No vaccine is required to enter United Arab Emirates on a standard tourist itinerary — but several are recommended.
Recommended: no travel-specific vaccines beyond your routine schedule. Consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (extended stays). No malaria risk; tap water generally safe.
No vaccine is required for entry on a standard tourist itinerary. That is not the same as "no vaccines needed" — see the recommended list below, and note that most countries still require a yellow fever certificate from travellers arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.
No travel-specific vaccines are routinely recommended beyond keeping your standard schedule up to date.
No risk.
Food safety standards high throughout UAE. Tap water safe in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
World-class hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Healthcare is excellent but expensive — insurance still recommended.
Heat stroke is a real risk June-September (40-50°C). Very low disease risk. Excellent healthcare infrastructure.
Use this checker as a planning prompt, then confirm requirements and recommendations with current public-health sources and a clinician.
23 destinations shown
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Low risk in rural northern areas (Chiang Rai border region). None in Bangkok or major tourist areas.
Water & Food
Cooked street food is generally safe. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and ice from unknown sources.
Healthcare
Good private hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Medical insurance strongly recommended.
Travel health notes
No vaccines required for entry. Yellow fever vaccine required if arriving from yellow fever country. Japanese Encephalitis risk low for city tourists.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No malaria risk.
Water & Food
Tap water safe throughout Japan. Food safety standards extremely high. Raw fish in established restaurants is safe.
Healthcare
World-class healthcare. Language barrier can be challenging — travel insurance with phone interpretation service recommended.
Travel health notes
No vaccines required for entry. Japan has excellent hygiene — low health risk overall.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Risk varies by region. High risk in rural Rajasthan, Assam, and Odisha. Urban Delhi and Goa low risk. Prophylaxis recommended for rural areas.
Water & Food
Delhi Belly is common — stick to cooked hot food, bottled water only. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit.
Healthcare
Quality varies enormously. Major cities have good private hospitals. Rural areas have limited facilities. Comprehensive insurance essential.
Travel health notes
Yellow fever vaccine required if arriving from yellow fever country. Polio booster required for some travelers.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Low risk in Bali. Risk in outer islands (Lombok, Flores, Papua). No prophylaxis usually needed for Bali resort areas.
Water & Food
Bottled or purified water only. Warung food generally safe if hot and freshly cooked. Avoid raw salads.
Healthcare
Good private hospitals in Kuta and Denpasar. SOS International clinic popular with tourists. Medical evacuation to Singapore may be needed for serious cases.
Travel health notes
Rabies is present in Bali monkey populations. Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest — be cautious of bites/scratches. If bitten, seek immediate treatment.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Low risk in main tourist areas (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang). Risk in forested highlands near Cambodian/Laotian borders.
Water & Food
Pho and street food generally safe when hot. Bottled water only. Be cautious with raw greens in pho.
Healthcare
International hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Rural care limited.
Travel health notes
H5N1 avian influenza present — avoid live poultry markets. Japanese Encephalitis risk if visiting rural areas.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Low risk in Terai lowlands. No risk above 2,000m (trekking regions).
Altitude Warning
Altitude sickness is the major health concern for trekkers. Ascend slowly — max 500m/day above 3,000m. Diamox (acetazolamide) available — discuss with doctor. AMS, HACE, HAPE are life-threatening; descend immediately if severe symptoms.
Water & Food
Dal bhat at established lodges is safe. Bottled/purified water only throughout the country.
Healthcare
CIWEC Travel Medicine Center in Kathmandu is well-regarded. Above base camp, medical facilities are very limited. Helicopter evacuation insurance essential for trekkers.
Travel health notes
Kathmandu valley has poor air quality. Respiratory conditions may be exacerbated. Water purification tablets essential for trekking.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Low risk in north and east. No risk in Colombo, Kandy, and tourist south coast.
Water & Food
Cooked food is generally safe. Bottled water essential. Rice and curry from established restaurants is fine.
Healthcare
Reasonable private hospitals in Colombo. Limited elsewhere.
Travel health notes
Dengue fever present — use DEET-based repellent. Chikungunya and Zika present in some areas.
REQUIRED for entry
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Risk throughout the country below 2,500m. Nairobi city is low risk. Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended for safari areas and coastal regions.
Water & Food
Stick to cooked foods. Bottled or purified water only. Avoid raw salads in budget restaurants.
Healthcare
Nairobi Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital are good. Rural and safari areas have very limited care. Evacuation insurance essential.
Travel health notes
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from yellow fever endemic country. Malaria is the most significant health risk for travelers.
REQUIRED for entry
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
High risk throughout mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Malaria prophylaxis essential.
