can israeli travel to indonesia

Can Israeli Citizens Travel to Indonesia?

Indonesia, a Southeast Asian gem, is known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant landscapes. For many travelers, exploring this diverse archipelago is a dream come true. However, for Israeli citizens, it’s essential to understand the specific travel regulations and visa requirements before planning a trip to Indonesia. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether Israeli citizens can travel to Indonesia, visa requirements, tips for a smoother journey, and important safety considerations.

Yes, Israeli citizens can travel to Indonesia. Indonesia, like many other countries, practices a policy of non-discrimination, which means that travelers from any nation are generally welcome to visit. However, there are only three ways Israelis can currently travel to Indonesia:

For Israelis with dual nationality – If in possession of a second (non-Israeli) passport, Israelis can simply travel on their second passport and get a visa on arrival.

For Israelis who do not have dual nationality – Israelis can travel to Indonesia on a business visa sponsored by an Indonesian company, or on a tourist visa as part of a tour group of majority non-Israelis.

Indonesia and Israel maintain no formal diplomatic relations . In 1993, however, prime minister Yitzhak Rabin met then-Indonesian president Suharto at his Jakarta home. And foreign minister Silvan Shalom met his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirayuda at a UN summit in New York in 2005.

Visa Requirements for Israeli Citizens Traveling to Indonesia

As mentioned, you do need a visa to enter Indonesia unless you are a citizen of one of the countries on the Visa-Exempt (VEA) list.

You can enter Indonesia and apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) online (prior to arrival) if you are on the list of countries eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Entry is permitted for 30 days.

Tips for Israeli Citizens Traveling to Indonesia

• Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Indonesia. If your passport is nearing its expiration date, consider renewing it before your trip.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and religions. Respect local customs, traditions, and dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
• Local Currency: The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to remote regions.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any unexpected incidents during your stay in Indonesia.
• Language: While English is spoken in many tourist areas, learning some basic Indonesian phrases can enhance your travel experience and show appreciation for the local culture.

Safety Considerations

Indonesia is generally a safe destination for travelers, but as with any foreign country, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Here are some safety tips for traveling to Indonesia:

• Health Precautions: Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations and consider additional vaccinations recommended for Indonesia, such as hepatitis A and typhoid.
• Natural Disasters: Indonesia is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Stay informed about potential risks and follow the guidance of local authorities in the event of an emergency.
• Petty Theft: Avoid displaying expensive items in public and be cautious in crowded areas, as petty theft can occur in tourist hotspots.
• Respect Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with Indonesian laws and regulations to avoid unintentional legal issues during your stay.

Indonesia offers an enchanting blend of culture, nature, and adventure, making it a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide, including Israeli citizens. With a visa exemption allowing for a short stay of up to 30 days, Israelis can immerse themselves in the beauty of this diverse archipelago. By following the visa requirements, respecting local customs, and staying informed about safety considerations, Israeli citizens can embark on a memorable and enjoyable journey to Indonesia.

Related Content: Can Israeli Citizens Travel to Jordan?

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Starting from 9 November 2021, Here Are the Newest Regulations regarding International Travel to Indonesia!

Due to the increase in the spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma) in various countries in the world, including Indonesia, Head of the COVID-19 Task Force, Ganip Warsito, issued an Addendum to the Circular of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Number 8 of 2021 regarding International Travel Health Protocols During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. This regulation, which was signed on July 4, will come into effect on July 6, 2021.

“The purpose of this Circular Addendum is to implement stricter health protocols for international travellers, with the aim of monitoring, controlling, and evaluating in order to prevent an increase in the transmission of COVID-19, including the new SARS-CoV-2 virus variant as well as the potential for the development of other new variants," said Ganip in his press statement, Sunday (04/07/2021) virtually.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, fully supports the Java-Bali Emergency Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM) policy, including the international flight arrangements and extended quarantine.

“We also call for the closing of all destinations and postponement of all tourism and creative economic events in all parts of Indonesia. We understand that this must be a bitter situation for all tourism and creative economy industries and players, but the COVID-19 data shows an emergency so we cannot take any more serious risks, and must prioritize health,” Sandiaga said on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021.

Furthermore, since 2 November 2021, the Indonesian government has imposed new regulations regarding international travel to Indonesia. The regulations are expected to be able to revitalize the country’s tourism.

The following is the contents of the Addendum Circular of COVID-19 Task Force No. 20 of 2021 regarding International Travel Health Protocol During the Times of COVID-19:*

1. All international travelers must prepare for these documents before the departure:

    a) A certificate of a full-dose or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccination which administered at least 14 days before arrival

    b) Negative PCR result which taken for at least 3x24 hours before arrival

    c) Download and register to PeduliLindungi app to verify and claim your e-PCR and e-HAC documents

    d) Register to e-CD (Electronic Custom Declaration)

    e) Provide the proof of your 5-days quarantine or 3-days quarantine hotel booking

    f) Immigration documents

    g) Travel insurance

2. Upon arrival, all international travelers will be subjected to a thermal scan. If the body temperature is below 38°C, they can proceed to the next step. If the body temperature exceeds 38°C, a further medical examination will be done immediately. If all health requirements are good, proceed to the next step. If not, travelers will be referred to the nearest hospital.

3. International travelers are required to undergo mandatory quarantine for 5 x 24 hours for those who have only received single-dose vaccination or 3 x 24 hours for those who have received full-dose of vaccination. The requirements are as follows:

For Indonesian citizens within the category of migrant workers, students that have finished education, and civil servants on duty, the quarantine facilities provided by the Indonesia government are free of charge.

For Indonesian citizens (not on the criteria for the previous points) and foreigners in self-funded quarantine accommodation (hotels/inns) recommended by the COVID-19 Task Force and have met the terms and conditions of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association and the Ministry of Health.

4. Four days after self-quarantine from the date of arrival, another RT-PCR test will be conducted. If the test shows a negative result, after 5 days or 3 days of quarantine, you will be declared for completing quarantine. Meanwhile, if the RT-PCR test shows positive result then you will have to undergo the following procedures:

Treatment in centralized isolation facilities for asymptomatic people and people with mild symptoms.

Treatment at a referral hospital for people with moderate and severe symptoms.

*This article was made as an update for the information listed in the past article and has been updated to the newest regulation due to the emergence of SARS-COV-2 B.1.1.529 in South Africa and some other countries in the world. The latest update of travel regulation is implemented according to the Circular of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Number 12 of 2022 concerning Health Protocol for International Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic , which has been in effect from 8 March 2022. You can visit here to check on the latest requirements. For further information regarding the government's regulation related to COVID-19, refer to this link.

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International Travel Restrictions by Country

Find out where you can travel and covid-19 policies.

Select origin country, search destination or select a country on the map to see travel restrictions.

