← Back
South Asia

🇮🇳 Vaccines for India

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to India

India requires Yellow Fever proof if arriving from an endemic country, and a broad range of vaccines are recommended given the country's size and diversity — Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis for rural travel, and Rabies given that India has the world's highest rabies burden. Malaria risk varies considerably by region — generally lower in major cities, higher in rural and northeastern states. Dengue and Chikungunya occur widely, including in cities. Given India's vast range of climates and regions, the specific health considerations for a Rajasthan heritage tour differ meaningfully from a Kerala beach trip or a Himalayan trek — discussing your specific itinerary with a travel clinic is more valuable here than for almost any other destination.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country or having transited through one.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination — very common risk.
💉 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
Highly endemic — contaminated food and water, street food.
💉 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
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available — ask your clinic.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
Japanese Encephalitis
Risk in rural agricultural areas especially during monsoon season.
💉 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
India has highest rabies burden in the world. Dog bites are very common.
💉 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
  • Malaria (risk varies by region — low in major cities, higher in rural/northeastern states)
  • Dengue (urban and rural)
  • Typhoid
  • Rabies (very high burden)
  • Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas, monsoon season)
  • Chikungunya
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries. Hepatitis A and Typhoid strongly recommended. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination strongly recommended — India has the world's highest rabies burden. Japanese Encephalitis for rural/monsoon travel. Malaria prophylaxis for rural areas.
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€975
(~$1063)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
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.

NepalSri LankaBangladeshBhutan
Do I need vaccines to travel to India?
Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from an endemic country. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, and Japanese Encephalitis (for rural travel) are all recommended. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is particularly worth considering given India's very high rabies burden — see the specific question on this.
Is Rabies a real risk in India?
Yes, genuinely so — India has the highest rabies burden of any country in the world, with dog bites common in both urban and rural areas. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is worth serious consideration, particularly for longer trips, as it simplifies post-bite treatment which can be inconsistent to access promptly in many areas. This isn't a theoretical risk to be dismissed.
Do I need malaria tablets for India?
It depends heavily on your itinerary. Risk is generally lower in major cities and higher in rural areas, particularly in the northeast and during monsoon season. Given India's size, discuss your specific route — a Delhi-Agra-Jaipur 'Golden Triangle' trip has a different risk profile than a trip including rural Madhya Pradesh or the northeastern states.
Is the tap water safe in India?
No. Tap water in India is not safe to drink anywhere, including in major cities. Use bottled or properly treated water throughout, and be cautious about ice, salads washed in tap water, and similar indirect exposure — this is one of the more important practical precautions for India specifically given how common traveller's diarrhoea is without it.