Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saint Helena
Saint Helena is a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a volcanic island.
It is small, only being 47 square miles and has a population over 4,500.
The official language of Saint Helena is English.
Saint Helena is most famous for being the island that Napoleon was sent to exile and for being one of the more remote islands in the world.
The capital of Saint Helena is Jamestown and is the largest city on the island.
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Helena?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saint Helena. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saint Helena: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, 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 - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - 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 Saint Helena |
||
| 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 |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Saint Helena |
||
| 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. |
There is a risk for schistosomiasis in Saint Helena. Avoid swimming is fresh water, such as lakes or rivers. Schistosomiasis is a rare disease caused by infection from parasitic worms, mostly freshwater snails.
Basic medical care can be provided at a clinic in Jamestown. Serious cases will be air-lifted out.
For medical emergencies with on Saint Helena, call 911.
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Saint Helena
“I’m so glad we went to this clinic. It was very educational and helpful. I will recommend this clinic to friends and family members who are traveling to Saint Helena.”
“I went into this thinking it was a small walk in clinic that is like any other walk in medical clinic. It’s not. The staff provided a detailed description of health issues AND current security concerns in Saint Helena. Very knowledgeable and laid back staff that is easy to talk to.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saint Helena?
You do not need to have a visa when traveling to Saint Helena. However, you will need to obtain a Visitor Pass. These are granted upon arrival and are good for up to 90 days.
You also need to have a passport which should be valid for 6 months past the entry date.
Saint Helena Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saint Helena? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Saint Helena 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 Saint Helena?
The climate of Saint Helena is mild with it usually being warm and temperate. It rains during the winter months, but rarely during the summer.
Temperatures average in the high 40’s, low 50’s during the winter months and in the low 70’s during the summer months.
How Safe is Saint Helena?
Saint Helena has no crime and is safe for tourists.
Some things to be aware of if you’re hiking is that you are not allowed to hike to the base of Marys Peak without a tour guide.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
Napoleon On Saint Helena
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Saint Helena is most known for being the island that Napoleon was exiled to. Today, tourists can go to Saint Helena and relive Napoleon’s life on the island.
Visitors can visit Napoleon’s homes: Briars Pavilion and Longwood House. Today, the Longwood House is a museum dedicated to Napoleon. The museum holds over 900 artifacts.
Although Napoleon’s body was exhumed after his death and his remains are now in Paris, you can still visit Napoleon’s tomb on Saint Helena.
What Should I Take To Saint Helena?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Saint Helena:
- Towel – If you swim in freshwater, make sure you completely dry yourself immediately to protect yourself against schistosomiasis.
- Prescription meds – Bring yours to Saint Helena. There are medical clinics, but it may be hard to get the meds you need.
- Walking, hiking shoes
- Light rain jacket in case of rain and for layering
U.S. Embassy in Saint Helena
All Americans visiting Saint Helena 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 St. Helena, but it is served by the embassy in New Zealand.
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Phone: (246) 227-4000
If you have any questions about traveling to St. Helena 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 Saint Helena?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saint Helena?
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Helena?
How Safe is Saint Helena?
Napoleon On Saint Helena
What Should I Take To Saint Helena?
U.S. Embassy in Saint Helena
