Expect accessibility to be extremely limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. | Safety Tips. You should stay at least 500 m from the Besuk Kobokan riverbank. Safety in Jakarta - Tips to Know Before Visiting this - Holidify Use a reputable taxi company or hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center and ensure the drivers identity card is visible. Six months beyond arrival date. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack including knives, firearms, and vehicles to target crowds. Closely monitor bags and luggage and carry only essential items. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. When it comes to buses, the prices wontincrease, but because of this common factor of safety in Jakarta, there is a high danger of pickpockets in buses, so keep an eye out. Consider these risks before driving your own vehicle, especially if you are unaccustomed to Indonesian road conditions. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. You will have to take some precautions, such as avoiding the province of Papua, but overall the country is still safe to travel to. Transport Risks:There are a lot of options for transport in Jakarta, including taxis and buses. Indonesia International Travel Information Indonesia travel advice - GOV.UK Women can feel safe in Jakarta. Happy travels! What about safety at night? Motor vehicles share the roads with other forms of transportation such as pedicabs and pushcarts. However, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim significantly by being vigilant and sticking to the tips outlined above. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to Indonesian laws. This fact results in a high crime risk than the rest of the city. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report. OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM. Be very cautious on the streets of Indonesia and plan your trip carefully. Jakarta does have problems with crime, however the vast majority of visits will go smoothly. When it comes to crime, you should stay away from the Ancol Port area and other neighborhoods in the North of the city, which have the highest crime rate among other districts. To minimize the risk, avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Local construction standards are lower than in the United States, and many structures including hotels and malls are prone to damage or collapse in an earthquake. Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. COVID-19: The Government of Indonesia removed all Covid-19 Pandemic travel restrictions on June 9, 2023. Crime:In the last year several American citizens were victims of violent and serious crimes in Indonesia, particularly in Bali. Email:CABali@state.gov, American Consulate Medan, Sumatra Traffic signals are frequently ignored and often in disrepair. Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details: LGBTQI+ Travelers: LGBTQI+ status or conduct is not illegal, but local authorities sometimes take legal action against, or tolerate harassment of people engaging in LGBTQI+ relationships or openly expressing LGBTQI+ identity. But dont worry our travel experts created this together this detailed travel guide to help you figure out if traveling to Indonesia is safe or not. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Also in recent years, several ferry accidents and a train collision resulted in dozens of fatalities and even more injuries because of over-crowding and unsafe conditions. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Indonesian government is implementing strong anti-terrorism measures. Updated to raise the risk level for Central Papua and Highland Papua. Before traveling by sea, especially in the Strait of Malacca between Riau Province and Singapore, and in the waters north of Sulawesi and Kalimantan, review the current security situation with local authorities. Central Papua and Highland Papua Level 4: Do Not Travel. Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements. 0 (operator) Indonesia is a place where you will need to have some precautions, but for the most part, it is a safe place to visit. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Attacks have happened on LGBTQ people in the past. Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000 The Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning Centre issues tsunami warnings when a potential tsunami with significant impact is imminent or expected. View all posts by Wandering our World. Significant crimes include prostitution, which is illegal in Indonesia. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. prevention of international child abduction. I agree with most of informations. Since foreigners are an easy target for mugging, there are some instances when their belongings are stolen, with violence used often. 10. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. Yes, terrorist attacks occurred a couple of times in the past, but gunshots and gang fights happened almost every day in US cities, which I find more terrifying. Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Indonesia. These criminal gangs will then demand money and personal items, or even an ATM pin-code and card, and are sometimes armed. Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. $7,000 USD), Jl. Many prisons are overcrowded and provide minimal services. The Old City, with the Dutch style buildings, stays as a reminder of how the city looked like before the modern buildings were built. | Safety Concerns, The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? FCDO also advises against all travel to the southeast area of Mount Semeru along the Besuk Kobokan river (approximately 13 km from the crater). The risk of terrorism in Indonesia is still present, but it is declining greatly. Ive lived 30 years in Jakarta and whilst it is might be not the safest city, it is not also a dangerous place to live at all. