Travel Vaccines and Advice for Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest island country in the world, spanning over 17,000 islands.
It is the world’s fourth most populous country and is one of the largest countries in land-size as well. Although Indonesia is densely populated, it also has a large amount of wilderness and an abundance of wildlife.
Indonesia is home to hundreds of different ethnic groups with the Javanese being the largest. Although the cultures are diverse, ethnic groups unify over a common language (Indonesian) and a majority Muslim religion.
This diversity allows for hundreds of different cultures, foods and wildlife to be explored. It is a popular tourist site for its seasides, nightlife, food and wildlife.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Indonesia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Indonesia?
What is the Climate Like in Indonesia?
How Safe is Indonesia?
Komodo Dragons in Indonesia
What Should I Take To Indonesia?
British Embassies and Consulates in Indonesia
Do I Need Vaccines for Indonesia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Indonesia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Indonesia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended for all regions except. Most cases are in: Bali, Kalimantan, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Papua, and Sumatra - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Indonesia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended for all regions except. Most cases are in: Bali, Kalimantan, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Papua, and Sumatra |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Health officials have reported several cases of measles in travellers coming from Bali. You should get the measles vaccine and be extra-vigilant of washing your hands.
Japanese encephalitis, dengue and chikungunya are all present in Singapore. Mosquito repellents, netting and avoiding the outdoors at certain times of day provide some protection. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is the best protection against that mosquito-borne disease.
Although healthcare conditions are low, medical care is readily available in all major cities, including limited psychiatric services.
Medicare does not cover costs overseas. Ensure that you have international coverage on your health care plan. Most hospitals expect payment upfront before a procedure is done.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Indonesia?
No visa is required for stays under 30 days in Indonesia. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
If you plan to say for more than 30 days, be sure to obtain a visa before travelling to Indonesia.
Indonesia Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Indonesia? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Indonesia and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Indonesia?
Indonesia has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity (between 70-90%).
The average temperature ranges between the mountain region and the coast, varying from 23 to 28 degrees.
Precipitation is heavy in Indonesia, with the Western and Northern regions experiencing the most rainfall. The wet region of Indonesia receive 200 centimetres of rain a year.
Typhoon season in Indonesia is between September and December.
How Safe is Indonesia?
Terrorist activity has been present in Indonesia since 2002. Extremists have attacked in the nightclub district of Bali and in Central Jakarta. On May 24, 2017, there was another explosion in Jakarta near a coach station.
ISIL has claimed responsibility for this attack and others in Indonesia.
Currently, travel by U.S government officials to the provinces of Central Sulawesi and Papua is restricted.
Avoid travelling by yourself late at night as petty crime is common in urban areas.
Credit card fraud is common in Indonesia. Use ATMs in secure locations only and keep track of your account.
If you are at a nightclub, be aware of your surroundings as drink poisonings have been on the rise.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Komodo Dragons in Indonesia
Komodo National Park was names a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. It holds three large islands and 26 smaller ones and is rich in natural and marine biological diversity.
This park provides refuge for a large number of animals and plants including the komodo dragon, the Timor deer, dolphins and turtles.
Due to its rich marine life, diving is a common activity in Komodo National Park, with over 40 different peculiar diving sites available.
Villages span throughout the park, many with few resources and access to clean water.
The cities of Labaun Bajo and Bima act as gateway cities to the park.
What Should I Take To Indonesia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Indonesia:
- Lightweight Clothing – Due to its humid and hot weather, it’s good to have a wardrobe of lightweight materials.
- Modest Attire – A majority of Indonesians are muslim where strict Islamic teaching is applied. In Banda Aceh, women must wear headscarves.
- Rain Preparedness – Bring a small towel for the excessive humidity and raingear, especially during typhoon season.
British Embassies and Consulates in Indonesia
If you are in Indonesia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Jakarta
Jl. Patra Kuningan Raya Blok L5-6
Jakarta
12950
Indonesia
Telephone: (+62) (21) 2356 5200
Emergency Phone: (+62) (21) 2356 5200
Fax: (+62) (21) 2356 5351
Contact Form: Click Here
If you have any questions about travelling to Indonesia or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at or book online now and protect yourself today.