You’ve booked your tickets, and now there are various things you might like to do, like set some training goals to boost your fitness, or fine tune your hiking route. It’s also worth devoting some time to researching the vaccinations you’ll need to travel.
We’ve compiled a list of vaccinations that are recommended for popular destinations around the world, including Thailand and India. The source we’ve used is the NHS’s Fit for Travel website, which lists the vaccination requirements for 238 destinations.
The NHS advice centres round the vaccinations that are recommended, rather than required - vaccinations tend not to be mandatory, but there are exceptions. A notable one is yellow fever; a vaccination certificate is often required when visiting countries where there’s risk of transmission, such as Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other African and South American countries. We’ve listed where the yellow fever vaccine is a requirement, as well as any other mandatory vaccinations.*
Our research can be used as a point of reference, but we recommend sitting down with a medical professional and explaining your individual circumstances for tailored vaccination advice - everybody’s needs are different. We strive for accuracy and endeavour to provide factual information, but advice on vaccines can change. For the most up to date records, check out NHS Fit for Travel or Travel Health Pro.
* The listed yellow fever restrictions apply to travellers aged one and over, unless otherwise stated.
‘Higher Risk’ and ‘Highest Risk’ Individuals
Vaccination advice varies between individuals as well as countries. A week-long trip to the beach is very different to spending six months backpacking through multiple countries, and encountering a wide variety of communities and environments. For example, travellers are considered at higher risk of rabies when visiting remote rural areas, or those who plan trekking or cycling in a 'high risk' country.
The NHS provides additional vaccine recommendations for what it terms as ‘higher’ and ‘highest risk’ individuals. Higher risk individuals include those who are going on long-stay trips, who travel frequently and children (who are exposed to more infections through regular cuts and bruises). Chances are you’ll know if you fall into the ‘highest risk’ category, which is defined as “those with underlying medical conditions where there is increased risk of severe disease e.g. chronic liver/kidney disease; haemophiliacs.” Injecting drugs and sexual promiscuity are also included as significant risk factors.
Do I Need to Show Proof of the COVID Vaccination to Travel?
At the time of writing, all countries have relaxed their COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements. China was one of the last to do so, in August 2023. However, this is subject to change - you can find the most up to date information on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page.
Where Can I Get Vaccinations?
The NHS offers a schedule of vaccinations for all UK citizens, such as the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella), throughout childhood and into adulthood. Before you travel, it’s worth making sure that your vaccinations are up to date - your doctor’s surgery can give you any that are missing.
The NHS also provides free polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab), typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera vaccinations. Some surgeries offer hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, tuberculosis (TB) and yellow fever vaccines, but you’ll need to pay for these. Another option is to visit a private travel clinic. Many branches of Boots and Superdrug also provide travel advice and vaccines, from registered pharmacists and nurses.
Make sure you make enquiries about vaccinations at least six to eight weeks before you travel. This is because some vaccinations require several doses, a few weeks apart. What’s more, clinics won’t have all vaccines in stock - in the UK, there’s currently a rabies vaccine shortage.
What Vaccinations Should I Get in Africa?
Africa is an ideal continent for adventurers. It's renowned for its safari opportunities, and for sky-piercing peaks such as Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Plus, there's a huge diversity of landscapes, from the misty hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda to the otherworldly deserts of Namibia. If you're travelling there long-term, there are several vaccines the NHS recommends; in some cases a yellow fever vaccine is mandatory.
This is because some African countries are yellow fever risk areas, so you’ll need a vaccination certificate to enter the country. These include Cameroon, Uganda and Mali. You’ll also need to show proof of the yellow fever vaccine in lower risk countries (such as Botswana), if you travelled or transited through higher-risk African countries.
Several sub-Saharan African countries are situated on the ‘meningitis belt’ - South Sudan, Ethiopia and Senegal, to name but a few. If you’re travelling to any of these high risk countries, the NHS recommends the MenACWY vaccine, also known as the quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine.
Finally, humanitarian aid workers and those working in refugee camps and slums are considered as ‘high risk individuals’ for cholera, and a vaccine is recommended. The risk of cholera is higher during floods and in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Botswana
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers arriving from, or having transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever.
Cape Verde
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Kenya
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required? for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever.
Madagascar
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required? for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a yellow fever risk country.
Mauritius
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Morocco
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Namibia
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers aged nine months or over arriving from (or transiting for 12 hours through) countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rwanda
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera, Rabies
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers arriving from - or who’ve transited through - countries with risk of yellow fever.
South Africa
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required? for travellers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and travellers who spent more than 12 hours transiting through these countries.
Tanzania
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera, Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of these high risk countries.
Uganda
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Yellow Fever
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for all travellers
What Vaccinations Should I Get in Asia?