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). There have been reports of sexual assaults and drink spiking in Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. 7. Exercise caution and common sense at all times during your stay in Jakarta. Since terrorists sometimes target hotels, stay somewhere with excellent security. Tap water is not potable. Ubud, Bali / Indonesia February 12, 2020: Tourists visiting Ubud Market or known as Ubud Art Market/Ahmet Cigsar/Shutterstock. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. Your security is at danger at all times, so you need to pay special attention. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. But what about violent crime? Indonesia is mostly a safe country to visit, but there are some situations where you should be on your guard. Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are far below U.S. standards. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Indonesia. If the hotel, airbnb, or apartment you are staying in has security cameras, or security personnel, thats even better. Shivang Uniyal, Share this post on social media Some drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are illegal in Indonesia. Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Indonesia. Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abduction, andcustoms regulationson our websites. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Never go hiking or climbing alone. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. While domestic violence is illegal in Indonesia, these laws are rarely enforced. Papuan separatists have kidnapped foreigners in the past and a New Zealand national was kidnapped by a separatist group in Nduga Regency in February 2023. The city is the center of Indonesian culture and you are guaranteed to meet people of all sorts here. Facebook The Government of Indonesia will not admit travelers holding the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. Email:JakartaACS@state.gov, U.S. Consulate General Surabaya Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. For your safety in Jakarta, always be prepared for any physical attempt at the theft of your belongings, since foreigners are still an easy target. CDCs suggestions on how to prepare for natural disasters. U.S. citizens who are also Indonesian nationals may be required to renounce their Indonesian citizenship and may also be deported. The overall crime rate in Indonesia is 90 incidents per 100,000 peopleaccording to the last official metrics published in 2021. The Canadian government has tips for its citizens to stay safe from terrorist attacks. There are unfair taxi drivers that do not use meters. No travel can be guaranteed safe. Natural disasters occur. If you overstay your visa, you are subject to a fine of 1 million Indonesian rupiah (about $70 USD at current exchange rates; fees may change at any time) per day and may be detained and deported. Outdoor Guide To Lake Como: Camping, Cycling, Hiking & More! Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due toterrorism and natural disasters. Currently, travel by U.S. government personnel to the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) is restricted to mission-essential travel that is approved in advance by the Embassy. Whilst the majority of visits to Jakarta will go well, unfortunately sexual assault remains a risk for female travelers. | Safety Concerns, Is Copenhagen Safe to Visit in 2023? Keep bags secured. Your security is at danger at all times, so you need to pay special attention. Create and share itinerary, download PDF Guides and free access to Holidify's full content. Always cross the streets on the pedestrian lanes. Camping In Brazil: The Rules, Tips & What You Need To Know. Food: Tap water is not safe for drinking in Jakarta, so it is advisable to have bottled water handy, for your safety, especially when dealing with the citys hot and humid conditions. However be very careful with bag straps an injury can occur if a thief grabs a bag and the victim is dragged along with it. Some areas have increased risk. Recent incidents of extremist violence include a December 2022 suicide bombing at a police station in Bandung, West Java that killed one police officer, a March 2021 bomb attack against a church in Makassar, South Sulawesi which injured 20 civilians, and May 2018 bomb attacks against three churches in Surabaya, East Java which killed 15 civilians and injured 50. Below we outline more about crime in Jakarta, tips to stay safe and scams to avoid. Coffee in Bali - The Best Balinese Coffee Blends You Must Try, Currency of Indonesia - Indonesian Rupiah Exchange Rates & More, Airports in Medan - All About The Kualanamu International Airport, 5 Golf Courses in Bali for the Perfect Golfing Experience, Nightlife in Batam - 12 Places to Go After the Sun Sets in Batam, Coffee in Indonesia - Best Coffee and Cafes in Indonesia to Try, Nightlife in Bali - 29 Places for a Perfect Bali Night, Music of Indonesia - 6 Beautiful Forms of Traditional Music in Indonesia, 7 Best Golf Courses in Batam For an Island Golfing Adventure, Religion in Indonesia - All About Indonesia's 5 Religions and It's Views on Atheism, 7 Amazing Malls in Surabaya That Will Make Every Shopaholic Happy, 9 Shopping Malls in Batam for Good Quality at Affordable Prices. Dressing conservatively may help reduce that. Mugging and kidnapping risks in Jakarta are rare and it is unlikely that you might get assaulted. See the OPTIONAL stock language below for additional suggestions. