Bali safe, foreign tourists urged not to worry about Zika virus issue
The Bali Tourism Office (Dispar) has asked foreign tourists not to be overly fearful or worried about holidaying on the Island of the Gods following a health warning from United States authorities regarding the Zika virus.
“I hope tourists are not afraid to come to Bali, because Bali is safe and comfortable for a holiday,” said Head of the Bali Tourism Office I Wayan Sumarajaya when confirmed in Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday.
Sumarajaya stressed that his office has coordinated intensively with relevant agencies, particularly the Bali Provincial Health Office.
Based on official explanations from health authorities, to date no cases of Zika virus infection have been found or recorded anywhere in Bali.
Nevertheless, the Head of the Bali Tourism Office still reminded tourists and tourism industry players to continue implementing preventive measures independently, given Bali’s characteristics as a tropical region.
Vigilance against diseases transmitted by mosquito vectors is essential, similar to the prevention of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DBD).
“Because we are in a tropical country, prevention is important, just like with dengue, so tourists should remain vigilant to avoid mosquito bites,” he said.
He also urged all stakeholders and tourism service businesses in Bali to consistently provide the best service by prioritising health, hygiene and comfort standards for travellers during their holidays.
Confirmed separately, the Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division of the Bali Provincial Health Office, I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, assured that to date there have been no Zika cases found in Bali.
“In Bali itself there have been no reports of Zika cases, but because it is a tropical country, tourists are advised to be vigilant when travelling, which is a reasonable thing,” said Raka.
She explained that Zika prevention is in principle similar to dengue handling, namely trying to avoid bites from Aedes mosquitoes which act as the transmission vector, and such anticipation is considered sufficient.
However, it is acknowledged that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Indonesia with particular attention to the island of Bali as of 7 August 2026.
The advisory was issued following reports of Zika cases in travellers returning from Bali, and tourists were asked to take preventive measures against mosquito bites and sexual transmission.
The CDC in its warning explained that Zika virus infection generally causes mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all, such as fever, rash, headache, joint pain and red eyes.
Nevertheless, particular attention is given to pregnant women or those planning pregnancy due to the potential risk of birth defects in the foetus.
The Level 2 status (Practice Enhanced Precautions) emphasises the need for extra vigilance and is not a travel ban; this level differs from Level 3, which advises reconsidering travel, and Level 4, which prohibits all non-essential travel.