London — The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its international travel advice for 2026, placing Indonesia on a list of destinations where specific regional risks require traveller vigilance. The advisory, cited by UK media on Sunday, December 28, 2025, focuses on the elevated risk of volcanic activity in certain parts of the archipelago.
It is crucial to note that the warning is not a blanket restriction on travel to Indonesia. Instead, it advises British nationals to avoid travel to areas close to several active volcanoes. The FCDO specifically named:
- Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara
- Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra
- Mount Marapi in West Sumatra
- Mount Semeru in East Java
- Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi
- Mount Ibu in North Maluku
The UK government clarified that the advisory is region-specific and does not apply to the entire country, including major tourist hubs like Bali, which does not have any volcanoes currently under the highest alert level. However, travellers are urged to remain alert and monitor volcanic activity updates from Indonesian authorities before planning trips to regions near these peaks.
Implications for Travel Insurance and Consular Support
The FCDO also reminded travellers that visiting areas subject to official advisories can affect their travel insurance coverage. In certain conditions, consular assistance from the UK government may become limited if an emergency arises in a designated risk zone.
Beyond natural hazards, the FCDO stressed the importance of comprehensive travel preparation. This includes ensuring passports are valid, confirming insurance coverage is adequate, and following all local safety guidance issued by Indonesian authorities. The office stated that travel advice is updated regularly based on the evolving situation on the ground and urged travellers to check official guidance frequently before departure.
A Broader Global Context
The updated advisory places Indonesia among dozens of countries where the FCDO recommends avoiding non-essential travel to specific regions due to various risks, from conflict and terrorism to natural disasters. The list broadly categorises countries by risk level, with Indonesia falling under “advice against all travel to specific regions.” This is distinct from more severe, country-wide warnings issued for places like Afghanistan, Syria, or Yemen. Readers can find the complete and updated list on the official UK Government website.
Considerations for Bali’s International Community
For the global community of expatriates and travellers based in or visiting Bali, this UK advisory serves as a timely, government-endorsed reminder of Indonesia’s dynamic geological nature. While Bali itself is not named, the advisory underscores the importance of:
- Staying Informed: Routinely checking notifications from Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) for the latest activity status of any volcano, especially when planning domestic travel to other islands.
- Understanding Insurance Fine Print: Verifying that travel or expatriate health insurance policies cover natural disasters and are not voided by travel to areas under official advisories from one’s home country.
- Practising Informed Travel: Recognising that adventure in the Indonesian archipelago comes with inherent natural risks that require respect and preparation.
The advisory reflects standard diplomatic practice to inform citizens of known risks rather than an assessment of overall safety. It highlights that responsible travel in a geologically active nation like Indonesia involves an awareness that extends beyond the immediate comforts of resort destinations.
