Travel Vaccines and Advice for India

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for India. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for India: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Some mosquito-borne diseases are also prevalent in India including:

• Malaria– Antimalarial medication is recommended for many regions in India. Speak with a travel health specialist to learn if these are right for your itinerary.
• Dengue Fever– Another mosquito-borne disease, dengue affects millions each year. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination against dengue approved in the United States. Make sure you take precautions against mosquitoes like using repellents and mosquito netting.

Fortunately, the Zika virus has yet to arrive in India.

To learn more about these infections, see their respective vaccination or infection pages.

If you are traveling to India, make sure you are protected. Visit your local Passport Health to receive a comprehensive consultation on what you will need to stay safe. Book your appointment online now or call us at and make sure your dream trip doesn’t become a nightmare.

The yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for travelers to India. However, a yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry to India. If you are coming to India from a country where yellow fever is present you may be required to show proof of immunization. For example, if you are traveling from some South American countries to India, proof of yellow fever immunization may be required.

For additional entry requirement information, please see the India visa page.

Delhi Belly (or travelers’ diarrhea) is very common among travelers. Up to 70 percent of international travelers will come down with travelers’ diarrhea during their trips. This is especially true for visitors to India.

Causes can range from viral or bacteria infections to just a difference in cuisine. But, no matter how it happens, travelers’ diarrhea can ruin a trip.

There are a few precautions you can take to avoid travelers’ diarrhea:

• Avoid risky eating– Be smart about where and what you eat. Street carts may not be the best place to grab a snack, but you also don’t need to only eat pre-packaged foods. Use good judgment to decide where would be best to chow down.
• Watch what you drink– Indian water can be contaminated with bacteria and other biologics that could cause travelers’ diarrhea. Be sure anything you drink is clean. If at a restaurant, do not drink anything with ice as it is likely made from unclean water.
• Consider preventative care– Some products, like Travelan, will provide you with some protection against travelers’ diarrhea.

Be sure to bring a travelers’ diarrhea kit that includes antibiotics or similar products that can help stop diarrhea if it occurs.

To learn more about what you can do to avoid Delhi Belly, see our travelers’ diarrhea page. Or, book an appointment with your local Passport Health by calling or scheduling online now.

India requires all U.S. travelers have a visa prior to entering the country. Visa requirements vary based on the purpose of travel, length of stay and family background. A passport with at least six months validity is also required.

India Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to India?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of India and U.S. State Department

To learn more about the requirements for an Indian visa, see our India Visa page.

India is generally classified as a hot tropical country, except for the Himalayan north. The country has three distinct seasons:

• Summer (March to June)– Indian summers are very hot. Temperatures often climb to over 110 degrees.
• Monsoon (July to August)– The rainy season brings thunderstorms and heavy rains. These sometimes cause flooding or other damage. Bring an umbrella and be sure to take other precautions.
• Winter (October to February)– Winter temperatures are generally mild. Except in the northern regions where they will dip to near or below freezing. Remember, the higher into the mountains you go, the chillier it will get.

India is generally safe, but is still a developing country in many ways. Try to avoid the Indian-Pakistani border, as growing tensions have led to a less safe situation.

Petty crime, especially theft is common. This happens mostly in trains and buses. pick-pocketing is known to occur in some tourist areas. Violent crime is traditionally uncommon, though there has been a slight increase in recent years.

Scamming has become more common in many popular areas. Be especially careful in airports and train stations. If an offer for cheap transportation or hotel rooms seems too good, it probably is. Only use well-known travel agencies when booking your trip and planning activities in-country.

LGBT individuals will want to be especially careful as laws on homosexuality are unclear. While prosecution is rare, LGBT visitors may wish to avoid drawing attention.

Packing for India can be a bit tricky, as the country is different from many popular travel destinations:

• Pack light– Moving from place to place in India can be a bit tricky. Many forms of transportation have a tight fit and having something you can easily haul around is key. Bringing an extra backpack isn’t a bad idea either as a purse or small bag may not be enough to carry water, an umbrella and similar items.
• Prepare for weather– Be sure to pack according to what season you’ll be in the country. Where you are headed is also a key factor as the Himalayas are a much cooler region.
• Wear the right footwear– You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking (or even standing) in India. Make sure your shoes are up for the trip, your feet will thank you.
• Bring a complete first-aid kit– The CDC has a complete list of recommended health items which can be found here. Some notable items include: sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer and diarrhea medicine like DiaResQ or other remedies.

The State Department recommends all travelers to India enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive automated notifications from the U.S. Embassy. This program provides important information to travelers about potential threats in countries you may be visiting.

The U.S. Embassy in India is located at:

U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021
India
Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000
Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-8407

To learn more about proper procedure for entering and exiting India, see our India Visa page.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, India is an absolutely amazing destination. From the Himalayas to the coast of the Indian Ocean, the country’s unique culture and feel has something for every type of traveler.

To learn more about what you can do to prepare for an Indian trip, visit your local Passport Health clinic. Book your appointment today by calling or scheduling online now.