Canada’s New Travel Advisory for Indonesia: What You Must Know
For Canadian travellers with dreams of exploring Indonesia’s ancient temples and pristine beaches, a new government advisory requires your attention. On November 28, 2025, the Government of Canada officially updated its travel advice for the Southeast Asian nation, signalling a shift in the security landscape that could impact your travel plans.
While Indonesia remains a world-class destination for millions of tourists each year, being an informed traveller is the first and most crucial step to a safe and enjoyable journey. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest advisory, explaining the specific risks, the regions of concern, and the practical steps you can take to protect yourself.
Understanding the Advisory Levels
First, it’s essential to understand how Canada’s travel advisories work. The system uses a four-level scale to indicate the overall safety risk in a country:
The updated advisory for Indonesia maintains a country-wide advice to “Exercise a high degree of caution” (Level 2) due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. However, the key changes involve more severe, region-specific warnings.
Key Regions with “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” Warnings
The November 28th update specifically highlights several provinces where the security situation is more volatile. For these areas, the Canadian government now advises to “Avoid non-essential travel” (Level 3).
Central Papua (Papua) and Highland Papua (Papua)
This region has long been subject to travel advisories due to ongoing political tensions and occasional violent incidents. The situation remains unstable, with periodic clashes between security forces and armed groups. Foreigners are not usually targeted, but there is a significant risk of being caught in the crossfire. Travel to this area is also logistically challenging and often requires special permits.
West Papua (Papua)
Similar to the provinces above, West Papua experiences sporadic violence and civil unrest. The Canadian government advises against non-essential travel here due to the potential for sudden eruptions of conflict and the limited capacity to provide consular assistance in this remote region.
The Persistent Threat of Terrorism
The country-wide advisory to exercise a high degree of caution is primarily driven by the persistent risk of terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred in the past in Indonesia, including in places frequented by foreigners such as:
Extremist groups in Indonesia have demonstrated both the capability and the intent to carry out attacks, which can be indiscriminate and occur with little to no warning. Security forces regularly disrupt planned attacks, but the underlying threat remains.
Other Important Security Concerns
Beyond terrorism and regional conflicts, travellers should be aware of other common risks outlined in the advisory.
Petty and Violent Crime
Like many popular tourist destinations, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common. This is especially true in crowded areas like markets, public transportation, and tourist sites. There have also been reports of more serious crimes, including armed robbery, sexual assault, and drink spiking, particularly in nightlife districts. Always remain vigilant of your surroundings and your belongings.
Demonstrations and Civil Unrest
Political rallies and demonstrations can occur with little notice throughout Indonesia, but especially in Jakarta. While most are peaceful, any large gathering has the potential to turn violent. It’s best to avoid all demonstrations and monitor local news for information on planned protests.
Essential Pre-Travel Preparations
Proper planning is your best defence. Before you book your flight, take these crucial steps.
Staying Safe On the Ground in Indonesia
Once you arrive, your awareness and behaviour are your greatest assets.
Be Vigilant in Public Spaces
Always be aware of your environment. In crowded places, keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. It’s also wise to vary your routines and avoid predictable patterns, such as visiting the same restaurant at the same time every day.
Respect Local Laws and Customs
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country with strong cultural and religious traditions. Dress and behave modestly, especially when visiting temples or mosques. It is illegal to import or possess drugs, and penalties for drug offences are severe, including the death penalty. Always carry a form of identification with you.
Stay Informed and Connected
Keep up-to-date with local news and weather reports. Follow the advice of local authorities. Save the contact information for the Canadian Embassy in Jakarta and the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa in your phone.
Final Thoughts: To Go or Not to Go?
The updated travel advisory for Indonesia is not a blanket “do not travel” order. For the vast majority of the country, including beloved destinations like Bali, Java, and Lombok, the advice is to exercise a high degree of caution—a level shared with many other popular tourist nations.
The key takeaway is to be a smart and prepared traveller. By understanding the specific risks, respecting the regional warnings for Papua, and taking proactive steps to ensure your safety, you can still have an incredible and memorable experience in Indonesia. The decision to travel is a personal one, but it must be an informed one. Carefully weigh the risks, prepare thoroughly, and always prioritize your personal safety.