The travel status of individual countries can change suddenly, and we know it can be hard to stay on top of it all. That's why we're getting you the information you need to consider when planning travel. Learn about country-specific entry requirements such as the border status, COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine requirements. Many countries are reopening their borders for international travel. Find out which countries are open to vaccinated travelers.

Just enter your departure country above - the map will update to reflect countries' opening status and any entry requirements for air travelers. Before you book, be sure to double check your country's official government site.

Destinations you can travel to now

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Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Filter by region, status and more

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Albania.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Algeria.

American Samoa

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter American Samoa.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Angola.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Anguilla.

Antigua And Barbuda

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Antigua And Barbuda.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Argentina.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Armenia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Aruba.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Australia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Austria.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Azerbaijan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bahrain.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bangladesh.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Barbados.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belgium.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belize.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Benin.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bermuda.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bhutan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bolivia.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Botswana.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brazil.

British Virgin Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the British Virgin Islands.

Brunei Darussalam

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brunei Darussalam.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bulgaria.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Burundi.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cambodia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cameroon.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Canada.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cape Verde.

Caribbean Netherlands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Caribbean Netherlands.

Cayman Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Cayman Islands.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Chad.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Chile.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Colombia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Comoros.

Cook Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Cook Islands.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Costa Rica.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Croatia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Curaçao.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cyprus.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Czech Republic.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Denmark.

Fully vaccinated visitors from Israel can enter Djibouti without restrictions.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Dominica.

Dominican Republic

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Dominican Republic.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ecuador.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Egypt.

El Salvador

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter El Salvador.

Equatorial Guinea

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Equatorial Guinea.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Eritrea.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Estonia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Eswatini.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ethiopia.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Faroe Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Faroe Islands.

Federated States of Micronesia

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Federated States of Micronesia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Fiji.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Finland.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter France.

French Guiana

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter French Guiana.

French Polynesia

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter French Polynesia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Gabon.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Gambia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Georgia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Germany.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Gibraltar.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Greece.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Greenland.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Grenada.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guadeloupe.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guam.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guinea.

Guinea-Bissau

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guinea-Bissau.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guyana.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Honduras.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hong Kong.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hungary.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iceland.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter India.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Indonesia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ireland.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Italy.

Ivory Coast

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ivory Coast.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jamaica.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jersey.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jordan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kazakhstan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kenya.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kiribati.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kosovo.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kuwait.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kyrgyzstan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Laos.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Latvia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Lesotho.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Liberia.

Liechtenstein

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Liechtenstein.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Lithuania.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Luxembourg.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Macau.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Madagascar.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malawi.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malaysia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Maldives.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malta.

Marshall Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Marshall Islands.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Martinique.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mauritania.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mauritius.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mayotte.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mexico.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Moldova.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mongolia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Montenegro.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Montserrat.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mozambique.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Namibia.

Fully vaccinated visitors from Israel can enter Nauru without restrictions.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nepal.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Netherlands.

New Caledonia

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Caledonia.

New Zealand

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nicaragua.

Fully vaccinated visitors from Israel can enter Niger without restrictions.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nigeria.

North Macedonia

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter North Macedonia.

Northern Mariana Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Northern Mariana Islands.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Norway.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Oman.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Pakistan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Palau.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Panama.

Papua New Guinea

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Papua New Guinea.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Paraguay.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Peru.

Philippines

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Philippines.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Poland.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Portugal.

Puerto Rico

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Puerto Rico.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Qatar.

Republic of the Congo

Fully vaccinated visitors from Israel can enter Republic of the Congo without restrictions.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Réunion.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Romania.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Rwanda.

Saint Barthélemy

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Barthélemy.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Saint Lucia

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Lucia.

Saint Martin

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Martin.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Samoa.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter São Tomé and Príncipe.

Saudi Arabia

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saudi Arabia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Senegal.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Serbia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Seychelles.

Sierra Leone

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sierra Leone.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Singapore.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Slovakia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Slovenia.

Solomon Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Solomon Islands.

South Africa

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Africa.

South Korea

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Spain.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sri Lanka.

St. Maarten

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter St. Maarten.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sudan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Suriname.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sweden.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Switzerland.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Taiwan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tajikistan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tanzania.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Thailand.

The Bahamas

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter The Bahamas.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Togo.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tonga.

Trinidad and Tobago

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Trinidad and Tobago.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tunisia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Türkiye.

Turkmenistan

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to enter Turkmenistan.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tuvalu.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uganda.

United Arab Emirates

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Arab Emirates.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Kingdom.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United States.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uruguay.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uzbekistan.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vanuatu.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vietnam.

Wallis and Futuna

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Wallis and Futuna.

Western Sahara

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to enter Western Sahara.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Zambia.

Most visitors from Israel, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Zimbabwe.

How often is the data on this page updated?

We check for travel restriction information from government authorities daily, and update the page any time we get new information. The following information regarding travel restrictions for each country is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.

How many countries are closed to visitors?

As of 11 Sep, 2 countries have completely restricted entry to non-citizens and 5 are open but require quarantine and/or a negative COVID test.

Where can I travel without COVID restrictions?

Currently you can travel from Israel to 197 countries without restrictions. Please check our map to learn more.

Are there any other types of travel restrictions besides COVID-19 tests and quarantines?

These are the two main types of restrictions or requirements needed to travel into another country. However, the COVID-19 testing options are continually widening as new methods are developed. Different countries may accept results from different or multiple test types, so be sure to check the individual country's specific requirements.

What should I do if I get COVID-19 while in another country?

If you get COVID-19 while in another country, follow the local authority's recommendations. These may include hospitalization, self-isolating and testing in that country. Be sure to contact your travel insurance company and travel provider as well and inform them of your situation.

What should I do if the borders of the country I am visiting close?

Depending on your home country, you may need to change your departure date and return home as soon as possible. If that's the case, contact your travel provider to find the earliest departure.

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If you're looking for personalized travel advice for your own travel plans like whether or not a restriction applies to your trip, we won't be able to answer any questions or offer advice. Please consult your local government's resources.

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Indonesia confirms 53 Israelis denied visas

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aw and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly has confirmed that Indonesian immigration authorities denied granting visas to 53 Israeli nationals who intended to enter Indonesia.

“In the past few days, there were 53 Israeli nationals who were denied visas, it is true,” Yasonna said at the Foreign Ministry on Friday .

Yasonna refused to mention the reason behind the move. “It is sensitive,” he said.

“However it is our prerogative as a state to accept or refuse the visa of another country’s citizen,” he said.

Previously, it was reported that the  Israeli government would bar Indonesian tourists from entering Israel beginning June 9 . .  A travel agency said a circular on the policy dated May 29 was distributed from Israel's Interior Ministry. 

Israel media said the ban on Indonesians was an act of "retaliation" to the banning of Israelis to Indonesia. 

