Your guide to travel vaccinations

What vaccinations could I need?

The vaccinations you’ll need will depend on the region or country you’re travelling to. Many countries require the same level of protection that we require in the UK. This includes the vaccinations offered as standard through the government’s routine immunisation schedule, which provides protection against infections such as:

• Tetanus

• Diphtheria

• Polio

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

You may need a booster dose for tetanus, diphtheria, and polio if you’re going to a high-risk area and your last vaccine was over 10 years ago. This is given as one combined dose offering protection against all three illnesses.

If you’re not sure whether you were given these in childhood, you can ask your GP surgery for a copy of your vaccination record or if you’re registered for the NHS app and have given your consent for data to be shared, your vaccination details should be available when you log in.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer an entry requirement for most countries. You won’t need to quarantine or test either. It’s still advised to take the usual precautionary measures such as good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

For countries where there’s a risk of exposure to certain diseases or infections, you may be advised to have a vaccination ahead of travel. These include:

Cholera – vaccinations are not usually needed if you’re travelling for recreational purposes. It is more for circumstances where individuals could face high exposure to an outbreak and will have limited or no access to medical provision. For example, aid workers visiting disaster zones where water is contaminated and sanitation is poor may be at increased risk of exposure to cholera. The illness can cause severe diarrhoea leading to dangerous levels of dehydration and requires urgent medical attention if contracted. The vaccine is given as a drink and requires two doses.

Hepatitis A and B – a combined vaccine is available to help protect against these two conditions if you are visiting a country or region with a moderate to high prevalence. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated water and food, whereas hepatitis B is contracted through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. The combined vaccine offers immunisation against hepatitis A for approximately 25 years and 5 years of protection from hepatitis B. After this you’ll need a booster to remain protected. Individual vaccines for each infection are also available, and your doctor or nurse will tell you how many doses you need for full protection.

Japanese encephalitis – this has become rare in recent years but due to its seriousness, a vaccine is still recommended when travelling to some countries. Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that’s spread by mosquitos. A bite from an infected insect can cause mild symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and stomach pain that usually pass on their own, but the infection can spread to the brain and become life-threatening, requiring immediate hospital treatment. The vaccine is given in two doses and can help protect you from this infection. 

Bacterial meningitis – this infection spreads via the transfer of airborne droplets from sneezing, kissing, or coughing. A person may be a carrier of meningococcal bacteria (it lives harmlessly in their nose) and pass it to someone who then gets ill from the bacteria. Vaccinations are recommended for some countries to protect against several types of bacterial meningitis (types A, C, W, and Y). If you’re travelling to a high-risk area, the NHS advises having this vaccine even if you received the meningitis C vaccination in childhood. One dose is needed for adequate protection.

Rabies – although very rare in the UK, this viral infection is present in parts of the world and is caused by infected animal bites. It’s nearly always fatal if immediate treatment isn’t given and symptoms develop. The infection can also be spread through the infected animal’s saliva entering the body, such as through licking a cut on the skin or licking the mouth, eyes, or nose. A rabies vaccination is recommended if you’re travelling to an area where rabies is prevalent, you’ll be taking part in outdoor activities and have a higher chance of coming into contact with wildlife, you may have limited access to quick medical intervention, and/or you’re staying for 30 days or longer. 3 doses are needed to provide 10 years’ protection.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) – the risk of contracting this viral infection in the UK is very low, even though some ticks in this country do carry the TBE virus. Consider getting vaccinated if you’re visiting an area with high infection rates and you’ll be active outdoors while you’re there. The vaccine is given in a course of 3 doses. Like with Japanese encephalitis, symptoms of TBE usually go away without treatment, but if you fall ill within a few days or weeks of a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Tuberculosis (TB) – up until 2005, vaccinations for this lung infection were routinely offered as part of the immunisation schedule. This was then updated and replaced with a more targeted screening programme for babies and children, with the vaccination being offered on a case-by-case basis depending on the patient’s individual risk factors. If you haven’t had a TB vaccination and plan to visit a country where it’s recommended, have a chat with your doctor.

Typhoid – a bacterial infection caused by a strain of Salmonella bacteria, typhoid fever can affect different organs and needs immediate medical treatment as it can be fatal if left untreated. It’s found in developing countries with poor sanitation and limited clean water supplies. If you’re travelling to a country where typhoid fever is present, a vaccine is recommended. It can be given as an injection or in capsule form.

Yellow fever – Another viral infection spread by mosquitos, yellow fever can lead to serious, life-threatening symptoms and in some countries where it’s present, proof of vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement. One dose of the vaccine is issued by injection and is thought to be very effective in offering lifelong protection from the virus.

Not all vaccinations offer full protection, and you should take the recommended precautions when visiting any country where you’re at risk of exposure to infection. Travel Health Pro is a useful resource and breaks down specific advice and practical guidance by country and region.

