Safety Briefing for Your Trip in Indonesia
Before entering Indonesia, ensure you understand your visa conditions and entry and exit requirements. Indonesian authorities strictly enforce passport standards, and travelers with damaged passports have been denied entry. Even minor tears, rips, or water damage can be considered unacceptable.
If you are traveling to Bali, review the Bali Provincial Government’s ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for foreign tourists before your trip. Disrespectful behavior towards local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies may result in criminal penalties or deportation.
Safety
Public protests and large gatherings occur regularly in Indonesia and can turn violent without warning. Expect traffic delays and restricted access to certain areas during protests. To ensure your safety, avoid demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates.
Many of Indonesia's volcanoes are active and can erupt without warning. Adhere to exclusion zones around volcanoes, which can change at short notice, and follow the advice of local authorities. Volcanic activity may escalate without notice, leading to flight disruptions and airport closures, including in surrounding provinces. Contact your airline for the latest flight information. Monitor Indonesia's local advisories Volcano Observatory Notice for the latest volcanic activity (Bahasa Indonesia and English), Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre for updates. Legal disputes over real estate are common, including in Bali. Before entering into an agreement or providing financial details, do your research and get legal advice.
Natural disasters such as severe weather, floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis occur regularly. Weather conditions can change quickly during the wet season (usually around October – April; however, the wet season can be different in Eastern Indonesia). Regularly check weather reports, monitor media and speak to your travel provider before continuing with planned activities. Follow the advice of local authorities.
When undertaking adventure activities, ensure that functioning safety equipment is available, that you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for these activities.
Local Laws
Indonesia has revised its criminal code, which includes penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage. These revisions will not come into force until January 2026.
Penalties for drug offences include heavy fines, lengthy prison sentences, and the death penalty. Do not possess or use illegal drugs in Indonesia. Police frequently target tourist destinations and events.
Some medications are illegal in Indonesia, and harsh penalties can apply even if you have a prescription. It is also illegal to purchase prescription medications online or over the counter without an Indonesian prescription. Ensure you have a valid Indonesian prescription. See 'Health' for more information.
The death penalty exists for certain crimes in Indonesia.
Standards of dress and behavior are conservative in many parts of the country. Learn about local customs and respect local religion, places of worship, traditional ceremonies, and religious offerings. Avoid actions that may cause offense. Do not climb sacred trees or take photographs that may be considered disrespectful, especially at religious and cultural sites. In some locations, photography is prohibited. Always obey signs banning photography.
Before traveling to Bali, read the Bali Provincial Government's official 'Do's and Don'ts' advice for foreign tourists. Failure to observe local customs and laws may result in criminal penalties and/or deportation. If unsure, consult local authorities or your travel provider.
In Aceh Province, aspects of sharia law are enforced and apply to everyone, including travelers. Familiarize yourself with local laws and take care not to offend or violate them. If in doubt, seek local advice.
