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.
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:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South Asia?
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 |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South Asia?
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 recommeneded 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 reputible restaurants, wash hands regularly and do not drink unfiltered water or ice. Travellers’ diarrhea kits are higly recommended for all travellers.
What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South Asia?
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? |
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| Passport | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Required Vaccinations |
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| Afghanistan |  |
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| Bangladesh | |
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| Bhutan | |
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| India | |
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| Iran | |
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| Kazakhstan | |
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| Kyrgyzstan | |
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| Maldives | |
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| Nepal | |
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| Pakistan | |
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| Sri Lanka | |
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| Tajikistan | |
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| Turkmenistan | |
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| Uzbekistan | |
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Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.
Travelling to Another Destination?
Travelling outside of Central and South Asia? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!
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?
