Travel Vaccines and Advice for Madeira
Madeira is a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean and is an autonomous region of Portugal. The islands include Madeira, Porto Santo, and Desertas.
The population of Madeira is 289,000 with the islands spanning 725 square kilometres. This population pales in comparison to the amount of tourists that visit each year, about 1.4 million.
The largest cities in Madeira include the capital city of Funchal, Calheta, and Ponta do Sol.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Madeira?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Madeira
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Madeira?
What Is the Climate Like in Madeira?
How Safe Is Madeira?
Nature in Madeira
What Should I Take to Madeira?
Canadian Embassy in Madeira
Do I Need Vaccines for Madeira?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Madeira. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Madeira: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Madeira |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Madeira |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies, a fatal viral illness, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Prevention centers on vaccination, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary after possible exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommended for individuals with increased risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral infections. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, ensures strong immunity, reducing the risk of disease transmission and protecting both individuals and the broader population from these potentially severe illnesses.
There are several hospitals on Madeira that are language accommodating, as most staff members speak English. Remember to check out traveller health insurance options.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Madeira
Prevent Bug Bites in Madeira
Safeguard against bug bites by following PHAC-recommended practices like donning long attire and using EPA-registered repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug activity times and bolster your sleeping space with nets and screens. In the event of bug bites, clean the area, resist itching, and use over-the-counter treatments to help with itching. Be sure to seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Madeira Islands
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Infections To Be Aware of in Madeira Islands
- Dengue – According to the PHAC, dengue fever, caused by a virus from mosquito bites, manifests through fever, headaches, and severe muscle pain. Preventative measures include using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. While no specific treatment exists, early medical intervention can mitigate severe complications.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Madeira?
As a territory of Portugal, the Madeira Islands follow similar entry rules. Tourist visas are not required for stays under 90 days.
Madeira Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Madeira? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Portugal and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Madeira?
Madeira is an island in the Atlantic Ocean and has a mild and pleasant climate all year. The temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees in most coastal areas. Funchal is the capital and largest city in Madeira, with a mild and subtropical climate. The temperature in Funchal is around 15 to 25 during the day, and it rains more often in winter.
Porto Santo is another popular tourist destination known for its long sandy beaches. The climate in Porto Santo is drier and warmer than in Funchal, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 25 during the day.
The island is also known for its strong winds, which can sometimes be challenging for tourists.
It is always good to check the weather forecast before travelling to the island to prepare for any weather conditions.
How Safe Is Madeira?
Madeira is a safe place to visit, but it’s still important to take precautions to stay safe. Here are some things you can do:
- Pay attention to your surroundings and be careful when walking alone at night.
- Keep your important things, like your passport and money, in a safe place and don’t carry too much money or wear expensive jewelry.
- Be careful when swimming in the ocean and only swim in designated areas.
- Be careful when driving on the narrow and winding roads.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Keep up to date on the latest news and travel advisories for Madeira.
- Use your common sense and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, avoid it.
Remember to always stay aware of your surroundings and use good judgement to stay safe while enjoying your trip to Madeira.
Nature in Madeira
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
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The breathtaking landscape brings tourists to Madeira every year. With that landscape comes unforgettable views and wildlife.
Ponta de São Lourenço is a Nature Reserve on Madeira Island that features all these things.
This nature reserve features cliff top views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, along with volcanic rock formations and a black sand beach. In the reserve, travellers can also see rare flowers.
As part of the reserve, tourists are also able to snorkel, scuba dive, and kayak to see more marine wildlife.
What Should I Take to Madeira?
Madeira is an archipelago in Portugal known for its beautiful nature. The weather is mild, so you can pack light clothes made of cotton or linen. You can also explore the island’s natural wonders by hiking, so bring comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
The sun can be strong, so bring sunscreen to protect your skin, and swimwear to enjoy the beaches and natural pools. It might rain, so pack a light rain jacket or poncho. Insect repellent is also a good idea if you’re prone to getting bitten.
Madeira is a great place for photos, so bring a camera or smartphone. A hat or cap can protect you from the sun. Bring cash and credit cards, as well as any necessary medications, toiletries, and hand sanitizer.
Canadian Embassy in Madeira
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in Madeira, but it is served by the embassy in Portugal.
Canadian Embassy in Lisbon
Avenida da Liberdade 198-200, 3rd Floor,
1269-121 Lisbon, Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 316 4600
Email: lsbon.consular@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to Madeira or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Madeira
“I was one hour late for my appointment, A lot of traffic and I also got loss. The nurse patiently guided me to the local and had everything ready for me when I finally arrived. Excellent service, will highly recommend it to my friends travelling to Madeira.”
“The nurse at the Myrtle Beach office, is friendly, efficient & knowledgeable about Madeira. This was my second time to get vaccinated there.”
“All the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and professional from the front desk all the way through to the nurse who is a wealth of knowledge on Madeira. Great experience!!”
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