Indonesia's Ministry of Health announced that proof of R21 malaria vaccination becomes mandatory for all international arrivals to Lombok Island from August 1 2026. The single-dose vaccine must be administered at least 14 days before travel. Travelers staying 14 days or less are exempt but longer stays require documentation uploaded to the e-Visa system.
The policy follows a 41 percent increase in imported malaria cases reported in Lombok during 2025. The R21 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford shows 75 percent efficacy in preventing severe disease. Airport clinics will offer free doses to unvaccinated children under 12.
Lombok recorded 187 000 foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2026 with Australians Germans and Malaysians forming the largest groups. Health officials project the requirement will reduce malaria incidents by 60 percent within 18 months. Neighboring Bali has no similar mandate at present.
What this means for you
Schedule the R21 vaccine at least three weeks before departure through your national health service or a certified travel clinic. Upload the digital certificate to the Indonesian e-Visa portal when applying. Parents traveling with children under 12 should carry birth certificates to qualify for the free airport dose if needed.
Continue using standard mosquito prevention including DEET repellent and long clothing even after vaccination. Choose accommodations with screened windows and air conditioning in rural areas. Check the latest Lombok health advisory 72 hours before travel as requirements may expand to other islands.
Health authorities plan to review the policy after six months and may lift it if case numbers drop below 50 per quarter.