Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saint Helena
Saint Helena is a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a volcanic island.
It is small, only being 120 square kilometres and has a population over 4,500.
The official language of Saint Helena is English.
Saint Helena is most famous for being the island that Napoleon was sent to exile and for being one of the more remote islands in the world.
The capital of Saint Helena is Jamestown and is the largest city on the island.
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Helena?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saint Helena. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saint Helena: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, 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. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission - 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 Saint Helena |
||
| 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. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| 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 Saint Helena |
||
| 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 risk for schistosomiasis in Saint Helena. Avoid swimming is fresh water, such as lakes or rivers. Schistosomiasis is a rare disease caused by infection from parasitic worms, mostly freshwater snails.
Basic medical care can be provided at a clinic in Jamestown. Serious cases will be air-lifted out.
For medical emergencies with on Saint Helena, call 911.
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 Saint Helena?
Saint Helena follows the same basic entry requirements as the United Kingdom. Tourist visas are not required for stays up to six months. Business visas are required, including for unpaid, volunteer or part-time work.
Saint Helena Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saint Helena? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Saint Helena and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Helena?
The climate of Saint Helena is mild with it usually being warm and temperate. It rains during the winter months, but rarely during the summer.
Temperatures average around 10 in the winter months and 20 during the summer months.
How Safe is Saint Helena?
Saint Helena has no crime and is safe for tourists.
Some things to be aware of if you’re hiking is that you are not allowed to hike to the base of Marys Peak without a tour guide.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
Napoleon On Saint Helena
Saint Helena is most known for being the island that Napoleon was exiled to. Today, tourists can go to Saint Helena and relive Napoleon’s life on the island.
Visitors can visit Napoleon’s homes: Briars Pavilion and Longwood House. Today, the Longwood House is a museum dedicated to Napoleon. The museum holds over 900 artifacts.
Although Napoleon’s body was exhumed after his death and his remains are now in Paris, you can still visit Napoleon’s tomb on Saint Helena.
What Should I Take To Saint Helena?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Saint Helena:
- Towel – If you swim in freshwater, make sure you completely dry yourself immediately to protect yourself against schistosomiasis.
- Prescription meds – Bring yours to Saint Helena. There are medical clinics, but it may be hard to get the meds you need.
- Walking, hiking shoes
- Light rain jacket in case of rain and for layering
U.S. Embassy in Saint Helena
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in St. Helena, but it is served by the embassy in the United Kingdom.
High Commission of Canada in London
Canada House, Trafalgar Square,
London, SW1Y 5BJ,
England, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 004 6000
Email: ldn.consular@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to St. Helena 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 Saint Helena?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saint Helena?
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Helena?
How Safe is Saint Helena?
Napoleon On Saint Helena
What Should I Take To Saint Helena?
U.S. Embassy in Saint Helena