Altitude Warning
Kilimanjaro (5,895m) — altitude sickness risk significant. Most routes ascend too fast for proper acclimatization. Diamox commonly used. HACE and HAPE possible — know the descent protocol.
Water & Food
Bottled water and cooked food in established restaurants. Zanzibar seafood is excellent but ensure freshness.
Healthcare
Limited facilities outside Dar es Salaam. Medical evacuation to Nairobi often necessary. Comprehensive insurance required.
Travel health notes
Malaria and altitude (Kilimanjaro) are primary health concerns.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Very low risk. No prophylaxis needed for standard tourist itineraries.
Water & Food
Tagine and cooked foods at riads are generally safe. Bottled water recommended. Mint tea is safe.
Healthcare
Reasonable private hospitals in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez. Rural areas limited. Travel insurance recommended.
Travel health notes
Rabies present in stray dog population — avoid feeding or approaching strays. Atlas Mountain areas can be cold — prepare for rapid temperature changes.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Minimal risk. El Fayoum oasis area has some risk June-October. No prophylaxis needed for Nile cruises, Cairo, or Red Sea coast.
Water & Food
Bottled water only — even for brushing teeth in budget accommodation. Koshari and ful medames from reputable stalls are safe.
Healthcare
Cairo has reasonable private hospitals. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh have tourist clinics. Insurance recommended.
Travel health notes
Heat-related illness is a major risk April-September — stay hydrated. Schistosomiasis risk in Nile waters — avoid swimming in the Nile.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Low risk in rural southern states (Chiapas, Oaxaca coast, Nayarit). No risk in Mexico City, Cancún, or other major tourist areas.
Altitude Warning
Mexico City sits at 2,240m. Mild altitude sickness possible for first 1-2 days — take it easy on arrival. Teotihuacán (2,300m) and Oaxaca (1,500m) also elevated.
Water & Food
Stick to cooked foods. Avoid ice, tap water, and raw salads at budget venues. High-end restaurants generally safe.
Healthcare
Good private hospitals in Mexico City, Cancún, and Guadalajara. Rural areas limited. Insurance recommended.
Travel health notes
Montezuma's Revenge (traveler's diarrhea) is common — bring ORS packets. Dengue fever risk in coastal and tropical areas.
REQUIRED for entry
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
Risk in Amazon jungle regions (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado). No risk at Machu Picchu or Cusco altitude.
Altitude Warning
Cusco (3,400m) and Machu Picchu (2,430m). Altitude sickness (soroche) affects 25% of visitors to Cusco. Spend 2 days in Cusco before hiking. Coca tea widely available. Diamox helpful — start 2 days before arrival.
Water & Food
Ceviche at reputable restaurants is safe. Bottled water throughout. Avoid raw salads except at upscale restaurants.
Healthcare
Cusco has several clinics for altitude-related illness. Lima has good private hospitals. Rural areas very limited.
Travel health notes
Do not fly Lima→Cusco and immediately trek — acclimatize first. Descend the Inca Trail at lower altitude than Cusco so is manageable.
REQUIRED for entry
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
High risk in Amazon basin. No risk in Rio, São Paulo, Iguazú, or coastal cities.
Water & Food
Brazil's major cities have good food safety. Bottled water recommended. Açaí bowls from reputable vendors are safe.
Healthcare
Rio and São Paulo have excellent private hospitals. Universal healthcare (SUS) available but slow. Travel insurance recommended.
Travel health notes
Yellow fever vaccination strongly recommended for Amazon travel. Zika, dengue, and chikungunya present in urban and coastal areas. DEET repellent essential.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, or Patagonia. Minimal risk in northern provinces bordering Bolivia/Brazil.
Water & Food
Food safety standards good in Buenos Aires and major cities. Patagonia lamb and Mendoza wine are safe and excellent.
Healthcare
Buenos Aires has good private hospitals. Insurance recommended for Patagonia where evacuation may be needed.
Travel health notes
Buenos Aires tap water is safe. Patagonia has no significant health risks beyond cold weather preparation.
RECOMMENDED
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk.
Water & Food
Mansaf and mezze from established restaurants safe. Bottled water recommended. Falafel and hummus from busy stalls generally safe.
Healthcare
Amman has good private hospitals. Petra area has basic clinics. Insurance recommended.
Travel health notes
Wadi Rum desert heat can be extreme in summer — sun protection and hydration critical. Petra involves significant walking in heat.
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk.
Water & Food
Food safety standards high throughout UAE. Tap water safe in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Healthcare
World-class hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Healthcare is excellent but expensive — insurance still recommended.
