U.S. issues ‘do not travel’ warning to parts of this Southeast Asian vacation spot
3 min read
If you’re planning a trip to this Southeast Asian vacation destination anytime soon, take note that there are some parts of the country where you shouldn’t travel.
The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory to Indonesia, warning travelers not to travel to certain parts of the country due to “violent unrest” in those areas.
Here’s what you need to know if you still plan on traveling to Indonesia.
What does the latest travel advisory to Indonesia mean for you?
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Date | April 30, 2025 |
| What’s changing | Updated travel advisory urging travelers to “exercise increased caution” throughout the country due to “terrorism and natural disasters” and “do not travel” to “Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest” |
| What will happen? | Travelers should monitor local media and avoid demonstrations and crowds, as “armed separatists may kidnap foreign nationals.” |
| Who will it affect? | Travelers to Indonesia |
The agency gave a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory to Indonesia due to “terrorism and natural disasters,” noting that some areas have an increased risk.
The State Department especially warned people to “not travel” to “Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest.”
What is the highest travel advisory?
There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination.
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel – There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.
What should travelers to Indonesia do in light of this travel advisory?
The U.S. State Department warns travelers who are planning to travel to Indonesia to do the following:
- 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.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds, specifically in Central Papua and Highland Papua.
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
