Vaccines for International Travel

International travel may increase your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in the US. Depending on the type of travel, location, and how long you will be visiting, specific travel vaccines and other preventive measures may be recommended to help you stay healthy on your trip.

It is important to make sure you are up to date with all recommended vaccines before you travel. Getting vaccinated is the best way to help protect international travelers from measles, influenza (flu), COVID-19, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Depending on where you go, vaccines against diseases like chikungunya, hepatitis, Japanese encephalitis (JE), typhoid, and yellow fever may be necessary.

Staying current on vaccinations is also important if you plan to travel within the US, as outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough (pertussis) continue to occur in several states.

Some countries may ask for proof of immunization before entry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a list of recommendations by destination.

View Complete CDC List of Destinations with Vaccine Recommendations

Other Tips for Healthy Travel

Wash Your Hands

Since about 80% of infectious diseases are spread by dirty hands, routine, proper handwashing can significantly help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illnesses like norovirus, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Follow these 5 key handwashing steps each time you wash your hands:

- Wet your hands with clean water
- Lather with soap, covering all surfaces
- Scrub well for at least 20 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry your hands with a clean towel

If everyone routinely washed their hands, we could save ~1 million lives around the world each year. For additional information about water treatment options when traveling, visit CDC Drinking Water Tips.

Protect against Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, JE, malaria, and Zika. Take these measures to help prevent mosquito bites:

Use bug spray on exposed skin
Prevent standing water in drains, flowerpots, and other containers to prevent creating mosquito breeding areas
Use screens on windows and doors, and stay in air-conditioned places when possible
Sleep under a mosquito bed net when outside or in a room that does not have screens
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
Cover water tanks so that mosquitoes cannot enter
Keep garbage in closed plastic bags and containers

Watch for Ticks

Ticks can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses, including Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The best defense against these diseases is to prevent tick bites:

Get vaccinated if you are at risk for TBE
Use bug spray on exposed skin
Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants (to make it easier to spot ticks if they land on you)
Check your body and clothing for ticks when you come indoors
Remove attached ticks as soon as possible
If you get a fever, rash, or other symptoms after a tick bite, talk with a trusted healthcare professional

Ask about Malaria

Malaria is a serious disease that can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Most people get malaria from the bite of an infected mosquito. Before you travel, check to see if malaria spreads in the area you will be visiting. If so, take these steps:

Ask a healthcare professional about pills that can help prevent malaria
Take recommended medicines as directed before, during, and after travel
Prevent mosquito bites even if you are taking pills to prevent malaria
If you have symptoms of malaria, especially fever, while traveling or after returning, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Symptoms of malaria include:
- Fever and flu-like illness
- Chills
- Headache, muscle aches, and tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Before You Travel

Talk with a trusted healthcare professional or a travel health specialist at least 4-6 weeks before you travel, as they can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your travel plans and activities as well as any health concerns can help them provide more specific advice and recommendations, and will allow time for vaccines that may require multiple doses. Outbreaks of diseases which can put travelers at risk occur every year. Be sure to check for travel alerts before planning travel and check again 1-2 weeks before you depart to make sure your travel is as safe as possible.

Reviewed June 2025

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention