Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore

Overview

Travel Notice: Mount Semeru's Eruption

22 June 2023

Since the last eruption of Mount Semeru in East Java on 4 December 2022, the Indonesian authorities have placed the alert-level for Mount Semeru at Level 3 (Siaga or Standby) and has advised residents to avoid Mount Semeru and its vicinity.

Given the volcanic activity of Mount Semeru as well as other active volcanoes in the region, Singaporeans should check on advisories issued by Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) at https://vsi.esdm.go.id/ before their travel. Singaporeans in Lumajang and Malang should monitor these developments closely and adhere to local advisories. They should take necessary precautions for their personal safety and e-Register with MFA immediately at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ if they have not done so. Those in need of consular assistance may contact the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty office at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Jakarta
Tel: +62 (21) 2995 0400 during office hours, or the 24-hour hotline +62 811 863 348 for emergencies outside of office hours

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Tel: +65 6379 8800/6379 8855

Travel Advisory for Lombok in Indonesia

06 August 2018

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake was reported off Lombok around 1846 hours local time on 5 August 2018, triggering a tsunami warning and causing damage to infrastructure and buildings. Multiple casualties have been reported. This earthquake followed a magnitude 6.4 earthquake on 29 July 2018. In view of the earthquakes and aftershocks in the Lombok area, Singaporeans should defer travel to Lombok during this period.

Singaporeans who are currently in Lombok are advised to make the necessary arrangements to leave the area via commercial flights, which are still operating out of Lombok International Airport. Singaporeans should check with your airlines or tour operators for up-to-date flight schedules. Singaporeans are further advised to take all necessary precautions for your personal safety, monitor the local news closely and heed the instructions of the local authorities. Do purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.

Singaporeans travelling to Indonesia are encouraged to e-Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/. You are advised to stay in touch with family and friends so that they know you are safe. Those in need of consular assistance may contact the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore - Indonesia
Block X/4, KAV No 2, Jln H R Rasuna Said, Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan 12950
Tel: + 62-(21) 2995-0400, 520-1489 /+62 811 863 348 (24-hours)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Travel Notice on Volcanic Activity in Bali

29 June 2018

The Indonesian authorities temporarily closed Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on 29 June 2018 at 0300hrs (local time) as a result of the ash clouds from the Mount Agung eruptions, but have since reopened the airport at 1430 hrs (local time). Singaporeans travelling to or from Bali should check with their airlines or tour operators for up-to-date flight schedules and the status of Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Mount Agung has erupted several times since 21 November 2017. The Indonesian authorities have maintained Mount Agung’s alert status at Level 3 (Standby) with an exclusion zone of 4 km around its crater. The alert level for Mount Agung can change at short notice.

Singaporeans currently in or planning to travel to Bali should continue to monitor developments closely, and avoid Mount Agung and the exclusion zone around it. You are advised to take all necessary precautions for your personal safety, monitor the local news closely and heed the instructions of the local authorities. Do purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.

Singaporeans in Bali who have not yet e-registered with MFA should do so at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/. Singaporeans are advised to stay in touch with family and friends so that they know you are safe. Those in need of consular assistance may contact the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta or the MFA Duty Office at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Indonesia (Jakarta)

Jln H R Rasuna Said, Kuningan, Block X/4, KAV No 2, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950

Tel: + 62 (21) 2995 0400 or +62 811 863 348 (24-hours)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)

Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855

Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Travel Advisory for Mount Sinabung in Sumatra

12 April 2018

Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra, Indonesia has erupted several times since 2017. The most recent eruption took place on 12 April 2018. The Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) around Mount Sinabung issued by the Indonesian authorities is ORANGE. The Indonesian authorities have continued to maintain the alert status for Mount Sinabung at the highest Level IV, with an exclusion zone of 7 km around the volcano. Singaporeans should defer non-essential travels to Mount Sinabung and its exclusion zone until the situation improves.

The Kualanamu Airport in Medan remains open. However, changes in the wind direction could cause flight disruptions at short notice. Singaporeans currently in or planning to travel to Medan should check with their airlines or travel agents for up-to-date information on possible flight disruptions. They are also advised to take all necessary precautions for their personal safety, monitor the local news closely and heed the instructions of the local authorities. Do purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.

