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 13 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.
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: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - 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. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Saba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| 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. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Saba |
||
| 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 & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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 start booking online now.
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?
The climate of Saba is tropical, which means that warm and humid, often with a lot of rainfall.
Temperatures remain consistent year-round with high and lows ranging from 18 to 35. The driest month is April and the warmest month is May.
How Safe is Saba?
Saba is quite safe with virtually no crime. There is one road on Saba. If you’re walking at night, make sure that you’re wearing reflective clothing so that people see you.
If you’re planning to go hiking, be honest about your abilities so you don’t get into a situation that puts you in danger.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
The Volcano on Saba
The majority of the 13 square kilometres of Saba is taken up from the volcano on the island: Mount Scenery.
The volcano is 850 metres with hiking trails all around it, including part of the Elfin Forest which hold a lot of rare vegetation and trees. While you’re hiking, make sure to tell people where you’re planning to be, stay on the trails, and don’t litter.
Try not to hike during late summer/early fall as that is hurricane season.
What Should I Take To Saba?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Saba:
- Lightweight, layerable clothing – A majority of the activities on Saba include outdoor sports, so comfort is key.
- Swimsuit – There are no beaches in Saba, but there are places to swim.
- Sun protection – Sunscreen, hats or loose clothing to protect yourself against the sun.
- Insect repellent – Mosquitoes aren’t a huge issue in Saba and there are no health concerns, but mosquito bites can be a nuisance while on a trip.
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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Saba?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saba?
What Is the Climate Like in Saba?
How Safe is Saba?
The Volcano on Saba
What Should I Take To Saba?
Canadian Embassy in Saba
