June 30, 2025, 8:43 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Indonesia, with its more than 17,000 islands, tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and unique cultures, is a captivating long-haul travel destination in Southeast Asia. Bali and Lombok are particularly popular among tourists. Due to the tropical climate and varying regional hygiene standards, thorough travel medical preparation is essential. TRAVELBOOK provides an overview of the recommended and required vaccinations for Indonesia.
For entry into Indonesia and popular destinations within the country like Bali, vaccinations are mandatory only under certain conditions. However, travelers should not rely solely on the legal minimum. The island nation poses a variety of potential health risks, particularly diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis. Rabies, hepatitis, or typhoid are also relevant—depending on the length of stay, travel route, and type of activities on-site. To be on the safe side, travelers should consult a tropical medicine specialist early on. Here you can read which vaccinations are recommended or even required for Bali and Indonesia in general.
Overview
Which Vaccinations Are Required for Bali and Indonesia?
There is no vaccination requirement for direct entry from Germany. However, all travelers aged nine months and older arriving from a yellow fever area must present a valid yellow fever vaccination. Indonesia itself is not a yellow fever endemic area.
Additionally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), for stays longer than four weeks, it is recommended to provide proof of a current polio vaccination four weeks to no more than twelve months before departure. For shorter stays, a complete basic immunization with a booster in the past ten years is recommended.
Recommended Vaccinations for Indonesia and Islands Like Bali
For Travelers in General
Vaccinations against hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and typhoid are recommended, as well as rabies and dengue fever for longer stays. The German Foreign Office notes in its advice on Indonesia: “Since the end of February 2024, there has been a significant increase in dengue fever, some with severe cases, in Indonesia and especially in Bali. Shortages in medical care cannot be ruled out.”
For Travelers with Specific Risks
For long-term travelers and those with close social contact, a hepatitis B vaccination is advisable. A rabies vaccination is essential, especially for trekking tours or close contact with animals. For trips with overnight stays in rural areas of at least two weeks, a vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is recommended. For those who have already had dengue, the dengue vaccination may be beneficial.
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Is There an Increased Infection Risk in Indonesia Without Vaccination?
In Indonesia, there is an increased risk of intestinal infections, mainly transmitted through unclean water or contaminated food. There is no vaccination available for this. Good hygiene with drinking water and food is therefore particularly important.
The German Foreign Office also warns against consuming alcohol of unclear origin. “Several illnesses and deaths in Bali and Lombok, for example, after consuming alcoholic beverages, suggest drinks contaminated with methanol. Methanol poisoning can cause severe health damage and, in the worst case, be fatal,” it states on the website.
Sources
- German Foreign Office: Indonesia – Travel and Safety Information
- Tropeninstitut.de: Your Destination: Indonesia