Indonesia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations. However, Indonesian tourists can obtain a special visa for religious pilgrimage in Israel.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said Thursday she respected Israel’s decision and denied that the ban was politically motivated, according to tempo.co . The ministry previously said that due to the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries, it was difficult for Israeli passport holders to obtain a visa.

Israelis can apply for a visa through a "calling visa" mechanism that is overseen by the Foreign Ministry and related agencies, such as the Immigration Directorate General.  (gis)

Ministry orders remote working for civil servants to help ease traffic congestion

Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

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Indonesia Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Indonesia

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Documents & Additional resources

Ready to travel, find flights to indonesia, find stays in indonesia, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Indonesia from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Indonesia.

Can I travel to Indonesia if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Indonesia without restrictions.

Can I travel to Indonesia without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Indonesia without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Indonesia?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Indonesia.

Can I travel to Indonesia without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Indonesia?

Mask usage in Indonesia is not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Indonesia?

Restaurants in Indonesia are open. Bars in Indonesia are .

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Indonesia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to  terrorism and natural disasters.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not travel to:

• The provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest.

Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services.

Demonstrations occur frequently and have the potential to become violent.  Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 

Indonesia’s revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Indonesia.  

If you decide to travel to Indonesia:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. 
• Visit the websites for  Badan Geologi  (Indonesian Geological Agency, Indonesian language only) for the latest information from the Government of Indonesia on current natural disasters.
• Review the  CDC’s suggestions on how to prepare for natural disasters.
• Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Follow the Department of State Facebook  and Twitter .  Follow the U.S. Embassy Jakarta on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report  for Indonesia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Central Papua and Highland Papua– Level 4: Do Not Travel

In Central Papua and Highland Papua, violent demonstrations and conflict could result in injury or death to U.S. citizens. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Armed separatists may kidnap foreign nationals.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Central Papua and Highland Papua as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to those areas.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months beyond arrival date. Indonesia does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for entry into Indonesia.

Two blank visa pages required for entry stamp

Yes, Visa or Visa on Arrival

100,000,000 Indonesian rupia (approx. $7,000 USD)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy jakarta.

Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3 - 5 Jakarta 10110, Indonesia Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000 ext. 0 (operator) Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Surabaya Jl. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2 Surabaya 60217 Indonesia Telephone: +(62)(31) 297-5300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(62)(811) 334-183 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Bali Jalan Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar, Bali Telephone: +(62)(361) 233-605 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya:+(62)(811) 334-183 Email:  [email protected]

American Consulate Medan, Sumatra Uni Plaza Building 4th Floor (West Tower) Jl. Let. Jend. MT Haryono A-1 Medan 20231, Indonesia Telephone: +(62)(61) 451-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(62)(61) 451-9000 Email:  [email protected]

The U.S. Consulate in Medan provides only emergency assistance to U.S. citizens and does not offer routine consular services.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Indonesia for information on U.S.- Indonesia relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements:  To enter Indonesia, your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Indonesia. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will be denied entry into Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia will not admit travelers holding the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas.

Visa-on-Arrival:  If you meet the requirements, you can apply for a visa on arrival at some international airports, seaports, or land crossings. To apply for the visa on arrival, you must have an ordinary (non-emergency) passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to enter and the date you plan to leave Indonesia and a return or onward flight booking to another country. There is a 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah fee (about $35). The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. You may extend a Visa-on-Arrival once at the immigration office one week before it expires for an additional 30 days for a maximum of 30 additional days, for another 500,000 Rupiah.

• Official visit or government duties;
• Business meeting;
• Procurement of goods;
• Official meeting; or

Electronic Visa-On-Arrival:  You may also apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) in advance if you are entering Indonesia at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta or Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Check the e-VOA requirements from Indonesian Immigration before applying. To apply for an e-VOA see  https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ .

Visa:  Travel for more than 30 days and travel for non-VOA purposes, including employment and journalism, requires that the appropriate visa be obtained from an Indonesian embassy or consulate before arrival. If you are traveling on an emergency passport, you must obtain a visa before arrival in Indonesia.

If you overstay your visa, you are subject to a fine of 1 million Indonesian rupiah (about $70 USD at current exchange rates; fees may change at any time) per day and may be detained and deported. U.S. citizens have been jailed for visa overstays or entering the country on the wrong visa class for their purpose of travel . Travelers coming to Indonesia for non-tourism purposes are strongly encouraged to consult Indonesian Immigration’s website. Travelers should generally carry a copy of their passport with them whenever possible to establish their identity and proof of Indonesian visa.

You must exit Indonesia using the same passport that you used to enter.  If this passport is replaced for any reason before you depart Indonesia, you must apply with Immigration to obtain a “special pass” (exit permit) in your new passport prior to departing.

Dual-Nationality:  Indonesia has laws that prohibit Indonesian citizens from holding additional nationalities. If you are an Indonesian with dual nationality, you could be compelled to renounce your Indonesian nationality through a formal act of renunciation. Please research Indonesian nationality laws and consult with a local attorney regarding any specific circumstance.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia screens incoming passengers in response to reported outbreaks of pandemic illnesses.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Extremists in Indonesia aspire to carry out violent attacks against Indonesian and foreign targets, and police have arrested more than 1,200 individuals on terrorism-related charges since 2018. Extremists may target both official and private establishments, including government offices, hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping areas, restaurants, and places of worship. Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times.

Recent incidents of extremist violence include a December 2022 suicide bombing at a police station in Bandung, West Java that killed one police officer, a March 2021 bomb attack against a church in Makassar, South Sulawesi which injured 20 civilians, and May 2018 bomb attacks against three churches in Surabaya, East Java which killed 15 civilians and injured 50.

Demonstrations are very common in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other large cities, but less common in Bali. You should avoid demonstrations and other mass gatherings, since even those intended to be peaceful can become violent. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests.  Demonstrations may become more frequent ahead of the Indonesian general elections scheduled for February 2024.

Currently, travel by U.S. government personnel to the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) is restricted to mission-essential travel that is approved in advance by the Embassy. Papuan separatists have kidnapped foreigners in the past and a New Zealand national was kidnapped by a separatist group in Nduga Regency in February 2023.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime:   In the last year several American citizens were victims of violent and serious crimes in Indonesia, particularly in Bali. As with any major tourist destination, U.S. citizens traveling in Indonesia are especially encouraged to always remain vigilant of their surroundings and read the following advisories carefully. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings.  Closely monitor bags and luggage and carry only essential items. Take particular care of your passport and bank cards and avoid traveling alone.

Police presence and responsiveness is less than it is in the United States, making it more difficult to report crimes quickly and receive police attention. U.S. citizens often cite language barriers as a major hindrance when reporting crimes.

Pickpocketing, sexual assault, vehicle theft, armed car-jacking, snatch and grab robberies of cell phones and purses, and residential break-ins are common. Avoid traveling to isolated areas late at night. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly vehicles or individuals that might be following you.

