South Asia encompasses some of the most diverse and rewarding travel destinations in the world, from the beaches of Sri Lanka and the Maldives to the Himalayan trails of Nepal and the cultural richness of India. The region presents significant health challenges for travellers, including widespread foodborne illness, mosquito-borne diseases, and limited medical infrastructure outside major cities. India in particular requires thorough pre-travel health preparation due to its size, climate variation, and range of endemic diseases.
Most travellers to South Asia should consider the following vaccines:
Malaria is present across much of South Asia, with the highest risk in rural India (especially Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the northeast), and parts of Bangladesh. Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free by the WHO in 2016, though the risk of reintroduction remains. The Maldives is also malaria-free. Nepal has low risk in the Terai lowlands but negligible risk above 1,500 metres. Both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum are present in the region. Prophylaxis is recommended for most travel to rural India.
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Most travellers to India should have Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid vaccinations. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended given the high number of stray animals. Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended for stays over one month or travel to rural areas, particularly during and after the monsoon season. Cholera vaccine may be considered for travellers visiting areas with active outbreaks or those with high-risk itineraries. Ensure your routine vaccinations (measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio) are up to date.
It depends on where in India you are travelling. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai have relatively low risk, though malaria can occur year-round. Rural areas, particularly in central and eastern states (Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal) and the northeast, carry higher risk. Most travel health professionals recommend prophylaxis for travellers visiting rural areas or travelling during the monsoon season (June–September).
The Maldives is one of the lower-risk destinations in South Asia. It is malaria-free and Japanese Encephalitis-free. Dengue fever occurs but is uncommon in resort islands. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are still recommended as a precaution, and your routine vaccinations should be current. The main health risks are sun exposure and marine injuries (coral cuts, jellyfish stings). Medical facilities are limited outside Malé, so travel insurance with evacuation cover is important.
The main risks for trekkers in Nepal are altitude sickness (above 2,500m), gastrointestinal illness from contaminated food or water, and limited access to medical facilities in remote areas. Rabies is present in stray dogs in Kathmandu and on trekking routes. Japanese Encephalitis is a risk in the Terai lowlands. Ensure you have Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccinations. Carry water purification tablets and a comprehensive first aid kit. Travel insurance must include high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
Very common. Up to 50% of travellers to India and 30–40% of travellers to Nepal and Bangladesh experience traveller's diarrhoea. The main causes are contaminated food and water. Prevention includes drinking only bottled or purified water, avoiding raw salads and unpeeled fruit, eating freshly cooked food from busy establishments, and practising regular hand hygiene. Carry oral rehydration salts and ask your GP for a standby antibiotic before departure.
India requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from or have transited through a Yellow Fever endemic country in the previous 6 days. Sri Lanka and Nepal have similar requirements. Direct arrivals from Australia do not need a Yellow Fever certificate. If your travel itinerary includes Africa or South America before South Asia, check the specific country requirements with your travel clinic.
A typical pre-travel vaccination programme for India costs $300–$800 depending on which vaccines you need. Hepatitis A costs $60–$90 per dose, Typhoid $50–$70, Rabies $100–$120 per dose (3 doses required), and Japanese Encephalitis $300–$400 for the full course. Antimalarial tablets are an additional $30–$120 depending on the medication and duration. GP consultation fees apply on top. Most travel vaccines are not covered by Medicare.
No. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in South Asia, including in major cities and hotels (unless the hotel specifically provides filtered water). Always drink sealed bottled water, boiled water, or water purified with a reliable filter or treatment tablets. Avoid ice unless you are certain it was made from purified water. Be cautious with fresh juices from street vendors, as they may use unfiltered water or contaminated ice.
Last updated: April 2026