Travel Vaccines and Advice for Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is an external territory of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand.
The population of Norfolk Island is over 1,500 with the island spanning 160 square miles. Most of the population are descendants of the Bounty Mutineers, a ship from the late 1700’s, and Pitcairn leaders. Other parts of the population are migrants from Australia and New Zealand.
The main languages spoken on Norfolk Island include English and Norfuk (a Creole language).
The largest cities on Norfolk Island include Burnt Pine and Kingston.
Do I Need Vaccines for Norfolk Island?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Norfolk Island. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Norfolk Island: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Excludes the Galapagos in Ecuador and Misiones in Argentina. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Norfolk Island |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Excludes the Galapagos in Ecuador and Misiones in Argentina. |
Routine Vaccinations for Norfolk Island |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
The medical facilities on Norfolk Island are very good and emergency services are available 24-hours a day.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island is an Australian territory.
Americans planning to go to Norfolk Island will need a valid U.S. passport and a visa (or ETA) to enter. Many U.S. passport holders choose to get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is a label-free, electronic visa.
An ETA holder can travel to Australia as many times as they wish within 12 months of the ETA’s issue date. The longest length of each stay is three months.
Norfolk Island Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Norfolk Island? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Australia and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island is a subtropical climate so its temperatures remain mild year-round. Temperatures range from the mid-50’s to mid-70’s.
Rainfall is heavy all year round, but most of the rainfall occurs at night. Rains are a little less heavy from October-March.
How Safe is Norfolk Island?
Crime on Norfolk is low, but it’s always important to practice basic safety precautions.
While driving, drive on the left side of the road and always wear a seatbelt.
Swimming is illegal in post parts of Norfolk Island as it is surrounded by a protected coral reef. The waves can be hazardous. If you’re planning on swimming, you may do so at Emily Bay.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
Convict Settlement on Norfolk Island
The prison settlement near Emily Bay, that once held 1,000 prisoners, still remains. The British closed down the settlement in the late 1800’s due to its terrible reputation. They gave the island to the Bounty Mutineers.
The Norfolk Island Jail and Goal are still standing and can still be visited by tourists as part of the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. This location is part of the World Heritage List. They are well preserved and best seen through the guidance of a tour guide.
What Should I Take To Norfolk Island?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Norfolk Island
- Although the weather is mild, it’s always good to pack in light layers.
- Insect repellent and mosquito nets to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Sunscreen or other forms of sun protection.
- Walking or hiking shoes
U.S. Embassy in Norfolk Island
All Americans visiting Norfolk Island should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in Norfolk Island, but it is served by the embassy in New Zealand.
U.S. Embassy Canberra
Moonah Place
Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6214-5600
Email: AskEmbassyCanberra@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to Norfolk Island or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Norfolk Island?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Norfolk Island?
What Is the Climate Like in Norfolk Island?
How Safe is Norfolk Island?
Convict Settlement on Norfolk Island
What Should I Take To Norfolk Island?
U.S. Embassy in Norfolk Island
