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East Asia

🇨🇳 Vaccines for China

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to China

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Japanese Encephalitis is worth discussing if you're travelling rural or spending significant time outside major cities. Rabies risk exists, particularly in rural areas. No malaria risk in main tourist destinations. Altitude sickness is relevant for Tibet.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry

No vaccines required for entry to this destination.

Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk, particularly outside major cities.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water risk in rural areas.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Japanese Encephalitis
Risk in rural agricultural areas — not major cities.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 7 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 2nd dose (28 days after the 1st).
🛡 Protects for: Booster after 1 year if ongoing exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk in rural areas.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (very limited — Yunnan province border areas only)
  • ⚠Dengue (southern provinces)
  • ⚠Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas, summer)
  • ⚠Avian Influenza (rare)
Notes: No malaria risk in Beijing, Shanghai or most tourist areas. Hepatitis A recommended. Typhoid for travel outside major cities. Japanese Encephalitis for extended rural summer travel.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€786
(~$856)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses)€264 ($288)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
JapanSouth KoreaMongoliaNorth Korea
When to book

Book 4–6 weeks before travel. Japanese Encephalitis requires 2 doses over 4 weeks. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–3 weeks before departure. Rabies pre-exposure worth booking early.

Common questions
Do I need vaccines for China?
No vaccines are required for entry to China for most nationalities. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Japanese Encephalitis is worth discussing for rural travel outside major cities. Rabies risk exists particularly in rural areas.
Do I need vaccines for Tibet?
Tibet requires the same vaccines as China generally. The main health concern for Tibet is altitude sickness — Lhasa sits at 3650m. Diamox (prescription) is worth discussing with your doctor. You also need a Tibet Travel Permit in addition to a standard Chinese visa.
Is there Japanese Encephalitis in China?
Japanese Encephalitis risk exists in rural areas of China, particularly in central and southern provinces. Risk is low in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and urban tourist areas. Worth discussing with a travel clinic if your trip includes rural areas.
Is tap water safe in China?
No. Do not drink tap water in China. Even in major cities, bottled water is the norm. Hepatitis A vaccination is sensible as a precaution.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.