Vaccines for India
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
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 and over arriving within 6 days of leaving an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers without one can be held in isolation for up to 6 days.
- Not required if you fly direct from the UK.
- There is no risk of polio, but proof of polio vaccination may be needed by some travellers.
Malaria
Tablets only for certain states.
- Risk in the states of Mizoram, Odisha and Tripura: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended.
- Low risk in the rest of India, including Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: awareness and bite avoidance.
- No risk in the Lakshadweep islands.
Other health risks
Altitude
Parts of the Himalaya are well above 2,500 metres. Leh is at 3,514 metres.
Zika
There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.
Nipah virus
Small outbreaks occur, most often in Kerala, and cases were reported in West Bengal in January 2026. The risk to tourists is very low.
Air quality
Can be very poor in some cities. Travellers with heart or lung conditions should plan ahead.
Medicines
The WHO warned in October 2025 about contaminated children's cough syrups sold in India. Take what you need from the UK.
More than one country?
Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.
Common questions about India
What vaccines do I need for India?+
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 India?+
Tablets only for certain states. Risk in the states of Mizoram, Odisha and Tripura: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended. Low risk in the rest of India, including Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: awareness and bite avoidance. No risk in the Lakshadweep islands.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for India?+
A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months and over arriving within 6 days of leaving an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers without one can be held in isolation for up to 6 days. Not required if you fly direct from the UK. There is no risk of polio, but proof of polio vaccination may be needed by some travellers.
How far in advance should I get vaccines for India?+
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.