Use a reputable taxi company or hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center and ensure the driver’s identity card is visible. If you are booking a car via a mobile app, always ensure that the driver is the same as the person on the app, share your journey with a friend via the in-app option, and know the contact information for the app’s security center. Be aware of drivers falsely claiming to be registered with online ride hailing apps.

Credit card fraud is a common problem in Indonesia. Criminals have “skimmed” credit/debit cards to access and drain bank accounts. Use an ATM in a secure location, such as a major bank branch, and check the machine for evidence of tampering. Monitor your account statements regularly.

Tourists and Indonesians have suffered from serious illness and have even died from "drink-spiking” and drink poisoning incidents, particularly in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas. There have been reports of sexual assaults and drink spiking in Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.  Make sure drinks are prepared in your sight and be careful about accepting drinks from strangers at clubs and parties or leaving drinks unattended. Tourists have also been robbed after taking visitors to their hotel rooms, and in some cases have found that their drinks were spiked. There have also been deaths and serious illnesses caused by drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. These cases have occurred in bars, shops, and hotels in popular tourist areas like Bali, Lombok, the Gili Islands, and Sumatra.

Sexual Assault:  Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault, harassment, and rape occur. To minimize the risk, avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Local authorities may not respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General.  

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Participating in demonstrations on a tourist visa can lead to deportation.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams occur in Indonesia. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:

Sexual assault:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek prompt medical assistance, contact the Embassy or nearest Consulate, and call the local police at 112. For a criminal investigation to be initiated by the police, the victim must make a full statement to the local police, in person.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault may choose to be accompanied by a translator.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Follow this link for more information
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism and recreational activity industries are unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  Water sports, especially diving, can be hazardous in Indonesia with operators lightly regulated and hyperbaric chambers available only in Bali and Ambon.  Traffic is hazardous in Indonesia and U.S. citizens are frequently injured while riding rented motorbikes. Wearing a helmet is required by law. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities, and only basic stabilization may be available. Serious injuries require medical evacuation to another country. First responders are generally unable to provide urgent medical treatment or to access areas outside of major cities. Boat and ferry incidents are frequent; vessels rarely carry appropriate sizes and numbers of safety vests; passengers are encouraged to bring their own. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage ( http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health/insurance-providers.html ).

Please note:   The U.S. Embassy and Consulates do not pay the medical expenses of private U.S. citizens in Indonesia. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure adequate medical insurance coverage or funds for medical expenses.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Indonesian laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Criminal cases can take months or even years to resolve, and suspects can be held without charges for up to 60 days, and in many cases longer. Indonesia‘s revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay up-to-date.

If you are convicted of possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Indonesia, you may be subject to heavy fines, long jail sentences, and even the death penalty. Some prescription medications that are available in the United States are illegal in Indonesia. Some drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are illegal in Indonesia. Marijuana, Cannabis, hash, “edibles,” and products containing CBD or THC remain illegal in Indonesia, including for medicinal purposes. A medical prescription does not make it legal. If you take such products to Indonesia or purchase or use them in Indonesia, you can be arrested and face imprisonment, fines, deportation, or the death penalty. Illegal drug convictions often result in lengthy prison sentences, even at the simple possession level. Indonesian prison conditions are harsh and do not meet U.S. standards. Many prisons are overcrowded and provide minimal services. The costs of basic services, including healthcare, often must be borne by the prisoner.

Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• nternational Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  LGBTQI+ status or conduct is not illegal, but local authorities sometimes take legal action against, or tolerate harassment of people engaging in LGBTQI+ relationships or openly expressing LGBTQI+ identity. Some local governments have passed laws criminalizing LGBTQI+ relationships. Same-sex marriages or civil unions recognized as valid in other countries are not legally recognized in Indonesia. The Indonesian Parliament revised the criminal code to include penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage. These revisions, however, will not come into force until January 2026, and how they will be implemented is unclear.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details .

Sharia Law:   Sharia law is enforced in Aceh province and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas. The law is intended for Muslims and should not apply to non-Muslims or foreign visitors. You should be respectful of local traditions, mindful of social norms, and seek guidance from local police if confronted by Sharia authorities. 

Earthquakes and Tsunamis:  There are approximately 4,000 earthquakes per year in Indonesia, or more than 10 per day on average. While most earthquakes are mild, some cause significant destruction and can trigger tsunamis. Tsunami warning systems may not be operable, or reports of tremors and tsunamis may be delayed. Local construction standards are lower than in the United States, and many structures including hotels and malls are prone to damage or collapse in an earthquake. Access to disaster-affected areas is often difficult and assistance from the U.S. Embassy may be limited.

If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, you should follow the instructions of local authorities, bearing in mind that a tsunami could arrive within minutes. The Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning Centre issues tsunami warnings when a potential tsunami with significant impact is imminent or expected.

Volcanoes:  There are 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Eruptions frequently cause travel delays, displace local populations, and disrupt economic activities. 

Environmental Quality:  Air quality in Indonesia’s major cities can range from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy." Current air quality data for Jakarta can be found on the Embassy’s  Air Quality  page. Tap water is not potable throughout Indonesia and should not be consumed. 

Mountain Hiking:  When hiking in mountainous areas, obtain current information on local conditions, travel with a reputable guide, have overseas medical insurance, and carry a local mobile phone. Never go hiking or climbing alone. Particularly dangerous trails may not be clearly labeled as such. Hikers on Puncak Jaya in Papua should have realistic primary and backup plans for climbing down the mountain. Tour operators have abandoned climbers. Taking shortcuts through private property is considered trespassing and is not a safe or legal alternative to a proper plan. If possible, ensure your hiking plans are registered and known to local authorities and/or tourism operators, as this helps identify your presence in these areas in the event of an emergency. 

Dual Nationality:  Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality for adults over 18 years of age. U.S. citizens who are also Indonesian nationals may be required to renounce their Indonesian citizenship and may also be deported.  Please visit our Dual Nationality page .

Travelers with Disabilities:  Persons with disabilities will face severe difficulties in Indonesia as most public places and transportation facilities do not accommodate disabled people. The law in Indonesia prohibits discrimination against persons with mental and physical disabilities, but the law is seldom enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be extremely limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   Women traveling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault, harassment, and rape occur. To minimize the risk, avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. While domestic violence is illegal in Indonesia, these laws are rarely enforced. Local authorities may not respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General and seek medical attention. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

The Government of Indonesia requires all non-Indonesian citizens entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Medical Care:  For emergency services in Indonesia dial 112.

Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are far below U.S. standards. Routine medical care is available in all major cities, although most expatriates leave the country for all but the most basic medical procedures. Physicians and hospitals often expect payment or sizable deposits before providing medical care, even in emergency and/or life-threatening situations. See our  Embassy's  website for a list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals, but keep in mind that even in large cities the quality of English-speaking medical personnel will vary and there are often communication difficulties. In remote areas there may be no English-speaking medical personnel. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Ambulance services are not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation, which can exceed over $100,000 per person.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Be aware that Indonesian authorities may consider some prescription drugs as illegal narcotics. The Indonesian government does not publish a list of which pharmaceuticals are considered contraband, and these decisions may be arbitrary.

