What vaccinations do you need for Bali?
Understanding the Bali vaccination requirements before you travel can save you a lot of stress. While there are no mandatory vaccines needed for Bali entry from New Zealand, several are strongly recommended to protect your health. Bali is a tropical destination with different disease risks to what we have at home.
Your travel doctor will tailor the recommended vaccines for Bali to your specific trip, but here are the most common Bali travel vaccinations for New Zealanders:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable travel diseases and is strongly recommended for all travellers to Bali. The virus spreads through contaminated food and water, which is a real risk even in tourist areas. A single dose provides protection within two to four weeks, with a booster at six to twelve months giving long-term immunity.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. It’s recommended for travellers who may be exposed through medical treatment, tattoos, piercings or sexual contact while overseas. Many New Zealanders received this vaccine as children, but your doctor can check your immunity if you’re unsure.
Typhoid
Typhoid in Bali is a real risk, particularly if you’re planning to eat street food, visit local markets or spend time outside the main resort areas. Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria in contaminated food and water, and vaccination is available as either an injection or oral capsules.
Rabies
Rabies in Bali is a serious concern. Stray dogs are common throughout the island, and monkeys at popular temples like Ubud’s Monkey Forest are known to bite and scratch visitors. Bali experienced significant rabies outbreaks in 2008 and 2010, and the virus remains present in the animal population. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is especially important if you’re travelling with children, staying in rural areas or planning activities like cycling or trekking.
Tetanus and Diphtheria
Make sure your tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations are up to date. A booster is recommended if your last dose was more than ten years ago. Coral cuts, animal scratches and minor injuries are common in Bali, so being current with tetanus is particularly important.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Indonesia, including Bali. The risk is generally low for short-stay resort travellers but increases if you’re visiting rural or agricultural areas, staying for an extended period or travelling during the wet season (October to April).
Polio
Polio has recently been detected in Indonesia, with cases identified by the CDC, making an adult booster worth considering for travel to Bali. Most New Zealanders were vaccinated against polio in childhood, but an adult booster is recommended if you have not had one in the last ten years. While polio is not a high priority for most travellers and may not be necessary for every itinerary, it is a low-risk addition for those wanting comprehensive protection, particularly for longer stays or travel to rural areas.
Do you need malaria tablets for Bali?
Good news – the risk of malaria in Bali’s main tourist areas (Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Nusa Dua) is very low, and antimalarial medication is generally not required for standard resort-based holidays.
However, if you’re travelling to other parts of Indonesia outside Bali, particularly rural areas of Lombok, Flores or Papua, malaria tablets may be recommended. Our travel doctors can prescribe the right medication based on your full itinerary.
Preventing Bali belly
Travellers’ diarrhoea, commonly known as Bali belly, is the most common health complaint among visitors. While there’s no single vaccine that prevents it, your travel doctor can prescribe standby antibiotics and anti-nausea medication to take with you.
Simple precautions make a big difference: drink only sealed bottled water, avoid ice in drinks unless you’re at a reputable establishment, eat freshly cooked food served hot and wash your hands frequently.
When should you get your shots for Bali?
Ideally, book your pre-travel consultation 6–8 weeks before departure. This allows time for vaccines that require multiple doses. If you need shots for Bali at short notice, we can still help – many vaccines provide useful protection even with limited lead time.
What to expect at your appointment
Your consultation costs $139 per person and includes a review of your Bali travel plans, personalised vaccine recommendations, any prescriptions you need and detailed health advice for Indonesia. Vaccines are charged separately on a per-dose basis with clear pricing discussed before you decide.
Please bring your travel plans, any existing vaccination records and your passport.
Pre-travel health consult for Bali
Duration: 15 minutes consult + 15 minutes vaccination (if required)
What's included:
- Review of your entire travel itinerary
- All recommended vaccines for your destinations
- Malaria tablets prescription (if needed)
- Emergency medication prescriptions to take with you
- Yellow fever vaccine and international certificate (if needed)
- Detailed, custom health advice for your trip
Best for: Multi-stop trips, travel to remote or high-risk areas, or if you have existing health conditions.
Please note: Travel vaccinations are charged separately, with transparent per-dose pricing discussed at the time of your travel consultation. The $139 fee covers your appointment and personalised health advice only.
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Frequently asked questions
Call 09 300 5076 and we’ll fit you in as quickly as possible.
