Travel Vaccines: Required vs Recommended Before You Go

"Do I need vaccines for this trip?" is really two different questions. The first is what a country requires before it lets you in. The second is what health authorities recommend to protect you once you're there. Mixing them up is one of the most common planning mistakes.

This article is general information, not medical advice. A doctor or travel clinic can advise you based on your itinerary and health.

Required vs recommended vs routine

Required: a country makes entry (or exit) conditional on proof of a specific vaccine. Under the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations, yellow fever is the only disease for which proof of vaccination may be required for entry. A few countries set their own requirements for particular groups.
Recommended: health agencies suggest a vaccine based on your destination, activities and health. You won't normally be asked to show proof at the border.
Routine: the vaccines you're expected to keep up to date anyway. CDC advises checking these before any international trip.

The yellow fever certificate

Yellow fever is where travelers most often get caught out.

Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination from all arriving travelers. Others require it only from travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever, and CDC notes this can apply even to a brief layover.
The proof is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, often called the "yellow card." It becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
Since July 11, 2016, the certificate is valid for the life of the person vaccinated. Older certificates showing a 10-year expiry remain valid.
Without a valid certificate, CDC says you may be denied entry, quarantined or asked to be revaccinated at the point of entry.
Don't alter the certificate. Under the regulations, erasures or changes can make it invalid.

Other requirements that can apply

Saudi Arabia (Hajj and Umrah). Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease (serogroups ACYW). Its health ministry accepts a conjugate vaccine given within the last 5 years or a polysaccharide vaccine given within the last 3 years, and in either case at least 10 days before arrival. CDC says the requirement applies to travelers aged one year and older. The ministry publishes its rules for each season, so check the current version before you travel.

Recommended vaccines worth asking about

Depending on where you're going, a clinic may discuss vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal and cholera. Whether you need them depends on your itinerary, how long you're staying and what you'll be doing.

Malaria is different. CDC says there is no malaria vaccine currently available in the US. For travelers, prevention usually means prescription medicine that you start before travel and continue after you return, along with avoiding mosquito bites.

Check your measles protection

CDC says anyone who isn't fully vaccinated against measles is at risk when traveling internationally. Its guidance before international travel:

Babies aged 6 to 11 months should get one dose of MMR.
Everyone aged 12 months and older, including adults, should have two total doses.
Aim to be vaccinated at least 2 weeks before departure. Even if you're traveling sooner, CDC says you can still get one dose.

When to start

CDC and the NHS recommend seeing a healthcare provider or travel health specialist at least 4 to 6 weeks before you leave, and sooner if you need a vaccine that takes multiple doses.

Item	Timing to plan around
General travel health visit	At least 4 to 6 weeks before departure (CDC, NHS)
Yellow fever certificate	Valid 10 days after vaccination
MMR (measles)	At least 2 weeks before departure; a dose is still worthwhile if you're closer
Saudi Arabia MenACWY for Hajj/Umrah	At least 10 days before arrival

What it can cost

Policies differ by country. In England, the NHS offers some travel vaccines free from your GP surgery: cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio (as part of a combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine). Others, including hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis and yellow fever, are generally paid for privately. Yellow fever vaccination is only available at designated centres. Arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check with your GP surgery or a travel clinic.

How to check what you need

Look up your destination on an official health source. US travelers can use CDC's Travelers' Health pages. UK travelers can use TravelHealthPro.
Check entry rules with the destination government or its embassy. Include any countries where you'll have a layover, because yellow fever rules can apply to transit.
Book a travel clinic early. Bring your itinerary, planned activities and vaccination history.
Keep your records with your passport. Carry the original certificate and keep a photo on your phone.
Re-check before you fly. Requirements and outbreaks change. Our guide to outbreaks and natural disasters while traveling explains how to follow them.

Where Farhaven fits

Farhaven's health tool shows CDC-sourced vaccine and entry information for the destination you choose, alongside current WHO and CDC outbreak notices. It's an information tool, not medical advice. Always confirm with a healthcare professional and official sources.

Planning a trip? Pair this with our pre-trip checklist and our guide to EU and UK entry requirements.

FAQ

Do I need vaccines to travel abroad?

It depends on where you're going. Some countries require specific proof for entry, such as yellow fever. Others have recommendations only. Check both.

Is my yellow fever certificate still valid after 10 years?

Yes. Since July 2016, the certificate is valid for the life of the person vaccinated.

How far in advance should I get travel vaccines?

CDC and the NHS recommend seeing a provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before you leave, and earlier if you need multi-dose vaccines.

Are travel vaccines free?

It varies. In England, the NHS covers some, such as typhoid and hepatitis A, but not others, such as rabies and yellow fever.

Is there a vaccine for malaria?

Not for US travelers, according to CDC. Travelers generally take preventive medicine instead, starting before the trip.

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Requirements change, so confirm with official sources before you travel.

Travel Vaccines: What's Required, What's Recommended, and How to Check