Asia is a fascinating kaleidoscope of cultures and landscapes, and home to an astonishing variety of adventures. Despite its popularity as a backpacking destination, there are still so many under-explored corners. How about trekking across the deserts of Jordan, or cycling through the deserts of North India?
If you’re travelling to Asia, the most common vaccinations your healthcare provider might advise you to get are diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid - all four of which are available for free, on the NHS. In the UK, diphtheria, tetanus and polio are given as a combined jab - even though you might have got this when younger, a tetanus booster every ten years is recommended.
Cambodia
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers arriving (or transiting for 12+ hours) from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Egypt
Vaccines advised: Poliomyelitis, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from - or transiting for 12+ hours through - countries with risk of yellow fever.
Georgia
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
India
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Rabies
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no, if you haven’t visited a country with risk of yellow fever in the previous week - read the full details on the Indian Bureau for Immigration website.
Indonesia
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Meningococcal Meningitis (the latter is mandatory if departing from or to Saudi Arabia)
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Japan
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Tick-borne Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Jordan
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Kyrgyzstan
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tick-borne Encephalitis, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Malaysia (and Borneo)
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers arriving (or transiting for 12+ hours) from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Maldives
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving (or transiting for 12+ hours) from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Nepal
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B, Rabies
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from - or transiting for more than 12 hours - through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Sri Lanka
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from, or having transited for more than 12 hours through, countries with risk of yellow fever.
Thailand
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving (or transiting for 12+ hours) from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Turkey
Vaccines advised none
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Vietnam
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
What Vaccinations Should I Get in South America?
South America is a vast continent with a wealth of different landscapes. There's the vast Amazon Rainforest, which covers eight South American countries and is home to one in ten species on earth. Then there are the sky-piercing Andes, which run like a spine down the length of the continent. The opportunities for adventure are endless, be it trekking the Patagonian wilderness, or paddling through the Colombian rainforest.
Make sure to check vaccination requirements before you travel, as some South American countries appear on the list of the WHO’s yellow fever risk areas: Argentina; Colombia; Bolivia; Ecuador and Venezuela. However, not all of these countries require a yellow fever vaccine for entry. Bodies such as the NHS and CDC still recommend those spending time in high-risk areas get the yellow fever vaccine.
Argentina
Vaccines advised: none
Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus, Yellow Fever
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Chile
Vaccines advised: none
Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B, Rabies
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Colombia
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Also for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport from the above countries.
Ecuador (and the Galapagos)
Vaccines advised: none
Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers arriving from - or having transited for more than 12 hours through - Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Peru
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
What Vaccinations Should I Get in North America?
When you think of North America, chances are you think of the United States. But the continent also encompasses ice-bound Greenland, the tropical islands of the Caribbean, and even the Central American region. Adventures range from volcano climbing in Guatemala, to kayaking past cathedral sized icebergs in Greenland.
Some countries in North America - particularly islands in the Caribbean - will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers who have arrived from yellow fever risk areas, such as Ecuador and Peru. But in other North American countries, such as the USA and Canada, no specific vaccinations are recommended.
Canada
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Costa Rica
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: Yes, for travellers aged nine months and over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (for exceptions and specifications, check out Fit for Travel’s Costa Rica page).
Cuba
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries at risk for yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country at risk for yellow fever transmission.
Greenland
Vaccines advised: Diphtheria
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Guatemala
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Rabies, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers arriving (or having transited for more than 12 hours) from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Mexico
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Nicaragua
Vaccines advised: Hepatitis A
Vaccines to consider: Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: yes, for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
USA
Vaccines advised: none
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B, Rabies
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
What Vaccinations Should I Get in Europe?
Europe contains over 500 national parks, from the jagged karst peaks of Spain's Picos de Europa, to the frozen waterfalls and boreal forests of Finland's Pyhä-Luosto National Park. The possibilities for adventure are endless, and thanks to a train network stretching across the continent, it's easy to plan a multi-country trip.
For the majority of countries in Europe, the NHS guidelines are the same - travellers are not advised to get vaccinations when visiting, and yellow fever vaccination certificates are rarely required. However, the NHS does recommend considering tetanus and tick-borne encephalitis vaccines, especially for those who plan on spending a lot of time in woods and grasslands - environments where ticks dwell.
We have listed several European countries where the NHS guidance differs to the above. We would also recommend that highest risk individuals check out the guidance on the Fit for Travel website, as their vaccine recommendations vary per country.
Albania
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tick-borne Encephalitis
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: Yes, for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission
Bosnia Herzegovina
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tick-borne Encephalitis
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Croatia
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, Tick-borne Encephalitis
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: Hepatitis B, Rabies
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
Montenegro
Vaccines advised: Tetanus
Vaccines to consider: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tick-borne Encephalitis
Vaccines advised for high risk individuals: none
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required?: no
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