The Indonesian government is reassuring backpackers that they will be allowed to visit Bali when it reopens to tourists after an official said they would not be welcome under stricter rules.

There were concerns this week that Bali would limit the type of traveler who could visit the popular tourist resort after Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investments Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan – who is also in charge of the COVID-19 response team – reportedly said backpackers wouldn’t. be allowed to enter.

“We are aiming for quality tourism in Bali, so we will not allow backpackers to enter once the plan to reopen for international travelers is officially put in place in the near future,” the Bali Sun said. Luhut at a virtual press conference on Monday.

However, in a statement shared with Lonely Planet, the spokesperson for Luhut said the comments were a “misunderstanding” and that the minister meant “visitors who violate health rules and regulations, laws and regulations on health matters. immigration to Indonesia [will not be allowed to enter]The government spokesman added that all foreign visitors and tourists can visit Bali, as long as they follow the protocols.

Although no opening schedule has been officially announced, Reuters reports that the Minister of Health suggests it will take place in November, when 70% of the eligible population has received at least one injection of the vaccine.

Bali is relaxing some domestic restrictions and preparing to reopen to foreign visitors from low-risk countries as the number of coronavirus cases continues to decline.

International visitors must pass three PCR tests before entering the island and self-quarantine for eight days upon arrival, Reuters said. Visitors must also be fully vaccinated and show proof on a government-verified phone app.

Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, has suffered one of the world’s worst outbreaks of COVD-19, driven by the highly infectious variant of the Delta. But after reporting a second wave earlier this year, the number of coronavirus cases is dropping and at least 31% of the population is fully vaccinated.