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Last Updated:
November 8, 2007 14:45
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 19:06 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Sections 1 (Current Issue removed) and 8 ( See our Current Issues page for information on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor reports of dengue fever transmission in BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to You are advised to exercise a high level of security awareness in the country due to the current threat of terrorist attacks against Western interests in Ongoing ethnic and religious tensions in areas of Heightened security remains in place in Humanitarian aid workers who choose to travel to Aceh despite this warning should do so only in conjunction with well established and reputable organizations. They should exercise extreme caution at all times and in all places, particularly outside of Banda Aceh, and register and remain in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Regional Warning
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the following regions: a) Central and b) Maluku and in particular c) Papua (formerly Irian Jaya): There have been fatal clashes in central Papua. There is an active independence movement and tension between the local community and security forces is high. Permits are required for all travel to Papua, except Jayapura and OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Crime is rising at an alarming rate in Canadians who choose to travel to In October 2005, a series of explosions took place at The Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf group has kidnapped tourists from Canadians should be alert for unfamiliar vehicles parked near residences. Unattended packages should be treated with caution and reported to authorities. Bomb threats should be taken seriously. Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Indonesia and was valid on May 18, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Indonesia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into the country. This regulation is strictly enforced and failure to comply may result in immigration authorities refusing entry into Indonesia. Officials at the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta are powerless in their ability to assist. Travellers transiting from other points will not be permitted to board their onward flights to Indonesia without the six-month validity period. Canadians travelling on business or planning to study in Indonesia must be in possession of a visa prior to arrival. An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the stay are also required. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required Holders of a valid Canadian passport may obtain their tourist visa upon arrival at most major airports and seaports, but travellers should check with the nearest Indonesian embassy prior to arrival. Travellers who are entering by land must obtain a visa prior to arrival at an Indonesian embassy or consulate. The cost of a seven-day visa is US$10 and a 30-day visa is US$25. Travellers should arrive with the appropriate amount in U.S. dollars. All U.S. dollar bills must have been issued after 1999 and be in good condition. Visas may be extended in exceptional circumstances only (e.g. illness, natural disaster). Aid workers are required to have a sponsor in Indonesia in order to obtain a visa. The visa must be obtained by the sponsor at the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR) prior to the arrival in Indonesia. The contact number for the BRR is 0651-636666 or 0651-636123. Journalists visiting Indonesia for reporting purposes should ensure that they obtain the appropriate visa from Indonesian authorities. Canadians planning to work in Indonesia should ensure their employer provides them with a multiple entry/exit permit to facilitate unexpected and/or urgent departures from the country. A fee of IDR 100,000 is required on all international departures. This fee must be paid in cash at the time of departure. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses: Indonesia - JAKARTA, Embassy of Canada Address: World Trade Centre, 6th Floor, Jl. Jend Sudirman, Kav. 29, Jakarta 12920 Postal Address: P.O. Box 8324/JKS.MP, Jakarta, 12084 Tel.: 62 (21) 2550-7800 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 008-800-105-171 Fax: 62 (21) 2550-7811 E-Mail: jkrta@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/asia/jakarta The Consulate General of Australia in Bali can assist Canadians in an emergency (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement). The address is as follows: Indonesia - BALI, Consulate General of Australia Address: Jalan Tantular No.32, RenonDenpasar, Bali Postal Address: P.O. Box 80234, Renon Denpasar, Bali Tel.: 62 (361) 241-118 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 008-800-105-171 Fax: 62 (361) 221-195 or 62 (361) 241-120 (Visa enquiries only) Internet: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Indonesia For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 008-800-105-171. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. Canada does not have a Transfer of Offenders Treaty with Indonesia. Police are increasingly enforcing existing drug laws. Canadians are reminded that Indonesian laws regarding illegal drugs are very strict and include the death penalty for serious drug offences. The possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can result in serious fines and/or prison sentences. Suspects can be detained indefinitely while police conduct investigations prior to prosecution. In August 2005, Indonesian authorities introduced random drug testing of tourists throughout the country, resulting in several arrests. Gambling is illegal in Indonesia. Local customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or export of items such as medications and videotapes. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia for specific information regarding customs requirements. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY The Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation released the results of an operational performance assessment on Indonesian commercial airlines. Canadian travellers should be aware that some local airlines do not maintain their aircraft to international standards. In light of recent crashes, sometimes fatal, Canadians should carefully evaluate implications for their security and safety before deciding to undertake domestic air travel. Traffic drives on the left, and streets are generally congested. Road conditions, particularly outside major centres, are substandard. Night driving in rural areas is dangerous as most rural roads are unlit and some drivers do not use lights. Helmets are required when using motorcycles, but this law is not strictly enforced. Motorcycle accidents are the main cause of death and serious injury among foreigners visiting Bali. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. In the past several years, a number of small commercial aircraft have crashed in remote parts of Indonesia. Maintenance standards, particularly for small regional carriers, are often below Canadian standards. Maritime accidents are also common and are often caused by poor safety practices. Many remote parts of Indonesia have poor transport links, and departure from these areas may prove difficult or impossible in times of crisis. The currency is the rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are widely accepted in major centres. However, care should be taken as there is a very high rate of credit and debit card fraud in Indonesia. Users should pay careful attention when their cards are being handled by others during payment processing. Indonesia is known for its high rate of on-line credit card fraud. Visitors should ensure that their card information (number, name, expiry date) is kept private. All receipts and bills with a credit or debit card number should be either kept secure or completely destroyed. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks and larger hotels. It is best to carry cash in small denominations in remote areas. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE Indonesia is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common. Canadians in the surroundings of any volcano should pay careful attention to all warnings issued, avoid restricted areas, and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an eruption. Specifically, there has been recent volcanic activity at On In December 2004, a massive tsunami struck coastal areas on the Indian Ocean, including the island of Sumatra, following an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale. A similar event could occur in the future. A tsunami warning system has not yet been established for the Indian Ocean. The rainy season extends from December to March, but heavy rains are common throughout the year. Landslides and flooding can occur with little warning, especially in remote areas where extensive deforestation is common. These incidents have led to numerous fatalities and extensive destruction of property. Travellers should monitor regional weather forecasts and follow warnings issued by local authorities. Unrestricted burning of forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan periodically causes levels of atmospheric pollution to rise to unhealthy levels, particularly from June to October. Travellers with respiratory problems should take this into account and consult with their physician prior to travelling. Such unrestricted burning may also lead to travel disruptions in affected areas. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to monitor the global poliomyelitis situation, including reports of human polio infection in Indonesia. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. Cases of dengue fever have been reported in some areas of BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities throughout Indonesia are below Western standards. Medical evacuations to Australia or Singapore are often required for serious conditions. Most of the medical staff does not speak English or French. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. To avoid risks of mosquito-borne dengue fever, travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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