Is Raja Ampat Open for Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Raja Ampat is a group of islands located in Indonesia’s West Papua Province, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. It has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have imposed travel restrictions and lockdowns, leading to uncertainty about whether Raja Ampat is open for tourism or not.

Current Status

As of now, Raja Ampat is open for domestic tourists within Indonesia. However, international tourists are still not allowed to enter the country due to travel restrictions imposed by the Indonesian government. The local government of Raja Ampat has also issued health protocols for tourists visiting the islands to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Health Protocols

Tourists visiting Raja Ampat are required to follow specific health protocols to ensure their safety and that of other visitors and locals. Some of these protocols include:

  • Wearing a mask at all times while in public places
  • Maintaining physical distancing of at least 1 meter from others
  • Washing hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
  • Undergoing a health screening upon arrival, including temperature checks
  • Showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days before departure

Future Prospects

The Indonesian government has announced plans to reopen Bali and other tourist destinations in July 2021 for international tourists who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. It remains unclear if this plan includes Raja Ampat or not. The situation is constantly evolving and subject to change based on the pandemic’s status globally.

In Conclusion

While Raja Ampat is currently open for domestic tourism with strict health protocols in place, international tourists are still not allowed to visit. It is crucial to stay updated on the latest travel restrictions and health protocols before planning a trip to Raja Ampat or any other destination during these uncertain times. Hopefully, with the ongoing vaccination efforts, the situation will improve soon and tourists from all over the world can explore the beauty of Raja Ampat once again.