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🇷🇺 Vaccines for Russia

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Russia

Russia requires no specific travel vaccines for most of the country, though Hepatitis A is recommended given variable food and water hygiene outside major cities. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested and rural areas, with Siberia and the Far East carrying particular risk for those venturing into these regions. There's no significant malaria risk for tourist destinations. Rabies exists in rural areas. Beyond health considerations, the security and political situation, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the international response to it, means most Western governments currently advise against travel to Russia and significant restrictions exist on flights, visas, and financial transactions for many nationalities — this is the dominant practical consideration for most potential visitors at present.

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
Disease risks
  • ⚠Hepatitis A
  • ⚠Tick-borne encephalitis (Siberia/rural areas)
  • ⚠Rabies (rural areas)
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€140
(~$152)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)

💡 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.

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Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Russia?
No vaccines are required for most of Russia. Hepatitis A is recommended given variable food and water hygiene outside major cities. Tick-borne encephalitis is worth discussing for outdoor and rural travel, particularly in Siberia and the Far East. However, most Western governments currently advise against travel to Russia given the ongoing situation — check current advisories before any planning.
Is there malaria in Russia?
No significant malaria risk in Russia for tourist destinations.
Is TBE a risk in Russia?
Yes, particularly in Siberia and the Russian Far East, where forested areas carry meaningful tick-borne encephalitis risk during the warmer months. European Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg, carries lower risk from a city-tourism perspective, but rural and forested areas anywhere in the country warrant tick precautions.
Is tap water safe in Russia?
Tap water quality varies significantly by city. St Petersburg's tap water has historically been less reliable, and bottled water is commonly used there. Moscow's tap water is generally considered safer, though many residents still prefer bottled or filtered water. Outside major cities, bottled water is recommended.