Singaporeans in or intending to travel to Medan are also encouraged to e-Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/. You are advised to stay in touch with family and friends so that they know you are safe. Those in need of consular assistance may contact the Singapore Consulate General in Medan or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at:

Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore in Indonesia (Medan)

Suite No 2 – 6, 11th Floor, Forum Nine Office and F & B Gallery

Jalan Imam Bonjol No 9, Medan 20112, Indonesia

Tel: +62 61 8050 1500

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)

Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855

Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

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Ministry of Health (MOH) Public Health Advisory

Travellers should refer to the ICA website for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting through Singapore. Residents of Singapore intending to depart Singapore are strongly advised to check the latest MOH Travel Advisory for outbound travel. For the latest updates on Singapore’s COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19.

Entry and Exit

Singaporeans travelling on their ordinary Singapore Passport can visit Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa. Please go to https://www.imigrasi.go.id under “Visa Exemption (NEW)’ for details of the types of visit that fall under this category. Visa-free visits cannot be extended beyond the 30 days allotted. If you intend to travel to Indonesia for more than 30 days, you should apply for the appropriate visa before your travel. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the Embassy of Indonesia in Singapore for up-to-date information.

If you are visiting Indonesia for business purposes, you should apply for a business visa.

Holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) are exempted from Indonesia’s Visit Visa requirements so long as they are not engaged in employment in Indonesia. They can remain in Indonesia for up to 60 days (which cannot be extended). Currently, there are 17 airports (4 with dedicated ABTC Gates and the other 13 without) as well as seaports including Batam (at https://www.imigrasi.go.id under ”Information”) in Indonesia, which holders of the ABTC who are travelling to Indonesia for business purposes can use.

If you are unsure of the type of visa you will need in Indonesia, please check the website of the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration at https://www.imigrasi.go.id, with your local partner or representative in Indonesia, or the nearest Indonesian Embassy.

If you are staying in a private residence (not in a hotel or service apartment), you must register with the local Rukun Tetangga (neighbour watch) office and the local police upon arrival. If you plan to travel to Indonesia for more than 90 days, you must register with the local immigration office and hold the appropriate visa for the entire length of your stay.

Overstaying without the appropriate authorisation or visa is treated seriously by the Indonesian authorities. In a situation where you have overstayed without the appropriate authorisation or visa, please report to the local immigration authorities. The penalty for overstaying depends on your specific circumstances, and can include a fine, detention and/or a ban from entering Indonesia for a specified period of time. According to Indonesia's Directorate-General for Immigration, from May 2019, overstayers risk facing fines of up to IDR1 million per day, up from IDR300,000 previously.

In the event of overstaying, you must report to the local immigration authorities, before the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta, or the Singapore Consulates-General in Batam or Medan, can assist you with a temporary travel document to facilitate your return to Singapore.

COVID-19

As of 21 June 2023, Indonesia no longer requires PCR testing or proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into Indonesia. Travellers should visit the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (https://kemlu.go.id/portal/en) for further information.

Singaporeans should also closely monitor the news and official announcements by both the Singaporean and Indonesian governments regarding the COVID-19 situation in Indonesia.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance may contact the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta, or the Singapore Consulates-General in Batam or Medan, using the contact details provided below. Singaporeans in Indonesia are strongly encouraged to e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg / so that they can be contacted, should the need arise.

Safety and Security

Like in Singapore, be aware that crimes can happen at any time, anywhere, in Indonesia. Be alert to possible petty crimes including but not limited to pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, credit card and ATM fraud, scams and confidence tricks, spiking of drinks, and sexual assaults. You should take the necessary precautions for your personal safety and belongings, including to remain alert to your surroundings and to avoid travelling to unfamiliar places.

When travelling in Indonesia, you should pay attention to the local road conditions, traffic rules and take reliable modes of transportation.

For sea travel, please check weather and tidal conditions, which can change rapidly. Ensure that your mode of transportation is licensed, reliable and seaworthy, and has appropriate safety measures in place such as adequate life-boats and/or life-jackets.

When engaging in potentially hazardous sports such as diving and mountain hiking, please be familiar with local conditions, register with the local authorities, and heed their advice. Ensure that any local operators whom you hire are licensed, have reliable safety records and comprehensive emergency measures in place.

Local Laws

Note that all foreign nationals including Singaporeans are subject to Indonesian laws and regulations while in Indonesia. Neither the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore Embassy in Jakarta, nor the Singapore Consulates-General in Medan and Batam can intervene in the enforcement of these laws and regulations, including any investigation, legal or judicial process conducted by the local authorities in the event that you are taken into custody, arrested, detained or imprisoned.

Under Indonesian law, it is required that you carry your travel documents and/or other official identification issued by the Indonesian government, such as stay permits (e.g. KITAS and KITAP), with you at all times.

Please note that penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. Gambling is illegal in Indonesia.

