Canada Joins UK, Germany, Australia, And New Zealand For Issuing Travel Advisory For Indonesia Amid All Indonesia Arrival Card Mandate This Fall And Growing Travel Concerns: What You Need To Know

Published on
August 30, 2025

Canada has joined UK, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand in issuing a travel advisory for Indonesia amid the introduction of the All Indonesia Arrival Card requirement this fall and escalating safety concerns. Travelers have been cautioned about these countries due to potential terrorism, civil strife, volcanic eruptions, and newly implemented digital gate regulations. This is especially true with the All Indonesia Arrival Card which is compulsory for all international travelers starting September 2025. This is particularly true as the government is trying to simplify international access to the country while simultaneously dealing with worsening lockdown security and safety issues.

As the travel landscape continues to evolve amidst global challenges, Indonesia has become a focal point for international travel advisories. The introduction of the All Indonesia Arrival Card—a digital entry platform set to roll out in stages—has caught the attention of several governments, including Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. These nations have issued detailed travel warnings for Indonesia, urging travelers to exercise caution and be aware of potential risks related to terrorism, civil unrest, volcanic activity, and now, new entry requirements.

Canada Travel Advisory for Indonesia

Canada has joined other global powers in issuing a travel advisory for Indonesia, urging its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution due to ongoing security threats. While the country’s famous tourist destinations, including Bali and Jakarta, attract millions of international travelers, Canada’s concerns are focused on volcanic activity, terrorism threats, and civil unrest, particularly in regions like Papua.

Key Points of Canada’s Advisory:

• Terrorism: There remains a constant threat of terrorism in Indonesia. Terrorist groups, despite efforts by Indonesian authorities, still pose risks in tourist-heavy areas. Recent incidents have underscored the vulnerability of sites frequented by foreigners, such as government buildings, airports, and public transport hubs.
• Papua and Papua Barat: Political instability in Papua continues to cause concern. Militant groups have carried out violent attacks targeting foreigners, including threats of kidnapping. The presence of security forces in the region is strong, but travelers are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the provinces of Papua, South Papua, and West Papua.
• All Indonesia Arrival Card: Starting September 1, 2025, all travelers arriving at major airports like Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Ngurah Rai (Bali), and Juanda (Surabaya) must present a digital All Indonesia Arrival Card online at least 72 hours before departure. This requirement is designed to streamline entry procedures but also highlights the increased level of regulation that travelers must adhere to when visiting Indonesia.

UK Travel Advisory for Indonesia

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a comprehensive travel warning, advising against all travel to specific regions in Indonesia. This includes the volcanic areas where eruptions remain a serious concern. The FCDO has also made it clear that traveling against their advice could invalidate your travel insurance.

FCDO’s Key Advisory Details:

• Volcanic Risks: Certain active volcanoes, such as Mount Lewotobi on Flores Island, Mount Semeru in East Java, and Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra, are deemed hazardous. The FCDO advises against all travel to areas within a certain radius from the craters, where sudden eruptions could occur.
• Kidnapping and Terrorism Risks: Just like Canada, the UK is concerned about terrorism, particularly in areas where foreigners might be targeted, such as Jakarta and Bali. The potential for terrorist attacks in tourist hotspots, military installations, and airports remains a serious issue. Travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant, especially during religious holidays or public events.
• Entry Requirements: For UK citizens planning to visit Indonesia, there are strict passport and visa requirements. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with two blank pages. Travelers need to apply for a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) or a longer-term visa depending on their purpose of visit. Note that travelers overstaying their visa can incur hefty fines.

Germany Travel Advisory for Indonesia

Germany Federal Foreign Office has cautioned its citizens against traveling to certain regions in Indonesia, particularly in the Papua provinces, where there are ongoing demonstrations and political violence. The government has emphasized the need for travelers to stay updated on local news, avoid large crowds, and adhere to security protocols.

Key Advisory Points from Germany:

• Papua and Other Sensitive Regions: The Federal Foreign Office advises against non-essential travel to the Indonesian part of New Guinea, especially Papua and West Papua, where civil unrest and violent clashes are common. Demonstrations against local government officials and mining companies have resulted in fatalities in the past.
• Volcanic Activity: Germany also shares concerns over volcanic eruptions in East Java, North Sumatra, and Central Sulawesi, warning that these regions might experience increased seismic activity.
• Demonstrations and Protests: In addition to violence in the Papua region, public demonstrations against the government, parliament, and police forces in cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung have been frequent. These protests, even if initially peaceful, can escalate quickly, and violent confrontations with security forces are common.

Australia Travel Advisory for Indonesia

Australia has issued a travel advisory similar to Canada and the UK, urging Australian travelers to be cautious due to both security concerns and volcanic activity in Indonesia.

Australia’s Key Advisory Details:

• Terrorism Threats: The DFAT has highlighted the ongoing risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners. Tourist attractions, nightclubs, public transportation, and airport terminals have been identified as potential targets. Travelers are urged to remain aware of their surroundings and avoid large public gatherings, especially in cities like Bali and Jakarta.
• Rough Seas and Water Safety: Australia’s advisory also draws attention to the risks posed by rough seas and strong rip currents, especially around popular beach destinations in Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra. Many coastal areas remain unpatrolled, and travelers should exercise extreme caution when swimming or engaging in water activities.
• Entry and Health Requirements: As of September 1, 2025, all international travelers will need to complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card online before their departure. This form must be filled out at least 48 hours prior to arrival, ensuring compliance with Indonesia’s digital entry protocols.

New Zealand Travel Advisory for Indonesia

New Zealand has issued a travel advisory for Indonesia that mirrors many of the concerns expressed by other nations, particularly with regard to terrorism and civil unrest in certain regions. However, New Zealand’s advisory also emphasizes the importance of staying informed about travel logistics, including the new digital entry requirements.

Key Points from New Zealand’s Advisory:

• Heightened Terrorism Risks: As with other countries, New Zealand advises caution due to the ongoing threat of terrorism in popular tourist destinations, including Bali and Jakarta. There is a particular concern about attacks in crowded public spaces, such as shopping malls, airports, and religious sites.
• Papua and Sulawesi: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautions against non-essential travel to the Papua region, where kidnapping, militant activity, and civil unrest are prevalent. Similarly, areas of Central Sulawesi, including Poso Regency, are identified as high-risk zones due to active terrorist groups.
• All Indonesia Arrival Card: From October 1, 2025, all international passengers will be required to submit their All Indonesia Arrival Card online before entering Indonesia. This measure aims to speed up the customs process but also ensures that travelers have met all health and security standards before arrival.

As Indonesia continues to grow in popularity as a global travel destination, governments across the world, including Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, have issued travel advisories reflecting growing concerns over safety risks, terrorism, civil unrest, and volcanic activity. The All Indonesia Arrival Card, which will become mandatory in the coming months, further adds to the complexity of travel planning.

Travelers are urged to stay informed, particularly in regions like Papua, Bali, Sumatra, and Sulawesi, where the risks are higher. By adhering to government advisories, keeping abreast of entry requirements, and ensuring appropriate travel insurance, travelers can mitigate many of these risks and enjoy the rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cities Indonesia has to offer.

Canada has joined the UK, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand in issuing a travel advisory for Indonesia amid the mandatory All Indonesia Arrival Card this fall and increasing concerns over terrorism, civil unrest, and volcanic activity. These nations are urging travelers to be cautious as new entry regulations and safety risks evolve.

Whether you’re drawn to Indonesia’s pristine beaches, bustling markets, or ancient temples, preparation is key. With the right precautions in place, travelers can navigate these challenges and experience the very best of what this beautiful archipelago has to offer.