The Australian Department of Health issued a new directive on May 16 requiring Japanese encephalitis vaccination for residents returning from Bali after June 1 2026. The requirement targets stays exceeding 30 consecutive days. Travelers must present a valid vaccination certificate upon arrival at Australian airports.
Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe neurological complications. Bali reported 23 local cases in 2025 with three fatalities. Australian health officials recorded 14 imported infections last year mostly among long-stay visitors and expats.
The vaccine is available at travel clinics nationwide with two doses required four weeks apart. A single dose provides 85 percent protection for at least one year. The full course costs approximately 280 AUD and is covered under private health insurance for many policyholders.
Short-term tourists staying under 30 days remain exempt but are strongly advised to vaccinate. Children under 2 years and pregnant women should consult specialists before travel. Mosquito repellent and long clothing remain mandatory precautions regardless of vaccination status.
Airlines flying the Perth-Bali and Sydney-Bali routes have begun distributing health declaration forms during check-in. Passengers without certificates may face on-arrival medical assessment and possible quarantine. The policy will be reviewed after 12 months based on case data.
Indonesian authorities welcomed the measure and offered vaccination clinics at Ngurah Rai Airport for departing Australians. The vaccine is manufactured by Valneva and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration since 2023. Supply chains have been scaled to meet expected demand of 180,000 doses before December.
Travelers planning extended stays should schedule appointments at least six weeks before departure. Digital certificates stored in the Medicare app will be accepted at border control. The requirement does not apply to other Indonesian islands at this stage.