What vaccines do I need to travel to India or South Asia?

Last reviewed: 2026-06-14

Quick answer

For India, Nepal, Bangladesh and other parts of South Asia, first make sure your routine vaccines are up to date. Commonly recommended travel vaccines include hepatitis A and typhoid (food- and water-borne, with higher risk in South Asia), rabies (many stray animals — relevant if you'll have animal contact or take long or remote trips), and Japanese encephalitis (long rural stays or heavy activity in the transmission season). Some countries have polio-related requirements for travellers from at-risk areas. Some areas also carry a malaria risk, prevented with medication. See the DH Travel Health Centre 6 to 8 weeks before departure.

South Asia includes India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Because of sanitation conditions and climate, travel-related infection risk is higher, and vaccine advice depends on your itinerary.

First, make sure your routine vaccines are up to date

Check measles, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio.

Commonly recommended travel vaccines

Hepatitis A and typhoid: food- and water-borne disease risk is higher in South Asia, so these are commonly recommended.
Rabies: South Asia has many stray dogs and a real rabies risk. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have animal contact, visit remote areas with limited medical access, or travel for a long time.
Japanese encephalitis: some rural areas carry a risk; recommended for long stays or heavy outdoor activity in the transmission season.
Hepatitis B: depending on length of stay and personal risk.

Polio

Some countries have additional vaccination or proof requirements for travellers arriving from or going to polio-risk areas. Confirm the current rules with a Travel Health Centre before departure.

Malaria (not a vaccine)

Parts of South Asia carry a malaria risk, managed with preventive medication and mosquito-bite precautions — there's no traveller's vaccine. Whether you need medication is assessed by a doctor.

What to do

South Asia's vaccine needs are more involved, so see the DH Travel Health Centre or your family doctor 6 to 8 weeks before departure for advice tailored to your destination and itinerary.

Answer six short questions to see which vaccines are worth discussing with your GP, and why.

Based on your age, health, and travel plans, using HK Department of Health and CDC guidance. A ranked list of vaccines, with the reason each one applies to you.

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