Practical, step-by-step health guidance for remote workers relocating to Bali. Focus on what to check before you travel, what to carry, and how health entry rules may affect your move.
Last updated: 6 Oct 2025 · General information only.
Step-by-step plan
- Book a travel-health appointment 6–8 weeks before departure. Discuss routine and travel-specific vaccines and any chronic medications.
- Check Indonesia entry requirements for health certificates and yellow fever rules if transiting from a risk country; confirm locally and with your airline.
- Get routine vaccines up to date (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, influenza, and rabies based on exposure risk.
- Decide whether to have rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); recommended if you’ll be in rural areas or around animals frequently; rabies treatment is urgent and expensive.
- Arrange travel and international health insurance that covers evacuation and private care in Bali; keep policy numbers handy.
- Make digital and printed copies of your vaccination record (e.g. Yellow Card / electronic proof) and prescriptions.
- On arrival, know local clinic and hospital options; register with telemedicine services if you prefer remote consultations.
- Keep up with routine boosters and annual flu vaccine while you’re abroad.
Documents & requirements checklist
- Valid passport with at least six months remaining (confirm your visa type specifics via /visas-legal/).
- Printed and digital copy of your full vaccination record (official card or certified digital proof).
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you travel from or through a country with a yellow fever risk. Confirm with authorities before travel.
- Prescriptions for regular medications with generic names and doses; carry medicines in original packaging.
- Proof of travel health insurance, policy number and emergency contact details.
- Contact details for a nominated clinic or hospital in Bali and a telemedicine provider.
- Emergency medical information: blood type, allergies, chronic conditions, and emergency contact card.
Note: Entry health checks and required documents can change. Confirm vaccine requirements and testing rules with your airline and Indonesian authorities before you travel.
Recommended vaccinations (common guidance)
The list below covers vaccines commonly advised for long stays in Indonesia. Discuss these with a travel-health clinic, your clinician will tailor recommendations to your age, health, itinerary, and risk level.
- Routine: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), varicella if needed.
- Hepatitis A; recommended for most travellers to Bali.
- Typhoid; consider for longer stays or if you’ll eat street food often.
- Hepatitis B; if you might have medical procedures, intimate contact, or long-term exposure.
- Rabies; consider pre-exposure vaccination if you expect outdoor, rural, or animal-exposure activities.
- Influenza; seasonal vaccine recommended annually.
- Japanese encephalitis; consider for rural or long-stay travellers in endemic areas (seasonal and regional risk varies).
- COVID-19; ensure primary series and boosters are up to date per your clinician and airline guidance.
Costs & budget notes
Costs vary widely by country, clinic and vaccine brand. The table below provides approximate ranges to help budget. Prices in Indonesia may be lower than private clinics in Western countries; however, get vaccines in your home country when possible and affordable.
| Item | Typical cost range (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel health clinic consultation | £30–£80 | One-off; may vary by clinic and location |
| Hepatitis A vaccine (per dose) | £30–£70 | Usually 1–2 doses |
| Typhoid vaccine (oral or injection) | £20–£50 | Single dose for injectable; oral is a multi-tablet course |
| Rabies pre-exposure (course) | £150–£400 | Usually 2–3 doses depending on schedule |
| Japanese encephalitis (course) | £80–£250 | Two doses for primary course |
| Travel insurance (per month) | £25–£100+ | Depends on cover, age, adventure activities |
| On-arrival testing (if required) | £10–£80 | Rapid or PCR; rules vary |
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Leaving vaccines until the last minute; some vaccines need weeks between doses or time to become effective. Book clinic appointments early.
- Assuming rules won’t change; check entry health requirements again 72 and 24 hours before travel with your carrier and authorities.
- Not carrying proof of vaccination in both digital and printed form; airlines and immigration may request documentation.
- Buying cheap travel cover that excludes evacuation; prioritise policies with emergency evacuation and repatriation for Bali.
- Overlooking animal-bite risk; rabies exposure requires urgent care; pre-exposure vaccine simplifies post-exposure treatment.
- Relying on local over-the-counter antibiotics without consulting a clinician; misuse can cause complications and resistance.
- Not checking medication legality; some prescription medicines available at home may be controlled in Indonesia; carry prescriptions and confirm legality.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any vaccinations to enter Bali?
There are no routine vaccinations universally required for entry to Indonesia, but yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Entry rules and airline checks can change so confirm before you travel.
When should I see a travel clinic?
Book 6–8 weeks before departure where possible. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced over weeks, and last-minute appointments may limit your options.
Should I get rabies pre-exposure vaccine?
Consider rabies PrEP if you’ll spend time outdoors, in rural areas, or work with animals. It reduces complexity of post-exposure treatment but does not remove the need for urgent care after a bite. Discuss your itinerary with a clinician.
Is travel insurance necessary for Bali?
Yes. Choose insurance that covers emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation. Check policy exclusions for adventure activities or pre-existing conditions.
Can I get vaccines in Bali if I forget?
Some vaccines are available in Bali at private clinics and hospitals, but supplies, brands and prices differ. It’s usually better to have essential vaccines before travel; confirm availability locally if you plan to get them on arrival.
If you need one-to-one help planning health checks or insurance before your move, start with your travel-health clinic and check our healthcare guide for Bali-specific options. Confirm all medical and entry requirements locally.