Travel vaccines for China

For city breaks and tours the main issues are food and water hygiene and air quality. There is no malaria.

Vaccines for China

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

RabiesRabies has been reported in domestic animals.Ask about a faster courseJapanese EncephalitisOccurs throughout China except Qinghai and Xinjiang, highest from May to October. Risk is low for short trips limited to major cities.Ask about a faster courseTick Borne EncephalitisA risk in some forested areas, with ticks most active from early spring to late autumn. For those hiking, camping or doing fieldwork in forests.Ask about a faster courseHepatitis BHepatitis B is common in China.Ask about a faster courseDengueRisk in the south, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan, Yunnan and Zhejiang.Ask about a faster courseChikungunyaA large outbreak in 2025 caused more than 29,000 cases, mostly in Guangdong province around Foshan.Fits before you fly
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country.
  • Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

Malaria

No malaria risk.

  • The World Health Organization declared China malaria-free in 2021. Bite avoidance is still sensible.
About malaria tablets

Other health risks

Altitude

Western China is very high. Tibet has its own NaTHNaC page.

Air quality

Can be poor in large cities. Travellers with heart or lung conditions should plan ahead.

Sexual health

Extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea has been reported in UK travellers returning from tourist areas. Use condoms.

Schistosomiasis

Very low risk.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Common questions about China

What vaccines do I need for China?+

For most travellers, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for China?+

No malaria risk. The World Health Organization declared China malaria-free in 2021. Bite avoidance is still sensible.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for China?+

A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country. Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

How far in advance should I get vaccines for China?+

Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813