India vaccinations at a glance
There is no single vaccine list that applies to every journey. The recommendation depends on the traveller, previous vaccinations, states visited, trip length, accommodation and planned activities. For many UK travellers, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are the main vaccines to review. Other vaccines may become relevant for longer, rural or higher-risk trips.
Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus-containing protection
- Typhoid
May be advised for some travellers
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Japanese encephalitis
- Cholera
Routine vaccines to check
- MMR and routine UK schedule
- Diphtheria, tetanus and polio history
- Age and health-specific boosters
Certificates that may apply
- Yellow fever after certain routes
- Polio after travel from affected countries
- Check the latest entry rules
Vaccines commonly discussed for India
Hepatitis A
Usually reviewed for previously unvaccinated travellers because infection can spread through contaminated food and water.
View hepatitis A vaccine informationTyphoid
Often recommended, particularly for longer visits, visiting friends or relatives, and travel where sanitation may be unreliable.
View typhoid vaccine informationTetanus
Your routine UK protection should be checked. A booster may be advised when medical facilities could be limited.
View tetanus vaccine informationHepatitis B
May be considered for longer stays or activities that increase exposure to blood or body fluids.
View hepatitis B vaccine informationRabies
May be advised for animal exposure, remote travel, long stays or journeys where prompt treatment may be difficult to obtain.
View rabies vaccine informationJapanese encephalitis
May be considered for longer rural stays, repeated travel, uncertain itineraries or higher mosquito exposure.
View Japanese encephalitis information
Are vaccinations required to enter India?
Travellers flying directly from the UK do not normally need a general set of vaccine certificates for India. However, your earlier route can change the rules.
Yellow fever certificate
India has no yellow fever transmission risk, but proof of vaccination may be required when arriving after travel from a yellow-fever-risk area. The timing and transit route can matter.
Polio certificate
Proof of polio vaccination may be required for travellers arriving from a polio-affected country. This is separate from checking routine polio protection.
Check the latest official requirements for the complete itinerary shortly before departure.
Do I need malaria tablets for India?
Malaria risk is not the same throughout India. Advice depends on the exact states visited, season, accommodation, duration and individual risk factors.
Do not select malaria tablets from a country name alone. A prescriber should review the exact itinerary, medical history and current medicines.
Book a Malaria ConsultationFood, water, mosquitoes and animals
Food and water
- Use safe drinking water.
- Choose freshly cooked, hot food.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Take care with ice, salads and raw foods.
Mosquito and animal exposure
- Use effective insect repellent.
- Wear covering clothing where appropriate.
- Avoid touching dogs, monkeys and other mammals.
- Seek urgent care after any possible rabies exposure.
What to bring to your India travel-health appointment
How to book India travel vaccinations
-
Find a participating clinic.
Choose a convenient UK travel-health clinic. -
Book early where possible.
Allow time for any multi-dose course and malaria assessment. -
Bring your full information.
Your itinerary and vaccination history help the clinician avoid unnecessary or missed treatment. -
Complete an individual consultation.
The clinician makes the final recommendation and supply decision.
India travel vaccination FAQs
What vaccinations do I need for India from the UK?
Most travellers should check routine vaccines and discuss hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and cholera may be considered according to the itinerary and traveller.
Do I need a typhoid vaccine for India?
Typhoid is commonly recommended, particularly for longer stays, visiting friends or relatives, young travellers and places where food hygiene or sanitation may be unreliable.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for India?
There is no yellow fever risk in India, so it is not routinely recommended for protection there. A certificate may be required because of where you travelled before arriving.
Should I get rabies vaccination before India?
It may be advised for long stays, remote travel, animal-related activities or limited access to prompt post-exposure care. Vaccinated travellers still need urgent treatment after possible exposure.
When should I arrange the vaccinations?
Begin around four to eight weeks before departure where possible. If travel is sooner, a last-minute consultation can still provide useful vaccination, malaria and prevention advice.
Written by the TravelJabs4U Editorial Team. Medically reviewed by Mohammed Shajan Ali, MPharm, GPhC-registered pharmacist (GPhC No. 2067785). Review the displayed date before publication.
General information only. Recommendations, outbreaks, malaria advice and entry requirements can change. Check current TravelHealthPro India guidance and FCDO India health advice, then follow the healthcare professional who assesses you.