VACCINATIONS|FIND A TRAVEL CLINIC|ADVICE
Regions of Central and South Asia have some specific healthcare challenges. Make sure you're protected.
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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central and South Asia

From the Hindu Kush to the shores of Southern India, Central and South Asia is full of history and adventure for all kinds of travellers. But, there are some risks as well.

On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South Asia?
Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South Asia?
What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South Asia?
Travelling to Another Destination?

Passport Health offers vaccinations, medications and personalized consultations for your trip, no matter the destination. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.

Countries in this region include:

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Iran
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan

The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Central and South Asia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and polio.

Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and meningitis.

Central and South Asia is one of the few regions with ongoing polio transmission. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Some countries require proof of vaccination for stays over four weeks.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.

See the tables below for more information:

Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Central and South Asia
VACCINE HOW DISEASE SPREADS DETAILS
Hepatitis A Contaminated Food
or Water 		Recommended for all
travellers to most regions.
Hepatitis B Contaminated Body
Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) 		Recommended for all
travellers to most regions.
Typhoid Contaminated Food
or Water 		Recommended for all
travellers to most regions.
Cholera Contaminated Food
or Water 		May be recommended based
on your specific itinerary.
Yellow Fever Mosquito-borne May be required based
on your specific itinerary.
Japanese Encephalitis Mosquito-borne Recommended in most countries in region.
Highly recommended for specific itineraries.
Rabies Infected Animals Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers
and those who may come in contact with animals.
Polio Infected Animals Generally a routine vaccination. Recommended or
required for some countries in region.

Recommended Routine Vaccinations for Central and South Asia
VACCINE HOW DISEASE SPREADS DETAILS
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) Various Vectors Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born
after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) Wounds or
Airborne 		One adult booster of pertussis recommended
for most travellers.
Influenza Airborne Generally recommended for all travellers.
Vaccine components change annually.
Chickenpox Direct Contact
or Airborne 		Given to those unvaccinated that
did not have chickenpox.
Shingles Direct Contact Recommended for individuals 50+. Vaccine can
still be given if you have had shingles.
Pneumonia Airborne All individuals 65+ or immunocompromised
should receive this vaccine.
Meningitis Airborne or
Direct Contact 		Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an
increased risk, especially students.

Sources: PHAC, WHO and ISTM

Vaccinations are only part of the protection needed for travel to Central and South Asia. Malaria is found in many parts of the region. Be sure to speak with a travel health specialist about your options.

Other mosquito-borne infections like dengue and chikungunya are also present. Mosquito repellent, netting and protective clothing may be recommended based on your specific destination.

Travellers’ diarrhea is one of the most common infections among travellers to the region. Many popular destinations like India and Pakistan have an increased risk of infection. Avoid less reputable restaurants, wash hands regularly and do not drink unfiltered water or ice. Travellers’ diarrhea kits are highly recommended for all travellers.

Visas are required for almost all countries in Central and South Asia. Vaccination requirements including polio (for stays over four weeks) and yellow fever (if coming from specific destinations). Check with your travel health specialist to learn more.

See the below table for more information:

Do I Need a Passport or Visa for My Trip?
Passport Tourist Visa Business Visa Required
Vaccinations
Afghanistan table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
Bangladesh table check mark table check mark
Bhutan table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
India table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
Iran table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
Kazakhstan table check mark
Kyrgyzstan table check mark table check mark
Maldives table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
Nepal table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
Pakistan table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
Sri Lanka table check mark table check mark table check mark table check mark
Tajikistan table check mark table check mark table check mark
Turkmenistan table check mark table check mark table check mark
Uzbekistan table check mark table check mark table check mark

Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.

Travelling outside of Central and South Asia? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!

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