Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saba
Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands and is an located in the Caribbean.
The entire island makes up only 12 square kilometres and has a population just under 2,000 people. English and Dutch are both official languages of Saba and both are spoken fluently.
The majority of the island is made up of the volcano, Mount Scenery.
Due to the size of Saba, the only main city is also the capital named The Bottom.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Saba?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Saba
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saba?
What Is the Climate Like in Saba?
How Safe Is Saba?
Saba Marine Park
What Should I Take to Saba?
Canadian Embassy in Saba
Do I Need Vaccines for Saba?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saba. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saba: typhoid, 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:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - 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 –
Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - 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 Saba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| 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 | Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Saba |
||
| 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
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a serious illness transmitted through contaminated food and water. Prevention strategies include vaccination as well as practicing strict hygiene and safe food handling.
- Hepatitis A – The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral illness transmitted mainly through animal bites. Vaccination is pivotal, with pre-exposure and post-exposure options available to protect against this potentially fatal disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is the key to personal and public health safety. It strengthens immunity, minimizing the risk of infection, and is a critical component in halting the spread of these contagious viruses.
There is a hospital on Saba with 24-hour service and modern medical facilities. They also provide home health visits.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Saba
Prevent Bug Bites in Saba
Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using PHAC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.
Food and Water Safety in Saba
When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in Saba
- Dengue – The PHAC describes dengue fever as a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, presenting symptoms such as rash and joint pain. Prevention strategies focus on reducing mosquito exposure and breeding grounds. Treatment is supportive, emphasizing the importance of mosquito bite prevention.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saba?
As a territory of the Netherlands, Saba follows similar entry rules. Tourist visas are not required for stays under 90 days.
Saba Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saba? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Saba and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Saba?
Saba is a beautiful Caribbean island with warm weather. It has a wet season from May to November, and the heaviest rain is in September and October. The island has a few popular tourist spots with different weather.
- The Bottom: This is the main town on the island. It’s higher up, so it’s a little cooler than other places. Temperatures are usually between 20 to 25 degrees.
- Windwardside: This village is even higher than The Bottom. It’s cooler, with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. It might rain more here because it’s so high up.
- Fort Bay: This is a coastal area with warm, tropical weather. It’s usually between 25 and 30 degrees. The air can be humid because it’s near the ocean.
For up-to-date weather, check a reliable weather website or app.
How Safe Is Saba?
Saba is a small island in the Caribbean that is generally safe for travellers. But, there are still some things you can do to stay safe.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas. Keep your important documents and valuables in a safe place. Respect the local customs and laws of the island. Use reputable tour operators for any tours or activities you plan to participate in.
Be prepared for the hot and humid weather by wearing lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and staying hydrated.
Saba Marine Park
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
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Saba Marine Park is a place where tourists can explore the underwater world of Saba. It was created in 1987 to protect the marine life and covers an area of around 12 square kilometres.
Tourists can do a lot of things in the park, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours. The water is very clear and visitors can see many beautiful things such as coral reefs, sea turtles, and different kinds of fish.
Guided tours and educational programs are also available for people who want to learn more about the marine life of Saba. Visiting Saba Marine Park is an amazing experience for people who love nature and want to discover the beauty of the underwater world.
What Should I Take to Saba?
Saba is a small island in the Caribbean that is famous for its beautiful nature and culture. If you are planning a trip to Saba, here are some things you should pack:
- Comfortable clothes: Bring clothes that are light and comfortable because the weather is hot.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent: The sun can be strong, so you should bring sunscreen to protect your skin. You should also bring insect repellent to keep bugs away.
- Good shoes: The island has steep streets, so bring shoes that are comfortable and have good grip.
- Swimsuit: You will want to bring a swimsuit to enjoy the beaches and water.
- Water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a water bottle to refill throughout the day.
- Money: Bring both cash and credit cards, as ATMs can be unreliable.
- Camera: Bring a camera to capture memories.
- Medicines and first aid kit: Bring any medicines you need and a small first aid kit with basic supplies.
- Travel documents: Don’t forget to bring your passport, travel insurance information and other important documents. Make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate location.
Canadian Embassy in Saba
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in Saba, but it is served by the embassy in the Netherlands.
Canadian Embassy in the Hague
Sophialaan 7,
2514 JP The Hague, The Netherlands
Telephone: 31 (0) 70 311-1600
Email: nl.consular@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to Saba 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 Saba
“4th visit to the clinic this eve – the nurse, she is AMAZING!!!! She helped us get ready for Saba and we couldn’t be happier!”
“Very good people, helped me get the vaccine I needed for Saba. Very professional Nurse”
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