Do you really need vaccines to travel?
Asked by: Marilie Steuber | Last update: August 21, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (59 votes)
Can I travel abroad if I have not been vaccinated?
If you're only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you're unlikely to need any vaccinations. But it's important to check that you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations available on the NHS.
What happens if you don't get vaccinated?
Unvaccinated children can infect people of any age who can't be immunized for medical reasons. This includes children and adults with leukemia and other cancers, immune system problems, and people of all ages receiving treatments or medications that weaken their immune systems.
Can you fly without being vaccinated for COVID?
If you're not vaccinated, make sure the country you want to visit will allow you entry. In addition, before returning to the U.S., you're required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of the flight's departure. While abroad, you'll need to go to a COVID-19 testing center.
What vaccinations should you get before traveling?
- Diphtheria. Hepatitis B. Haemophilus influenzae type b. Human papillomavirus. Seasonal influenza.
- Measles. Mumps. Pertussis. Rubella. Pneumococcal disease.
- Poliomyelitis (Polio) Rotavirus. Tetanus. Tuberculosis (TB) Varicella.
Travel Vaccines - do you need it?
Do I need any vaccines to travel to Europe?
European countries are often more developed and have few infectious diseases. Most travelers will only need routine vaccinations, and these include: MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine – Over the last decade, measles outbreaks have become more common in Europe.
What vaccines do I need for Mexico?
Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.
Do you need a COVID vaccine to fly to Mexico?
To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine. Check the current status of the pandemic in Mexico and follow the sanitary rules to prevent contagion (information only in Spanish).
Can you go on a cruise without being vaccinated?
Do You Need To Be Vaccinated To Go on a Cruise? Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. Still, there are exceptions. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don't require it.
Do you have to be vaccinated to go to Japan?
No COVID-19 vaccine is required before traveling to Japan. Pre-arrival PCR tests are not necessary. Quarantine upon arrival is not required.
What are the cons of vaccines?
Vaccines do have some risk for adverse reaction, the most common being redness and soreness at the injection site, fever, or allergic reactions.
How to file religious exemption for vaccines?
California removed its personal and religious exemption option in 2015. Parent/guradian must complete an online educational module to receive a non-medical exemption. Connecticut removed its religious exemption option in 2021.
Who if you choose not to vaccinate?
However, if people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again. Information: The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the biggest threats to global health.
Should I fly with COVID-19 in 2024?
People with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should not travel until they are no longer thought to be contagious; similarly, those exposed might need to delay travel based on their history of infection or vaccination, according to current guidance.
Does England require the COVID vaccine?
As of Friday 18 March 2022, you do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or quarantine on arrival in England, irrespective of your vaccination status. When you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive.
Can you travel without being vaccinated?
Visitors to the U.S. do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check Department of State travel advisories for the country you will visit.
Do I need vaccinations for the Caribbean?
The NHS strongly advise specific vaccinations for individuals traveling to The Caribbean and Northern America. These include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, and rabies.
Do you need shots to go to the Bahamas?
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bahamas: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Do you need a COVID vaccine to go to Europe?
Do you need to be vaccinated to enter Europe? No. At the time of this writing, all European countries require no form of vaccination or COVID testing to gain entry. Instead, these countries have reverted to pre-COVID entry measures, which primarily include having a valid passport with room for stamps.
What is a Level 1 risk country?
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.
Why are travel vaccines not covered by insurance?
Travel immunizations are not always covered by standard health insurance. But it is worth asking because your insurance may cover some or all immunizations. Travel insurance plans typically do not cover immunizations. They are designed to cover you during your travels, not for care or treatment before departure.
What to avoid in Mexico to not get sick?
Remind travelers that tap water in Mexico is not potable; that they should avoid consuming unpasteurized, often artisanal, dairy products, particularly soft or fresh cheeses; and that they should avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or fish, leafy greens, or raw vegetables.
Do you need proof of vaccination to enter the US from Mexico?
All non-U.S.-citizen, non-immigrants, with limited exceptions, traveling to the United States by air must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination." CDC Order Requiring Airlines to Collect Contact Information for All Passengers Arriving into the United States.