Travel Vaccines and Advice for India

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for India. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for India: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, polio and tetanus.

Some mosquito-borne diseases are also prevalent in India including:

• Malaria– Antimalarial medication is recommened for many regions in India. Speak with a travel health specialist to learn if these are right for your itinerary.
• Dengue Fever– Another mosquito-borne disease, dengue affects millions each year. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination against dengue approved in the United States. Ensure you take precautions against mosquitoes like using repellents and mosquito netting.

Fortunately, the Zika virus has yet to arrive in India.

To learn more about these infections, see their respective vaccination or infection pages.

If you are travelling to India, ensure you are protected. Visit your local Passport Health to receive a comprehensive consultation on what you will need to stay safe. Book your appointment online now or ring us up at and ensure your dream trip doesn’t become a nightmare.

Delhi Belly (or traveller’s diarrhoea) is very common amongst travellers. Up to 70 percent of international travellers will come down with traveller’s diarrhoea during their trips. This is especially true for visitors to India.

Causes can range from viral or bacteria infections to just a difference in cuisine. But, no matter how it happens, traveller’s diarrhoea can ruin a trip.

There are a few precautions you can take to avoid traveller’s diarrhoea:

• Avoid risky eating– Be smart about where and what you eat. Street carts may not be the best place to grab a snack, but you also don’t need to only eat pre-packaged foods. Use good judgement to decide where would be best to chow down.
• Watch what you drink– Indian water can be contaminated with bacteria and other biologics that could cause traveller’s diarrhoea. Be sure anything you drink is clean. If at a restaurant, do not drink anything with ice as it is likely made from unclean water.
  

• Consider preventative care– Some products, like Travelan, will provide you with some protection against traveller’s diarrhoea.

Be sure to bring a traveller’s diarrhoea kit that includes antibiotics or similar products that can help stop diarrhoea if it occurs.

To learn more about what you can do to avoid Delhi Belly, see our traveller’s diarrhoea page. Or, book an appointment with your local Passport Health by calling or scheduling online now.

Visas are required for all travellers to India. Passport requirements are a bit more intensive than other regions. Passports must have 180 days validity from the date of visa application and another 180 days from the time of entry. Ensure you have this amount of remaining time before expiration at minimum. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

India Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to India?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of India and GOV.UK

India is generally classified as a hot tropical country, except for the Himalayan north. The country has three distinct seasons:

• Summer (March to June) – Indian summers are very hot. Temperatures often climb to over 43 degrees.
• Monsoon (July to August) – The rainy season brings thunderstorms and heavy rains. These sometimes cause flooding or other damage. Bring an umbrella and be sure to take other precautions.
• Winter (October to February) – Winter temperatures are generally mild. Except in the northern regions where they will dip to near or below freezing. Remember, the higher into the mountains you go, the chillier it will get.

India is generally safe, but is still a developing country in many ways. Try to avoid the Indian-Pakistani border, as growing tensions have led to a less safe situation.

Petty crime, especially theft is common. This happens mostly in trains and buses. Pickpocketing is known to occur in some tourist areas. Violent crime is traditionally uncommon, though there has been a slight increase in recent years.

Scamming has become more common in many popular areas. Be especially careful in airports and train stations. If an offer for transportation or hotel rooms on the cheap seems too good, it probably is. Only use well-known travel agencies when booking your trip and planning activities in-country.

LGBT individuals will want to be especially careful as laws on homosexuality are unclear. While prosecution is rare, LGBT visitors may wish to avoid drawing attention.

Packing for India can be a bit tricky, as the country is different from many popular travel destinations:

• Pack light– Moving from place to place in India can be a bit tricky. Many forms of transportation have a tight fit and having something you can easily haul around is key. Brining an extra rucksack isn’t a bad idea either as a purse or small bag may not be enough to carry water, an umbrella and similar items.
• Prepare for weather– Be sure to pack according to what season you’ll be in the country. Where you are headed is also a key factor as the Himalayas are a much cooler region.
• Wear the right footwear– You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking (or even standing) in India. Ensure your shoes are up for the trip, your feet will thank you.

If you are in India and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British High Commission New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
India
Telephone: +91 (11) 2419 2100
Emergency Phone: +91 (11) 2419 2100
Fax: +91 (11) 2419 2492
Contact Form: Click Here

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, India is an amazing destination. From the Himalyas to the coast of the Indian Ocean, the country’s peculiar culture and feel has something for every type of traveller.

To learn more about what you can do to prepare for an Indian trip, visit your local Passport Health clinic. Book your appointment today by calling or scheduling online now.