Europe is generally a very low-risk destination for Australian travellers from a health perspective, with excellent healthcare systems and minimal tropical disease risk. However, some parts of Southern and Eastern Europe warrant specific health consideration. Turkey bridges Europe and Asia and presents slightly higher health risks than Western Europe, particularly for foodborne illness. Greece and Croatia are popular summer destinations with generally low health risk, though tick-borne encephalitis is present in parts of Croatia, and food and water hygiene standards in rural areas may not match Australian expectations.
Most travellers to Europe should consider the following vaccines:
There is no malaria risk in Turkey, Greece, or Croatia. Europe effectively eliminated malaria in the mid-20th century. Occasional isolated cases have been reported in southern Greece (Laconia region) during summer months, but these are extremely rare and antimalarial prophylaxis is not recommended for any European destination. The main vector-borne disease considerations in this region are tick-borne encephalitis (Croatia, Turkey) and West Nile virus (Greece, Turkey) during summer months.
Click any destination for detailed vaccination requirements
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to Turkey. Typhoid vaccination is recommended if you plan to visit smaller towns or rural areas, or eat outside major hotels and restaurants. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for travellers spending extended time in rural eastern Turkey. Ensure your routine vaccinations (measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio) are up to date. Turkey does not require any mandatory vaccinations for entry from Australia.
Greece and Croatia are low-risk destinations. Ensure your routine vaccinations are current, particularly measles (outbreaks have occurred in Europe). Hepatitis A is a sensible precaution for all travellers. Hepatitis B is recommended for longer stays. For Croatia, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is worth discussing with your travel clinic if you plan to hike or camp in rural or forested areas between April and November. No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry from Australia.
In Greece, tap water is safe to drink in Athens and most mainland cities, though some islands have limited water quality and locals prefer bottled water. In Croatia, tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. In Turkey, tap water quality varies — it is generally not recommended for drinking, even in Istanbul. Stick to bottled water in Turkey, particularly outside major hotels.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by tick bites in forested and grassy areas. It is present in Croatia (particularly inland and forested areas) and parts of Turkey. The risk period is April to November. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to serious brain inflammation. A vaccine is available and is recommended for travellers planning outdoor activities in endemic areas. Prevention also includes wearing long clothing, using tick repellent, and checking your body for ticks after walking in forested areas.
European destinations require less vaccination than tropical regions. For Greece or Croatia, you may only need routine vaccine boosters ($0–$100) plus Hepatitis A ($60–$90). For Turkey, expect $150–$350 for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and potentially Typhoid. TBE vaccine for Croatia costs approximately $100–$150 for the initial course. GP consultation fees apply on top. Costs are significantly lower than for tropical destinations.
No. There is no significant malaria risk in Turkey, Greece, or Croatia, and antimalarial prophylaxis is not required. Very rare isolated cases have been reported in southern Greece during summer, but these are not considered a meaningful risk for travellers. The main vector-borne disease concerns in this region are tick-borne encephalitis (Croatia, Turkey) and West Nile virus (seasonal in Greece and Turkey, transmitted by mosquitoes).
Yes, travel insurance is essential. Australia does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Turkey, Greece, or Croatia. Medical costs, particularly hospital admission or evacuation, can be very expensive without insurance. Greece and Croatia are EU members, but the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not available to Australian travellers. Even a simple emergency room visit in Turkey or Greece can cost hundreds of dollars. Ensure your policy covers medical expenses, evacuation, and trip cancellation.
Measles outbreaks have occurred in several European countries in recent years, including Greece and Turkey. Ensure your measles vaccination is current (2 doses of MMR). West Nile virus cases are reported seasonally (summer–autumn) in Greece and Turkey, transmitted by mosquitoes — use repellent during outdoor evening activities. Foodborne illness (particularly salmonella) is more common in Turkey than in Western Europe. Check Smartraveller for current health alerts before departure.
Last updated: April 2026