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. Demonstrations occur frequently and have the potential to become violent. Don't Forget Your Travel Insurance for Jakarta Common scams include: Sexual assault: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek prompt medical assistance, contact the Embassy or nearest Consulate, and call the local police at 112. Sexual Assault: Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. It lists common groups behind attacks in the country, including Mujahidin Indonesia Timur, Jamaah Ansharut Daulah, and ISIS. However, there are also areas where such markings are conspicuously absent so when you need to cross the street, do it with caution, pass with predictable pace do not step backwards, and get the drivers attention by raising your palm in his direction as you cross the street. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Indonesia. Recent reports include thefts of valuables or cargo from boats that are in port and out at sea. Only use authorized companies such as Bluebird and Silverbird, or ask your accommodation for recommendations. I'm Matt, a former globetrotting journalist who's previously worked for media like USA Today and the BBC. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. The places that gun violence happens everyday, you would never visit. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code. FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of the Mount Sinabung crater in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Old Town:This part of the city has a lot of exciting places to visit, including Museum of Fine Art, Puppet Museum, and The Jakarta History Museum and is hence a popular tourist attraction. Thieves sometimes operate from the backs of motorcycles so they can snatch bags from pedestrians and get away quickly. Yes, tourists can travel to Jakarta without being in danger as they might be in a city in the Mexico or South Africa . When an accident results in personal injury, Indonesian law requires both drivers to await the arrival of a police officer to report the accident. Hi! See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. Current air quality data for Jakarta can be found on the EmbassysAir Qualitypage. I'm Matt, a former globetrotting journalist who's previously worked for media like USA Today and the BBC. It is the most populous city in all of Southeast Asia. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health/insurance-providers.html). Two blank visa pages required for entry stamp, 100,000,000 Indonesian rupia (approx. Is Indonesia Safe to Visit in 2023? | Safety Concerns | Travellers Jakarta Warnings and Dangers. | Safety Concerns, The Best & Worst Times to Visit Trinidad in 2023. Is Jakarta safe for female travelers, or LGBTQ tourists? Indonesias revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. Dual Nationality: Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality for adults over 18 years of age. As one of the largest cities in the world, Jakarta has its own series of potential dangers you need to know about before making your way to the capital city of . If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Indonesia Heavy traffic and high level of pollution are present in the city, but it still attracts tourists with its exciting nightlife, sandy beaches followed by diving and surfing and vibrant shopping areas. It is, in many ways, a love it or hate it city! Tourism: The tourism and recreational activity industries are unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. As with any major tourist destination, U.S. citizens traveling in Indonesia are especially encouraged to always remain vigilant of their surroundings and read the following advisories carefully. Natural Disasters:When it comes to natural disasters, Jakarta is no stranger, with nature pouring havoc on the city many a time. Pregnant women should be aware that Indonesia is aCDC Zika risk areaand that Zika can be spread by mosquitos as well assexual contact. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Criminal cases can take months or even years to resolve, and suspects can be held without charges for up to 60 days, and in many cases longer. Indonesia's revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. Travelers coming to Indonesia for non-tourism purposes are strongly encouraged to consult Indonesian Immigrations website. For example, Mount Agung in Baliis an active volcano and authorities periodically publish alerts warning people not to visit. Illegal drug convictions often result in lengthy prison sentences, even at the simple possession level. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings. There are certain regions of the country where travel isnt advised at all due to the high risk of civil unrest and other violence. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You may not know the running cost of a km, being a tourist. Though women still struggle for equal rights in the country, being a popular tourist destination, Jakarta is relatively lenient when it comes to equality. victims compensation programs in the U.S. information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health/insurance-providers.html, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These revisions, however, will not come into force until January 2026, and how they will be implemented is unclear. Tourists need to exercise a high degree of caution in Jakarta, and this is all due to the high threat of terrorist attack. Public transport in Jakarta can be considered safe, but overcrowded and thus targeted by pickpockets. Theres also been several reports of taxi drivers being involved in thefts. Is Jakarta safe to visit? - Jakarta Forum - Tripadvisor What reputable and safe taxi companies should you use? Mugging:Though there are fewer chances that you would get mugged at gunpoint here, you shouldnt take our word for that. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! Volcanoes: There are 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Follow, Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports, FCDO advises against travel to parts of Indonesia. If you look at the safety in Jakarta from an overall perspective, it is quite a safe place to be at, only if you keep a few things in mind, taking care of yourself and being aware of your surroundings and your belongings. ), Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists, Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights). Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. There is a 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah fee (about $35). Be aware that Indonesian authorities may consider some prescription drugs as illegal narcotics. There have also been deaths and serious illnesses caused by drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. Information may also be posted to the websites of theU.S. Coast Guardand theNational Geospace Intelligence Agency(select broadcast warnings). Credit card fraud is a common problem in Indonesia. Is Jakarta safe for tourists? Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. 3 - 5 If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. If you are an Indonesian with dual nationality, you could be compelled to renounce your Indonesian nationality through a formal act of renunciation. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and potential expenses in an emergency. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Central Papua and Highland Papua as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to those areas. Use an ATM in a secure location, such as a major bank branch, and check the machine for evidence of tampering. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. International Financial Scams: See theDepartment of Stateand theFBIpages for information. Answer (1 of 3): Jakarta is the economic, cultural and political center of the country and is the capital and the largest city in Indonesia. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. U.S. citizens have been jailed for visa overstays or entering the country on the wrong visa class for their purpose of travel. Being LGBTQ is legal in Jakarta, and most of Indonesia. Thieves operate in places that foreigners tend to frequent such as fancy shopping malls, public transportation, bars, and busy pedestrian areas. Telephone: +(62)(361) 233-605 Local authorities may not respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. Sharia Law: Sharia law is enforced in Aceh province and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas. Volcanic eruptions are quite frequent and have disturbed life in Jakarta a lot. U.S. citizens are advised to only hand carry prescription medications into the country, in the original packaging with a copy of any prescription. As a backup, take pictures of your passport. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. CDCs suggestions on how to prepare for natural disasters. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM Petty theft and property crimes are much more prevalent in Indonesia. However the reality is that considering the size and density of Jakarta which holds around ten million people this city is much safer than many think. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The area around Old Town covers very interesting places to visit and it is safe, but be aware that thebig flow of tourists attracts pickpockets and scammers. Also, visitIndonesia's national tourist officeonline for road safety information. Is Jakarta Safe for Travel in 2023? African Jacana Demonstrations may become more frequent ahead of the Indonesian general elections scheduled for February 2024. 2 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. So extra care should be taken there. Taking shortcuts through private property is considered trespassing and is not a safe or legal alternative to a proper plan. While most robbers dont intend to harm victims physically, some have been known to use weapons. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S . Crime tends to pick up a little before and during the holy month of Ramadan due to extra cash pressure on families around this time. Criminals have skimmed credit/debit cards to access and drain bank accounts. Please visit our Dual Nationality page. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Indonesia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on theMaritime Administration website. What about safety at night? Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Consulate in Therefore always take a licensed and official taxi that has been recommended to you by a friend, or hotel. Physicians and hospitals often expect payment or sizable deposits before providing medical care, even in emergency and/or life-threatening situations. Crossing roads: Streets are packed with vehicles and motorcycles, in particular, can pose hazards to pedestrians. If you take such products to Indonesia or purchase or use them in Indonesia, you can be arrested and face imprisonment, fines, deportation, or the death penalty. We have so many great cafes, restaurants, street food, attractions you should try. Last updated on October 6, 2022 by Wandering our World. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. So always keep the current rates in mind or ask a local regarding them. So try and refrain from visiting.3. Some local governments have passed laws criminalizing LGBTQI+ relationships. In particular snatch and grabs are becoming more common. Criminal gangs have been known to stop cars and rob the occupants. Is Jakarta Safe - Areas to Avoid & Best Neighborhoods to Stay Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Also, visit Indonesia's national tourist office online for road safety information. Below we outline more about crime in Jakarta, tips to stay safe and scams to avoid. Let. If you are traveling on an emergency passport, you must obtain a visa before arrival in Indonesia. Religious Tolerance:Opposite to pre-conceived notions, the city of Jakarta, just like the rest of Indonesia, is quite tolerant of every religion, and there will be no discrimination observed on those grounds. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General.