Vaccinations by continent

It's always worth checking the latest health advice for your destination before your trip on the NHS Fit to Travel website. This is regularly updated to reflect changes in guidance and is a great resource for ensuring you’re well-prepared before you travel. Your doctor or pharmacist will also be able to advise what you’ll need. Here’s an overview of general precautions by continent:

Africa

You should be up to date with all recommended vaccinations and boosters required as per UK guidance before travelling to Africa. In addition:

• Hepatitis A and B protection is advised for most travellers visiting Africa, including countries in north-east Africa such as Egypt.

• Antimalarial medication is required for most sub-Saharan African countries. This is in the form of a tablet taken daily, starting 1-2 days before travel and continuing for the duration of your trip up to 7 days after returning home. When used as instructed in conjunction with mosquito bite prevention measures such as DEET-based insect repellent, you should have a good level of protection from malaria.

• A TB jab is recommended before visiting Africa if you’ve not previously been vaccinated.

• A typhoid fever vaccine is recommended to most travellers visiting any country within Africa, including South Africa.

• Check if your destination country sits in the ‘yellow fever belt’, a band of countries that run centrally from west to east Africa. If so, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccine. It’s recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for countries including Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana (mandatory), Kenya, Mali (mandatory), Paraguay, Senegal, and Uganda.

Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica doesn’t require any additional vaccines outside the UK-recommended vaccinations and boosters.

Asia

As the world’s largest continent, Asia consists of 48 countries grouped into five regions. Being up to date with your UK-recommended jabs and boosters is advised for all countries, while additional protection is advised for some countries:

• The tetanus vaccine is advised for all Central Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. Hepatitis A, polio, and typhoid protection is also advised for most people visiting Afghanistan, with Pakistan also advising these in addition to diphtheria.

• Travellers are encouraged to consider protection against hepatitis B and rabies when visiting the central Asia region.

• Advice from east Asian countries varies, although it’s recommended that you’re up to date with all NHS vaccinations and boosters.

• Travel to China and Thailand doesn’t require any specific vaccinations but depending on your itinerary, you could consider hepatitis A and B, rabies, tetanus, TBE (China only), and typhoid vaccines.

• Japan doesn’t have specific vaccination requirements but it’s suggested to consider hepatitis B and tetanus jabs before you visit.

• If visiting India, diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus, and typhoid are advised. Tetanus is advised for Sri Lanka, with hepatitis A and B, rabies, and typhoid suggested for consideration.  

• Nepal travellers are advised to protect against diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus, and typhoid, and consider hepatitis B and rabies depending on planned activities during the stay.

• Diphtheria and tetanus are advised for Vietnam, with travellers urged to consider hepatitis A and B, rabies, and typhoid.

Australia

Travel to Australia doesn’t require any additional vaccines outside the UK-recommended vaccinations and boosters.

Europe

Generally, countries in western Europe advise the same level of protection as those in the UK. Think about your planned itinerary while you’re in the destination country and if you’ll be at increased risk, have a chat with your healthcare provider about vaccinations you should consider.

North America

Travel to North America doesn’t require any additional vaccines outside the UK-recommended vaccinations and boosters.

South America

In addition to the UK-recommended vaccine and booster schedule, some central and south American countries also advise protecting against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, rabies, tetanus, typhoid, and yellow fever. Antimalarials are typically advised if you’re travelling to a high-risk malaria area. In South America, these include low-lying regions (below 800m above sea level) of northwestern Brazil, rural areas of Colombia, regions below 1500m across Ecuador, areas across Peru, and jungle areas of Venezuela.

When should I get my travel vaccinations?

Preparation is key when it comes to getting the most protection from your vaccinations. Depending on which jabs you need, each course has a different schedule and timeframe.

Cholera – requires 2 doses between 1-6 weeks apart.

Hepatitis A and B – the number of doses you need will depend on your individual circumstances. See your healthcare provider at least 5 weeks before you travel.

Japanese encephalitis – requires 2 doses for a full course, at least 5 weeks prior to travel.

Bacterial meningitis – one dose is required at least 2 weeks before your trip.

Rabies – speak to your healthcare practitioner at least 8 weeks before you’re due to travel. If you do decide to have the rabies vaccine, this allows enough time for the three doses you’ll need to be adequately spaced out before you go.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) – two doses are needed to provide approximately one year’s protection. The first will need to be given at least one month before travel.

Typhoid – it’s recommended you have this vaccine at least two weeks before you go. One dose gives roughly three years of protection.

Yellow fever – once vaccinated, you should have a good level of protection for life. This should be given at least 10 days before you go.

Which vaccinations are available on the NHS?

Check with your GP surgery or local NHS trust but the following travel vaccinations are usually available on the NHS:

• Cholera

• Hepatitis A and B

• Polio

• Typhoid

Where should I go for my travel vaccinations?

If you need vaccinations that aren’t available on the NHS, have a look for your nearest pharmacy travel clinic which will be able to offer advice about which vaccinations and medications you might need depending on your destination.

Vaccines are one of several measures you can take to help protect yourself before your trip. See our comprehensive travel health checklist for more information and advice about staying well when travelling.