For most travelers, there are no mandatory vaccines for Indonesia. However, depending on your itinerary, you may be advised to get certain vaccinations for your trip.
Together with applying for your Indonesian visa and SS Health Pass, getting the latest details on health requirements is an essential first step when planning your visit.
This article explains all you need to know about vaccine rules for Indonesia, as well as guidance on preventing illness during your stay.
Which Vaccinations Are Mandatory for Indonesia?
Most travelers are not required to show proof of vaccinations when arriving in Indonesia. The only exception is for Yellow Fever.
If you're traveling to Indonesia from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic, you must hold a certificate of vaccination against the illness. Without this, you may be denied entry to Indonesia.
SSHP and vaccination records for Indonesia
All visitors to Indonesia must complete an SS Health Pass to travel to Indonesia, including Bali. It’s required for all foreign travelers as of August 27, 2024.
The Health Pass is a type of online declaration you must complete before you travel. It contains questions about your itinerary and contact you may have had with people showing symptoms of Mpox, also known as Monkeypox.
The SSHP does not ask for proof of vaccination for any illness. Make sure to complete the questionnaire accurately before you travel. Once accepted, you’ll receive an approved QR code to show on arrival.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Indonesia
All travelers are strongly advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations before their trip to Indonesia, including:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (influenza)
- Hepatitis A
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
If you’re planning to stay with friends and relatives in Indonesia, or to visit smaller cities or rural areas, you’re also advised to get a typhoid vaccination before traveling.
Other vaccines for Indonesia
Depending on which parts of Indonesia you plan to visit, and the activities you wish to take part in, additional vaccines may be necessary.
Some optional vaccines for travel to Indonesia include:
- Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers of all ages who have not been vaccinated
- Japanese Encephalitis - recommended for travelers visiting rural areas, especially those hiking or camping
- Rabies - recommended for visitors who may come into contact with dogs or wild animals, or those staying in rural areas.
Your doctor can provide personalized advice for recommended vaccinations based on your trip itinerary and individual health condition.
Most Common Health Hazards in Indonesia
To ensure you have a safe and healthy stay in Indonesia, it’s important to be aware of local health hazards.
Consider the following safety points before you travel, so that you’re well-equipped and prepared for your trip.
Stay safe around wildlife
It’s important to be cautious around wild animals in Indonesia. Stray dogs are common in some areas and can carry rabies. It’s best to avoid approaching or feeding them. If you’re bitten or scratched by any animal, seek immediate medical attention.
For peace of mind, consider a rabies vaccination before your trip, especially if you’ll be taking part in outdoor activities, like hiking, or visiting rural areas. Always admire wildlife from a safe distance to protect both yourself and the animals.
Be prepared for high temperatures
With high temperatures that often reach over 30°C, heatstroke can also be a serious health hazard in Indonesia.
Remember to apply sunscreen regularly and wear a hat to protect against the hot sun, especially during the afternoon hours, the hottest of the day.
Food and drink safety
To avoid getting sick, you’re recommended to drink bottled, filtered water. It’s best to ask for no ice in drinks if you’re unsure about whether it’s been prepared with tap water.
It’s also advisable to avoid eating foods that may have been washed in tap water, such as salads. Instead, fruit and vegetables with skin, like oranges and bananas, are recommended.
How to avoid insect bites
To prevent discomfort and illness, it’s important to take steps to avoid bug bites in Indonesia:
- Apply an effective insect repellent, such as Deet, Picaridin, or the oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin
- Use clothing and gear treated with permethrin, an effective insecticide
- Sleep with insect screens when indoors, or a bed net if outdoors.
Following these measures can help you avoid insect-borne diseases, including dengue fever and zika virus.
Is There Malaria in Indonesia?
Most urban areas in Indonesia are free of malaria, including Jakarta Municipality. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) currently identifies 5 regions where malaria is present in Indonesia:
- East Nusa Tenggara
- Maluku
- North Maluku
- Papua
- West Papua
If you plan to visit these eastern regions, it’s possible to start taking antimalarial prescription medication before you travel. You should also continue treatment during and after your stay.
See your doctor for advice on which antimalarial medicine you should take.
Healthcare in Indonesia for Visitors
While modern hospitals can be found in main tourist destinations such as Bali or Jakarta, rural healthcare facilities in Indonesia can be basic.
Travelers who sustain serious injuries or infections may need to be medically evacuated to better-equipped facilities.
Travel insurance for Indonesia
All travelers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance before visiting Indonesia. It’s essential that your policy covers medical evacuation in the case of emergency, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.
If you need medical care while traveling in Indonesia and do not have insurance, you’ll be required to pay all medical bills before you leave the country. As healthcare can be very costly for foreign visitors, you’re advised to take out a comprehensive insurance policy.
