← Back
South Asia

🇵🇰 Vaccines for Pakistan

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Pakistan

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are essential. Polio vaccination must be current — Pakistan is one of the remaining countries where wild poliovirus circulates, and proof of vaccination is required for some border crossings. Malaria risk in rural areas below 2000m. Rabies risk is significant. Japanese Encephalitis worth considering for rural travel.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Polio
International Health Regulations require proof of polio vaccine for Pakistani nationals and long-term residents departing Pakistan.
💉 1 dose booster
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after booster dose.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after booster (if primary course complete).
Required for entry
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk — very common.
💉 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 — extensively drug-resistant typhoid (XDR) outbreak ongoing.
💉 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
Rabies
High rabies burden.
💉 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 (most of Pakistan — not in Islamabad/Karachi city centres)
  • Dengue (urban outbreaks)
  • Typhoid (XDR strain circulating)
  • Polio (endemic)
  • Rabies
  • Cholera
Notes: Polio vaccination required for Pakistani nationals/residents departing. XDR typhoid strain circulating — Typhoid vaccination recommended. Malaria prophylaxis for rural areas and Sindh/KPK/Balochistan. Check current travel advisories.
Required vaccines
~€36
(~$39)
per person · full courses
Polio booster (1 dose)€36 ($39)
Recommended vaccines
~€711
(~$775)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
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.

IndiaNepalSri LankaBangladesh

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Polio must be current — some border crossings require proof. Rabies is 3 doses over 5 weeks. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–3 weeks before departure.

Do I need a Polio vaccine for Pakistan?
Yes. Polio vaccination must be current for Pakistan — it is one of the remaining countries with wild poliovirus circulation. Some border crossings require proof of polio vaccination. Make sure your routine Polio booster is up to date before travel.
What vaccines are needed for Pakistan?
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are strongly recommended. Polio must be current. Japanese Encephalitis worth discussing for rural travel. Malaria prevention for rural areas below 2000m.
Is there malaria in Pakistan?
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Pakistan below 2000m. Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have lower risk but are not entirely risk-free. Rural Sindh, Balochistan, and the tribal areas carry higher risk.
Is tap water safe in Pakistan?
No. Do not drink tap water in Pakistan. Use bottled water throughout. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination is essential.

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.