Given the increasing number of nations affected by the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, the Indonesian government has asked all citizens to restrict non-essential travel to other countries.

"Indonesian citizens currently traveling abroad are advised to return to Indonesia at the earliest possible time to avoid further travel disruptions," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in a video statement on the 'Additional Measures of the Indonesian Government in Relation to COVID-19 Response', received in Jakarta, Tuesday.

A number of countries have enacted policies to restrict the movement of people. For that reason, all Indonesian citizens have been requested to closely monitor information available through the Ministry's Safe Travel Application, or by contacting the hotline of the nearest Indonesian Mission.

The Indonesian government has also decided to suspend the visa-free scheme for visits, visa on arrival facility, and diplomatic and official visa-free schemes for the next month for foreign travelers from all countries.

Visitors wishing to come to Indonesia would now have to obtain a visa from Indonesian Missions by stating the purpose of their visit.

In addition, the government will continue to suspend flights to and from all areas of China, and ban visitors from two centers of the virus in South Korea — the city of Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do province, in accordance with the a statement issued by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on 5 March, 2020.

Prohibitions have been imposed on entry or transit to Indonesia for visitors who have travelled to Iran, Italy, the Vatican, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom in the last 14 days.

All travelers coming into the country would need to submit a Health Alert Certificate to the Health Quarantine Office upon arrival at Indonesian airports. Should their travel history indicate that they have visited countries on the restricted list in the last 14 days, they may be denied entry to Indonesia.

Moreover, Indonesian citizens who have travelled to the countries on the restricted list will have to undergo an additional screening upon arrival. The screening will be carried out by the Health Quarantine Office.

If during additional screening, travelers show initial symptoms of COVID-19, they will be placed under a 14-day observation at a government facility. If they show no initial symptoms, a 14-day self-quarantine will be strongly recommended to them.

The extension of expired Short Visit Pass for foreign travelers who are currently in Indonesia shall be conducted in accordance with the Regulation of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights No. 7 of 2020.

Extension measures for holders of Temporary Stay Permit Card (KITAS), Permanent Stay Permit Card (KITAP), and holders of Diplomatic Visa and Service Visa, who are currently overseas, will be conducted in accordance with the Regulation of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights No.7 of 2020.

These measures will take effect on Friday (20 March) at 00.00 Western Indonesia Time (GMT+7). They are temporary measures and shall be evaluated in view of further developments. (ANTARA)