Different destinations, different vaccines. This checklist covers the required and recommended vaccines for the most popular travel regions so you know exactly what to ask your travel health provider about.
The CDC recommends different vaccines depending on where you're going, how long you're staying, and what activities you're doing. Required vaccines must be documented for entry. Recommended vaccines are your choice, but skipping them means traveling without protection against diseases that are common at your destination.
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Required means you may need proof for entry. Recommended means the CDC advises it based on disease risk.
Yellow fever vaccination is the one vaccine that can determine whether you're allowed into a country. The International Health Regulations (IHR) give countries the legal authority to require proof of yellow fever vaccination. According to the WHO, over 100 countries have yellow fever entry requirements for travelers arriving from endemic areas.
The yellow fever vaccine is only available at CDC-authorized vaccination centers. After vaccination, you receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (the "yellow card"), which becomes valid 10 days after the shot. For more on documentation, see travel vaccination records and proof.
Before worrying about travel-specific vaccines, make sure your routine immunizations are current. The CDC recommends all international travelers be up to date on:
A travel health appointment is a good time to catch up on any routine vaccines you've missed. For complete planning timelines, see how far in advance to get travel vaccinations.
Different trips need different vaccines, even to the same country, depending on duration, activities, and which regions you visit. A travel vaccination reminder set when you book ensures you have time to check the requirements, schedule an appointment, and complete any multi-dose series before you leave.
Yellow fever is the most commonly required vaccine, mandatory for entry to many countries in Africa and South America. Saudi Arabia requires meningococcal vaccination for Hajj and Umrah. Some countries require polio vaccination if you are arriving from a polio-endemic area.
Required vaccines are mandated by a country's entry regulations. You may be denied entry without proof. Recommended vaccines are advised by the CDC based on disease risk at your destination. Skipping them is legal but increases your health risk.
No vaccines are required for entry to Mexico or most Caribbean islands. However, the CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid for Mexico and parts of the Caribbean, since these diseases spread through contaminated food and water.
Most sub-Saharan African countries recommend or require yellow fever. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningococcal vaccines are strongly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for most of the continent. Rabies pre-exposure is recommended for rural travel.
Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for all travelers. Japanese encephalitis is recommended for stays over a month in rural areas. Rabies pre-exposure is advised for rural travel or activities involving animals. Yellow fever is not needed.
The CDC's Travelers' Health destination pages list required and recommended vaccines for every country. A travel health clinic can also create a personalized plan based on your itinerary, activities, and medical history.
Set a reminder when you book your trip. Get notified weeks before departure so you have time to check requirements and schedule your vaccines.
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