Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry Bans Entry of Foreign Travelers from UK due to New Covid-19 Strain

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation through its air transportation directorate general announced that foreigners coming from the UK are prohibited from entering Indonesia due to the new strain of coronavirus.

The announcement was stated in Circular No. 24/2020 on air transportation during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Adita Irawati, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation, said the issuance of the circular aims to prevent the spread of the new strain of the coronavirus reported in the UK.

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“Circular No. 24/2020, which refers to changes Circular No. 3/2020 [on health protocols for travelers during the holidays] issued by the National Covid-19 Task Force, is to anticipate cases of the new strain of the coronavirus in South Wales, the UK,” Adita said in a statement on Monday, December 28.

“The ban on the entry of foreigners from the UK is the main point stated in the circular. Foreign nationals from the UK are prohibited from entering Indonesia, including transit passengers,” she added.

The circular was also issued to protect people’s health in Indonesia from imported Covid-19 cases.

“There is an increase in Covid-19 cases in Europe and Australia, so it is necessary to make additional arrangements for foreign travelers to protect Indonesian citizens from imported cases,” said Adita.

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Therefore, Circular No. 24/2020 also mentions the process of the entry of foreigners and Indonesian citizens from abroad.