents have been vaccinated with a booster. President Joko Widodo has officially authorized the removal of quarantine measures for visitors to Bali.
Additionally, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut Binsar, announced that fully vaccinated travelers with no prior health issues can freely explore as long as their PCR test results are negative. Authorities will closely monitor tourism practices to ensure compliance with health protocols.
Want to read more about Bali’s updated regulations? Check out our latest article on No More Quarantine for Visitors in Bali starting March 7, 2022.
The world has been grappling with the effects of COVID-19 for over two years. The reopening of Bali to international tourism is a significant milestone, and we can only hope that more airlines will soon join Singapore Airlines in bringing travelers to this exquisite destination!