U.S. citizens are advised against mailing or shipping by courier any medications to Indonesia. Indonesian authorities pay close attention to packages containing pharmaceuticals and may detain or arrest recipients of both prescription and over the counter medications. Even if a medication is legal or has been prescribed in the United States, it may be considered an illegal narcotic in Indonesia. U.S. citizens are advised to only hand carry prescription medications into the country, in the original packaging with a copy of any prescription. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot assist you with the importation and/or release of medications.  

Marijuana, Cannabis, hash, “edibles,” and products containing CBD or THC remain illegal in Indonesia, including for medicinal purposes.  A medical prescription does not make it legal.

Local pharmacies carry a range of products of variable quality, availability, and cost. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a significant risk; patronize only reputable pharmacies. Malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and  Zika virus  are mosquito borne diseases in Indonesia.  Prevention of mosquito bites  is strongly encouraged; malaria preventive medication is needed in some areas. Pregnant women should be aware that Indonesia is a  CDC Zika risk area  and that Zika can be spread by mosquitos as well as  sexual contact . Diarrheal diseases are very common throughout Indonesia and  food and water precautions  are recommended. Rabies is prevalent in animals and animal contact should be avoided.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. See the OPTIONAL stock language below for additional suggestions.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Indonesia.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Indonesia.

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Water Quality

• Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

General Health Language

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis
• Chikungunya
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Indonesia.

Air Quality

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Indonesia. Consider the impact smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Traffic in Indonesia is hazardous, congested, and undisciplined. Traffic signals are frequently ignored and often in disrepair. Motor vehicles share the roads with other forms of transportation such as pedicabs and pushcarts. Buses and trucks are often dangerously overloaded and travel at high speeds. Accidents between a car and a motorcycle are viewed as the fault of the driver of the car. Consider these risks before driving your own vehicle, especially if you are unaccustomed to Indonesian road conditions.  When an accident results in personal injury, Indonesian law requires both drivers to await the arrival of a police officer to report the accident.

Public Transportation:   Air, ferry, and road accidents that result in fatalities, injuries, and significant damage are common. While all forms of transportation are regulated in Indonesia, oversight is spotty, maintenance may not be properly performed, and rescue and emergency capacity are limited. Indonesia has experienced several fatal plane crashes and non-fatal runway overruns in recent years. Also in recent years, several ferry accidents and a train collision resulted in dozens of fatalities and even more injuries because of over-crowding and unsafe conditions.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Also, visit  Indonesia's national tourist office  online for road safety information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Indonesia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Indonesia’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Since 2014, several private pilots have inadvertently crossed into Indonesian airspace and have been detained and paid heavy fines. If you intend to fly on private aircraft through Indonesian airspace, get clearances from Indonesian aviation authorities before you depart. 

Maritime Safety and Security:   Inter-island travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous: storms can appear quickly, vessels may be over-crowded and lack basic safety equipment, and safety standards vary. Ferries have sunk, resulting in loss of life. The Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency records boat and ferry accidents resulting in injuries and deaths yearly. Boats and ferries used in tourism or general transportation frequently break down, stranding passengers or capsizing; not all boats are equipped with adequate life vests. Make sure you are satisfied with safety equipment and life jackets before travelling. 

Piracy:  Maritime piracy and other related crimes in and around Indonesian waters continue. Recent reports include thefts of valuables or cargo from boats that are in port and out at sea. Before traveling by sea, especially in the Strait of Malacca between Riau Province and Singapore, and in the waters north of Sulawesi and Kalimantan, review the current security situation with local authorities. Be vigilant, reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas on board, and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Indonesia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on the  Maritime Administration website . Information may also be posted to the websites of the  U.S. Coast Guard  and the  National Geospace Intelligence Agency  (select “broadcast warnings”).

In recent years, private vessels have inadvertently anchored in Indonesian waters, especially near Singapore, and have been detained and paid heavy fines.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Indonesia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Please can anyone advise me with what is the best thing to do? or share your past experience!

If there is an Indonesian Consulate or Embassy in your friend's city or nearby, it would be best to contact them and ask the requirements for a visa. Failing that, perhaps a local travel agent could advise.

Honestly, it is extremely difficult for anyone with an Israeli passport to enter Indonesia for a holiday. Your friend would have the best chance with the 3rd choice but even then it will not be easy, probably still impossible.

Surely your friend understands how Indonesia feels about Israel and might be better choosing an easier holiday destination.

Tripadvisor staff has removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guidelines with regards to off-topic chat.

When I first read this question, I was very interested to see what advice would be given on the forum. Now that I have read the replies, I thought it was pretty sad.

personally, I don't agreed with statements above that the Indonesia people being anti-Semitic I know Jewish people who have travelled through bali and they had no problem regarding their religion.

but I did find this piece of info

Due to the fact that Indonesia and Israel do not, at present, share diplomatic relations, nationals and passport holders of Israel are unfortunately unable to enter the Republic of Indonesia as a tourist or otherwise without special authorisation from the Immigration Office. Therefore, all such applications have to be sent to the Immigration Office in Indonesia.

so it looks like government wise the restrictions go both ways

A pragmatic solution would be to use a third country passport - maybe your Israeli friend has U.S., French, Polish or any other passport? To be on the safe side in case of meeting an overzealous immigration official (or one hoping to extract a bribe), it would probably be better if the passport were issued in the respective country, not in its embassy in Tel Aviv.

I am quite certain that the Balinese people would have nothing against an Israeli visitor. It's the politically-driven govt travel restrictions that are the problem.

Based on his situation (participant in an int'l sporting event, support of int'l sporting organization), I would rather suppose that the chances of getting an Indonesian visa for a simple holiday visit on an Israeli passport are probably null.

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Israeli delegation pays rare visit to Indonesia

An Israeli delegation visited Muslim-majority Indonesia in late July. The organizer, the Israel-Asia Center, said the trip was intended to explore the potential for bilateral connections through investment, start-up ventures and social impact initiatives.

As the two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Israelis rarely receive visas to visit Indonesia, the Israeli delegation was composed of people with dual citizenship. Israel does offer visas under certain conditions for Indonesian Christian and Muslim pilgrim groups wishing to visit the Holy Land.

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Israel-Indonesia Futures FAQs

Israel- indonesia futures program.

What language is the program conducted in? The program is conducted in English.

What level of professional experience is required? Candidates should be able to fulfill the program eligibility requirements.

What nationalities are eligible to apply? Applicants must be Indonesian or Israeli.

Is this program entirely online? Yes, the program is entirely online.