Singaporeans travelling to Indonesia are advised to respect local traditions, customs and religions at all times, and be mindful of your words and actions so as not to inadvertently give offence.

Additional Information

Terrorist Attacks: According to media reports, Indonesia, like other countries in the region and around the world, continues to face the threat of potential terror attacks. Please be alert for reports of developments related to such attacks.

Natural Disasters: Indonesia is a large and diverse archipelago that lies in a seismically active region. Several locations in Indonesia experience volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, of varying scale and impact, and occasionally with little warning. During the rainy season, flash floods and landslides can and do occur in urban centres/cities, as well as in more rural areas.

Large-scale mass gatherings: Large-scale mass events, including protests, demonstrations, and rallies, can and do take place in major cities. Singaporeans in Indonesia are advised to monitor the media closely for information about such events, and to avoid them as far as possible.

Pollution: Pollution levels in certain parts of Indonesia, including major cities, can vary due to a variety of factors including vehicle and industrial emissions, as well as land/forest fires. Since September 2019, severe smoke haze has affected parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. The smoke haze is caused by forest and land fires which arise when open burning is carried out to clear land for agricultural and commercial uses. It can be made worse by dry seasons, changes in wind direction, and when precipitation is low. Please familiarise yourself with local conditions before any travel, and monitor the media carefully for developments. Take the necessary precautions for your personal health.

Medan: Mount Sinabung, a volcano, which is located near Brastagi (about 90 km from Medan) has been spewing ash and lava since 2015. The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BKMG) has categorised the volcano as being at Alert IV, the highest alert for a volcano. The local authorities have declared a red zone of 7 km radius around the volcano. Singaporeans should abide by all local authorities’ instructions when visiting the vicinity of the volcano. Singaporeans are advised to monitor media reports closely, and keep abreast of developments that could potentially affect your travel plans. The BMKG website is at www.bmkg.go.id.

There are popular hiking trails near Brastagi and Mount Sibayak. Singaporeans who wish to hike up Mount Sibayak should hire a professional guide who knows the trails and terrain well. There have been cases of hikers who went missing when hiking without professional guides.

Riau Islands Province: As an archipelagic province, the Riau Islands Province (KEPRI) may experience inclement weather particularly during the monsoon seasons when sea travel may be affected. Singaporeans should take the necessary precautions by selecting reliable modes of sea transport and taking note of the weather advisories from the BMKG website at www.bmkg.go.id.

General Travel Advice

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 14 October 2021]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrests or terror attacks.
Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport nos., address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Mission Contact Details

Jakarta

Tel:

+62-21-2995-0400

Emergency Tel (after hours):

+62-811-863-348

Fax:

+62-21-520-1486 (General), 520-2320 (Consular)

Email:

singemb_jkt@mfa.sg

Address:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
Block X/4, KAV No 2, Jln H R Rasuna Said, Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan 12950

URL:

https://www.mfa.gov.sg/jakarta

Office Hours:

Mon - Fri
8.30 am to 12.30 pm
1.30 pm to 5.00 pm
Sat & Sun & PH - Closed

Batam

Tel:

+627783720000

Emergency Tel (after hours):

+62 811 7049 084

Fax:

Email:

singcon_bth@mfa.sg

Address:

Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Batam
Level 3 Panbil Residence
Jalan Ahmad Yani, Muka Kuning
Batam 29433, Indonesia

URL:

https://www.mfa.gov.sg/batam

Office Hours:

Mon - Fri
8.30 am to 12.30 pm
1.30 pm to 5.00 pm
Sat , Sun & Public Holidays - Closed

Medan

Tel:

+62-61-8050-1500

Emergency Tel (after hours):

+62-811-6170-339

Fax:

+62-61-8050-1506

Email:

sporeconsulatemedan@mfa.sg

Address:

Suite No 2 - 6, 11th Floor
Forum Nine Office and F & B Gallery
No. 9 Jalan Imam Bonjol
20112 Medan, Indonesia

URL:

https://www.mfa.gov.sg/medan

Office Hours:

Mon - Fri
8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Visa Application Hours - 9.00 am to 12.00 pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays - Closed

Disclaimer

The information on these Travel Information pages is presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for the purpose of providing information for the benefit and convenience of the public. Every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information. However, the MFA cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. The MFA recommends that you exercise your own skill and care with respect to your use of this information, and that you carefully evaluate the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the material on the Travel Information pages or on any linked site. The Government of the Republic of Singapore does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on these Travel Information pages or any linked site. Please refer Terms of Use for our full Terms of Use.