Travel health notes
Heat stroke is a real risk June-September (40-50°C). Very low disease risk. Excellent healthcare infrastructure.
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk.
Water & Food
Excellent food safety. Hummus, falafel, shakshouka all safe. Tap water safe throughout.
Healthcare
Excellent healthcare system. Travel insurance still recommended for foreign visitors.
Travel health notes
Very low health risks. Dead Sea — extremely buoyant, don't get salt water in eyes. Strong UV on Sea of Galilee and Dead Sea.
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk.
Water & Food
Food safety standards very high across Western Europe. Tap water safe in France, Germany, Spain, Italy.
Healthcare
Excellent healthcare throughout. EHIC/GHIC card covers EU residents in Europe. Private insurance recommended for non-EU visitors.
Travel health notes
No significant health risks beyond standard precautions. Sun protection important in Mediterranean summer.
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk.
Water & Food
Food safety standards good throughout. Tap water safe in most cities. Rural areas may vary.
Healthcare
Healthcare improving but can be basic in rural areas. Insurance recommended.
Travel health notes
TBE vaccine recommended for hikers in forested areas. Tick repellent and daily body checks advisable.
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk.
Water & Food
Tap water is among the purest in the world. Food safety standards excellent.
Healthcare
Excellent healthcare. Cold, wind, and glacier hazards are the main concerns. Insurance recommended for remote activities.
Travel health notes
Extremely safe. Cold weather preparation is the main concern. Glacial travel requires proper gear and guides.
CONSIDER (based on activities)
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk on the Australian mainland. Rare risk in Torres Strait Islands.
Water & Food
Excellent food safety standards. Tap water safe throughout.
Healthcare
World-class healthcare. Medicare covers Australian citizens — visitors need insurance. Remote areas may require evacuation.
Travel health notes
Marine stingers (jellyfish) in northern waters Oct-May — swim in stinger nets. Box jellyfish fatal. Irukandji jellyfish in Coral Sea. Saltwater crocodiles in northern rivers and estuaries.
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Malaria Risk
No risk.
Water & Food
Excellent food safety. Tap water safe throughout.
Healthcare
Excellent healthcare. Remote hiking areas require thorough preparation and PLB (personal locator beacon) for Fiordland.
Travel health notes
No dangerous land animals. Sandfly bites can be severe in Fiordland — repellent essential. Mountain weather changes rapidly.
| Vaccine | Doses | Timing | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 doses | First dose 2-4 weeks before travel; second dose 6-12 months later | Long-term (25+ years after 2nd dose) |
| Typhoid | 1 dose (injectable) or 4 capsules (oral) | 2 weeks before travel (injectable), 2 weeks before (oral — take alternate days) | 2-3 years (injectable), 5 years (oral) |
| Yellow Fever | 1 dose | 10 days before travel | Lifelong (WHO certificate required for some countries) |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses | Standard: 0, 1, 6 months. Accelerated: 0, 7, 21 days + booster at 12 months | Long-term |
| Japanese Encephalitis | 2 doses | 0 and 28 days; complete 1 week before travel | Check with doctor for boosters |
| Rabies (pre-exposure) | 3 doses | 0, 7, and 21 or 28 days | Does not eliminate need for post-exposure treatment; simplifies it |
| Meningococcal Meningitis | 1 dose (MenACWY) | 2-4 weeks before travel | 3-5 years |
| Cholera | 2 oral doses | 1 week apart, completed at least 1 week before travel | 2 years |
| Tick-Borne Encephalitis | 3 doses | 0, 1-3 months, 5-12 months (accelerated schedule available) | 3 years initially, then boosters |
| Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis | Booster if not had in 10 years | Any time before travel | 10 years |
| Measles-Mumps-Rubella | Check if 2 doses received in childhood | At least 4 weeks before travel | Lifelong |
| Influenza | 1 dose annually | 2 weeks before travel or flu season | 1 year |
Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone)
Doxycycline
Mefloquine (Lariam)
Chloroquine
Book a travel medicine clinic appointment — ideally 6-8 weeks before departure
Get any recommended vaccines and fill prophylaxis prescriptions
Carry copies of all prescriptions for customs — especially controlled medications
Pack a travel health kit: antiseptic, dressings, ORS sachets, antidiarrheal, antihistamine
Pack DEET 30-50% insect repellent for malaria/dengue risk areas
Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen — especially for tropical destinations
Pack water purification tablets or SteriPen for developing world travel
Save destination's nearest international hospital number in your phone
Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation — not just treatment
Carry yellow fever certificate if vaccine required for entry
Know your blood type — especially for remote destinations
Pack a digital thermometer — fever is the first sign of malaria or infection