How interactive will the program be? Although online, the program has been designed to be as interactive as possible. Seminars involve interactive discussions and break-out sessions with speakers. Workshops comprise team-based sessions in small groups. The team-based challenges component of the program also requires team meetings and interaction with each other. Participants are expected to take a pro-active role on the program.

I am Indonesian but am not currently living in Indonesia. Can I still apply? Yes. However, you should be able to demonstrate how your current work connects to Indonesia. The same applies to Israelis not currently living in Israel.

How will the teams be formed? Candidates should apply as individuals. During the orientation process, in the first three weeks of the program, participants will select their team-mates through a series of workshops designed to help participants get to know one another. Each team will comprise 2 Israelis and 2 Indonesians. Guidelines will also be provided to help participants select their team-mate preferences.

Can I apply together with a colleague? Yes, you can apply with a colleague. However, each candidate must submit a separate application, and applications will be assessed on their individual merit. What is the time commitment for the program? Is it compatible to working in a full-time job?

While the program has been designed for professionals in full-time employment, applicants to the program should expect this to be an intensive program, if balancing it with full-time work.

Below are the expected time commitments to the program:

• Pre-program briefings will take place prior to the start of the program for Israeli and Indonesian participants. These will last 1.5 hours and will take place on Thursday, 4 January . Times to be announced. 
• Seminars and workshops will be on Sundays (7 January – 3 March): Mornings in Israel / Afternoons in Indonesia. Sessions will last approximately 4 hours . During Ramadan , shorter sessions will be held on 17 March and 24 March, lasting no more than 2.5 hours .
• From Week 4 of the program, teams will need to find time to meet with their fellow  team members each week to work on their team project .
• View the program dates and schedule here .

I am concerned about participating in an Israeli program, given the lack of diplomatic ties between Israel and Indonesia. What measures are you taking to ensure a safe space for Indonesian participants?  We understand the sensitivities of the relations between Israel and Indonesia. Therefore, no names of program participants, speakers, partners or supporters will be published without their express permission.

Furthermore, all participants, speakers and partners in the program are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding the confidentiality of all participating parties in the program in order to create a confidential safe space where all those engaged in the program can do so openly and freely.

Can Israelis travel to Indonesia? Yes. There are three ways Israelis can currently travel to Indonesia

 For Israelis with dual nationality:

• If in possession of a second (non-Israeli) passport, Israelis can simply travel on their second passport and acquire a visa on arrival.

     For Israelis who do not have dual nationality:

• Israelis can travel to Indonesia on a business visa sponsored by an Indonesian company.
• Israelis can travel to Indonesia on a tourist visa as part of a tour group with a guide.

Can Indonesians travel to Israel? Yes. Indonesians can and do travel to Israel. Prior to COVID, approximately 50,000 Indonesians traveled to Israel on an annual basis – as tourists, students and businesspeople. 

Is there a program fee?

While the program is heavily subsidized by our supporters and program sponsors, an acceptance fee of 350 USD is required on acceptance to the program in order to confirm your place on the program.

Do you offer any scholarships? Our 2024 program acceptance fee has been significantly reduced (from its usual 950 USD). Therefore, we will not be offering scholarships for the 2024 program.

Tell me more about the ongoing opportunities following the program

Alumni of this program will join a high-level, high-impact alumni network of the Israel-Asia Center’s leadership programs and wider networks.

All alumni of the Israel-Asia Center’s leadership programs also benefit from ongoing access to high-level networking platforms through the Israel-Asia Center and its networks, as well as exclusive networking events, and ongoing career guidance.

Alumni will also be eligible to participate in alumni delegations between Israel and Indonesia following the program.

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Indonesia to normalize ties with Israel as part of bid to join OECD

World's largest muslim country agrees to start process of establishing diplomatic ties with israel in return for jerusalem's approval of its request to join the oecd.

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Indonesia denies reports about normalising ties with Israel to join the OECD

JAKARTA – Indonesia has denied allegations that it will establish diplomatic ties with Israel to gain membership to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on April 11 that Indonesia had agreed to normalise its ties with Israel. The media outlet said Jakarta needed Israel to approve its request to join the OECD.

Yedioth Ahronoth said the agreement was reached after three months of secret talks between Israel, Indonesia and the 38-nation OECD.

Under the agreement, Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, would undertake to normalise its ties with Jerusalem.

The media outlet cited a recent letter from OECD secretary-general Mathias Cormann to Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz, saying any future decision to accept Indonesia as a member of the organisation would require unanimous agreement among all the members, including Israel.

Mr Katz, in a letter to Mr Cormann, was quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth as saying he expected a positive change in Indonesia’s policy towards Israel, “and in particular a renunciation of the discriminatory policy towards Israel, towards the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the parties”.

Another media outlet, The Times of Israel, confirmed the report, citing an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity about Indonesia’s possible normalisation of ties with Israel. 

There was no official comment from OECD on the media reports.

Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Lalu Muhamad Iqbal said Indonesia’s stance towards Palestine remains unchanged, and it maintains its “unwavering support for Palestine’s independence” by way of a two-state solution. This refers to Palestine and Israel existing as two independent states.

“Until today, there are no plans to open diplomatic ties with Israel, particularly amid Israel’s atrocities in Gaza,” Mr Lalu said on April 11. 

“Indonesia will always be consistent to be at the forefront of defending the rights of the Palestinians,” he added. 

Indonesia has strongly condemned Israel’s war in Gaza and backed South Africa’s litigation against Jerusalem at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

On Feb 20, the OECD said it would begin accession talks with Indonesia following a decision by its ruling council.

The OECD council, which consists of all member countries, including Israel, sets the terms, conditions and process for accession. Unanimous agreement from all existing members is necessary to accept new members.

Ms Julia Lau, senior fellow and co-coordinator of the Indonesia Studies Programme at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, said the current situation in Gaza will not permit the Indonesian government to “contemplate such a dramatic move” such as expediting formal diplomatic relations with Israel. 

“That would be political suicide for the current administration and cause severe tensions,” she told The Straits Times.

“It would also not be in keeping with Indonesian policy so far, calling for ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to Palestine in addition to a two-state solution.”  

The Indonesian Air Force, in cooperation with their Jordanian counterpart, air-dropped humanitarian aid comprising 3,200kg of food and medicine in Gaza on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri on April 9.

Dr Dinna Prapto Raharja, associate professor of international relations at Bina Nusantara University, shared a similar view, saying that given the continuing violence in the Gaza Strip, the Indonesian government would not normalise ties with Israel. 

She said the media reports might be used by certain Israeli hardline groups, which tend to discredit Indonesia. 

“Every time Indonesia actively seeks information about Palestine and takes measures towards Palestine, they issue surprising statements. But we should not buy them,” she added. 

Dr Dinna said such reports might be seen as efforts to break “Indonesia’s persistent campaign to humanise Palestinians and set Palestine free”.

Ms Lau said the OECD issue might be used by certain groups in Israel to “pressurise Jakarta into a corner”. But if this is the case, it would backfire on Israel more than anything, she added.

“The Israelis would know that world opinion is increasingly arrayed against them, even among Western governments that have long had positive ties with Israel.” 

There have been reports in the past about Indonesia’s plan to establish ties with Israel, including one in February, but the Indonesian authorities denied them. 

In 2016, a report by The Times of Israel quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying: “It’s time for there to be official relations between Indonesia and Israel. We have many opportunities for bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of water technology and high-tech.”

But the Indonesian government rebuffed Mr Netanyahu’s call for closer relations.

“We want to assert that Indonesia’s support and efforts to push for the independence of Palestine will not change,” The Jakarta Post quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir as saying at the time.

In 2022, former Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla suggested that the government open diplomatic ties with Israel to enable Indonesia to act as a mediator between Israel and Palestine, The Jakarta Post reported.

In 2023, Indonesia lost its bid to host the soccer U-20 World Cup championship due to a domestic controversy over Israel’s participation.

On Indonesia’s process to become an OECD member, Mr Lalu said the process will require “quite a long time” and Indonesia will adopt the road map for its OECD membership in May. Indonesia would be the OECD’s first South-east Asian member.

“The duration of time needed by each country to fully achieve full membership in the OECD varies. All depends on its readiness,” he said. 

Indonesia, South-east Asia’s largest economy, hopes to finish the process of joining the group within two or three years, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on Feb 28. 

Its participation in the OECD, which requires its institutional reforms to comply with the group’s high standards, is seen as supportive to its goal to become a developed country by 2045, when it marks its 100th anniversary of independence.

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Follow our news, recent searches, indonesia denies claims of normalising ties with israel for oecd membership, advertisement.

Both countries have reportedly engaged in secret talks over the past three months to facilitate Indonesia's membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

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SINGAPORE: Indonesia’s foreign ministry has rejected media reports suggesting the country would normalise diplomatic ties with Israel in exchange for membership at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

"I affirm that, as of now, there are no plans to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, particularly given Israel's actions in Gaza,” Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Lalu Muhamad Iqbal said in a statement to Antara news agency on Thursday (Apr 11) night.

Mr Iqbal reiterated Indonesia's unwavering support for Palestinian independence within a framework of a two-state solution, emphasising that Indonesia remains consistent in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.

Indonesia is bidding to join the OECD, an intergovernmental organisation that currently has 38 members that are mostly developed countries. Accepting new countries to the organisation requires unanimous approval from members, which include Israel.

Indonesia aims to become an advanced economy by 2045 and began the OECD accession process in February – the first country in Southeast Asia to do so.

Mr Iqbal noted it typically takes three to five years for countries to become a member. "The timing of Indonesia's full membership in the OECD is yet to be determined," he said.

The roadmap for Indonesia’s OECD membership is slated for adoption by Jakarta in May.

Indonesia has been reported to tolerate low-level quiet contact with Israel, mainly on trade, but has largely shunned direct open ties with the country. 

Analysis: A war of opinions brewing in Malaysia and Indonesia over impact of anti-Israel boycotts

Commentary: Why the next decade is not simply about getting rich for Indonesia

Last month, President Joko Widodo’s office denied media reports that Jakarta and Tel Aviv had intended to normalise relations in October 2023, before the Oct 7 Hamas attack in Israel and the resulting war against Hamas in Gaza caused the plan to be shelved.

DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH ISRAEL A CONDITION FOR OECD MEMBERSHIP?

Several leading Israeli news outlets have reported that Indonesia has agreed to normalise relations with Israel as a condition for joining the OECD.

The groundwork for this agreement was laid during three months of secret negotiations involving Jakarta, Tel Aviv and OECD secretary-general Mathias Cormann, they reported.

The reports added that Indonesia has agreed to a clause stating that it must establish diplomatic relations with Israel before its membership is approved by the organisation.

"I am pleased to announce the Council has officially agreed to the clear and explicit early conditions according to which Indonesia must establish diplomatic relations with all OECD member countries before any decision is made to admit it to the OECD,” Mr Cormann wrote in a letter issued two weeks ago to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, according to news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth. The letter was reportedly approved by Indonesia.

In his reply to Mr Cormann on Wednesday, Mr Katz welcomed the breakthrough. "I share your expectation that this process will constitute a change for Indonesia, as I anticipate a positive change in its policy toward Israel, especially abandoning its hostile policy toward it, leading the path to full diplomatic relations between all sides." 

According to an unnamed Israeli official, the normalisation of relations between Indonesia and Israel would be significant amid ongoing anti-Israel sentiment due to its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Last year, world football governing body FIFA stripped Indonesia of its U-20 World Cup host status following protests by Islamic groups as well as opposition from two governors to Israel’s participation.

Normalising relations will put an end to Israel's rejection of Indonesia's OECD membership.

Israel has refused Indonesia's accession for several reasons, including the absence of formal relations between the two countries, Indonesia's outspoken criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, and Indonesia's support for South Africa's lawsuit against Israel in the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

OECD membership is expected to have a positive impact on Indonesia's economy, with projections it could increase investment from OECD countries by up to 0.37 per cent and boost the country's gross domestic product by up to 0.94 per cent.

Insight 2023/2024 - Indonesia, Malaysia And The Israel-Hamas War

Commentary: Lessons from the cancellation of Indonesia’s under-20 FIFA World Cup hosting rights

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• International

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April 11, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Heather Chen , Antoinette Radford, Tori B. Powell , Aditi Sangal and Elise Hammond , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

UN committee fails to reach consensus on full Palestinian membership, Security Council president says

From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said. 

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

• Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
• US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after  threats made by Tehran against Israel,  according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
• Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
• Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials  are on high alert  for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

• Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
• Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said. 

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the  mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to the strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a  security alert  posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known. 

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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By Kathleen Magramo and Sana Noor Haq, CNN

US Navy has spent $1 billion on munitions to thwart attacks in Middle East, US Navy Secretary says

From CNN's Haley Britzky

The US Navy has spent nearly $1 billion on munitions to thwart “over 130 direct attacks” on US military and merchant ships in the Middle East over the past six months, the US Navy Secretary said Tuesday.

US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro urged lawmakers on Tuesday to pass the supplemental national security package to replenish munitions.

“Over the course of the last six months …. we have actually countered over 130 direct attacks on US Navy ships and merchant ships,” Del Toro told the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“The munitions that are critical to these counterstrikes are extremely important to the Department of the Navy," Del Toro said.

"We currently have approaching $1 billion in munitions that we need to replenish at some point in time. So therefore, the over $2 billion that’s provided for in the supplemental is direly critical to our Navy and Marine Corps to be able to replenish those munitions and continue to provide the types of defensive measures that we have this past six and a half months now.”

Putin and Iranian president discuss “aggravated situation” in the Middle East

From CNN's Anna Chernova

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken with his Iranian counterpart President Ebrahim Raisi about regional tensions in the Middle East, after Tehran launched retaliatory strikes from its soil directly on Israel for the first time .

The Kremlin described an “aggravated situation," after Israel and its allies intercepted missiles released by Iran over the weekend. Tehran said the attack was in response to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month.

Putin “expressed the hope that all parties will show reasonable restraint and will not allow a new round of confrontation, fraught with catastrophic consequences for the entire region.”

“In turn, Ebrahim Raisi noted that Iran’s actions were forced and limited in nature. At the same time, he emphasized Tehran’s disinterest in further escalation of tensions,” the Kremlin added.

Israel finishes war cabinet meeting to discuss response to Iranian strikes 

From CNN's Benjamin Brown

A meeting between Israeli war cabinet officials over their response to Iran's retaliatory strikes has concluded, an Israeli official told CNN. The source did not give any additional details about the talks.

The discussion, which began 12:30 p.m. local time (5:30 a.m. ET), was the fifth set of talks held by the war cabinet since the weekend, when Tehran launched a barrage of missiles in retaliation to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, in Syria.

Regional leaders and allies of Israel have called for restraint as Israel plans its response, in high-stakes efforts to minimize a wider escalation over Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

IDF says it killed Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon 

From CNN's Eugenia Yosef and Hande Atay Alam 

The Israeli military says it has killed a Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon.

"Earlier today, an IAF (Israeli Air Force) aircraft struck and eliminated Ismail Yusaf Baz, the commander of Hezbollah’s coastal sector, in the area of Ain Ebel in Lebanon," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement Tuesday.

It added that "Ismail served as a senior and veteran official in several positions of Hezbollah's military wing. His current rank is equivalent to a brigade commander."

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah confirmed in a statement that Ismail had been killed in southern Lebanon. 

Palestinian food blogger cooks meals from aid parcels, bringing joy to children in Gaza

From CNN's Sana Noor Haq

A young Palestinian girl hungrily bites into a meat-filled wrap at a displacement shelter in southern Gaza, her eyes wide with gratitude.

In another scene from the  Instagram video , posted by Hamada Shaqoura in March, the girl feeds a little boy the same sandwich. Their shadows dance in the golden glow of the Gazan sun.

Shaqoura, a Palestinian food blogger displaced in the Gaza Strip, says he cooks on a gas stove and distributes meals using tinned food from aid parcels and other fresh ingredients, to bring joy to displaced children.

“I wanted to make new things for a change and to present new flavors. When I made my first attempt and saw the children's happiness... I was pleased and felt that as a food blogger, I could provide something of value under these difficult circumstances,” the 32-year-old told CNN on April 6.

Shaqoura, who is displaced with his 25-year-old pregnant wife, Lamis, started posting viral clips of his creations on  social media . He cooks a variety of dishes ranging from tuna stew, beef tacos and pasta. Israel’s severe restrictions on aid entering Gaza have drained essential supplies, exposing the entire population of more than 2.2 million people to the risk  of famine .

Egyptian foreign minister spoke with Israeli and Iranian officials on maintaining peace in the region

From CNN’s Becky Anderson, Adam Pourahmadi and Caitlin Danaher

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with his Israeli and Iranian counterparts upholding "tranquility and peace," as world leaders seek to contain the risk of a wider regional war.

Shoukry told CNN’s Becky Anderson that the tit-for-tat reciprocal targeting between Israel and Iran is “in no way conducive to dealing with the long-standing issues and conflicts in the region.”

“This will get us into a never-ending cycle of reprisal that will only lead to a wider-scale confrontation, with very severe consequences for both peoples in both countries,” Shoukry said. 

Regional tensions flare: It came after Iran launched a salvo of strikes on Israel over the weekend, in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus, in Syria. As Israeli officials discuss their response , regional officials and Israel's allies have warned against an escalation in tensions over Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Talks on securing a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza are ongoing, according to Shoukry. 

Israeli offensive in Rafah: Israel has delayed plans for an expected ground invasion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where most Palestinians were forced to flee Israel's bombardment. When asked if Egypt could temporarily allow the entrance of Gazan refugees in the wake of military action in Rafah, Shoukry said Egypt will continue to act in the best interests of the Palestinian people. The mass displacement of Palestinians caused by Israeli military action in Rafah would amount to "a war crime," he added.

Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed at least 33,843 Palestinians, health officials say

From CNN's Kareem Khadder and Sana Noor Haq

At least 46 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health there reported on Tuesday, raising the total death toll to 33,843 people.

The ministry said that 76,575 Palestinians have been wounded. CNN cannot independently verify these numbers.

As of April 13, according to the ministry:

• 14,560 Palestinian children have been killed.
• 9,582 women have been killed
• 485 medical staff have been killed
• 72% of Palestinians killed are women and children.

Human rights warnings: The UN warned that "huge swathes of Gaza have been bombed into oblivion," as Israel's military offensive in the enclave surpassed six months.

"The violations of international law committed since 7 October in Israel and Gaza, including gross violations of international human rights law... by all parties to the conflict, as well as the destruction and suffering of civilians in Gaza over the last six months, are unprecedented," the UN added, in a statement in April.

More than 10,000 women killed in Gaza since war began, UN says

From CNN's Hande Atay Alam in Atlanta

More than 10,000 women have been killed in Gaza since Israel's war with Hamas began in October, according to estimates by UN Women in a report published Tuesday. 

“Six months into the war, 10,000 Palestinian women in Gaza have been killed, among them an estimated 6,000 mothers, leaving 19,000 children orphaned,” it said.

The report said more than 1 million Palestinian women and girls in the Strip are facing "catastrophic hunger," with almost no access to food , safe drinking water, functioning toilets or running water, creating life-threatening risks.

"One child is injured or dies every 10 minutes," it added.

"Women who have survived the bombing are suffering daily starvation, sickness, and constant fear. The war in Gaza is no doubt a war on women, who are paying a heavy price for a war not of their making”, said Susanne Mikhail, Regional Director of UN Women in the Arab States at a media briefing in Geneva.

The IDF has said that it tries to reduce harm to civilians in Gaza.

Germany's foreign minister is flying to Israel in bid to de-escalate tensions

From CNN's Inke Kappeler in Berlin

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is traveling to Israel Tuesday in an attempt to de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict , following Iran's unprecedented strikes on Israel Sunday.

“It is incredibly important for us as the German government in these fragile times that we all work together to contribute to de-escalation for the entire region," Baerbock said during a joint news conference with her Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, in Berlin.

She accused Iran of not being interested in regional peace and said it wanted to add fuel to the fire.

Baerbock's visit to Israel will be her eighth trip the region since October 7. She also said she hoped recent talks between Israel and Hamas could bring about "the long-awaited sustainable ceasefire."

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